New Studies on NMN Show Promise

Three recent studies have some amazing results when it comes to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These studies are all tied to common issues with aging. Let’s break it down. 

What is NMN?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide, better known as NMN, is a form of vitamin B3 that can influence the amount of NAD+ in the body. NAD+ is what our cells need to function. It’s a molecule that helps your body turn food into energy. You need that energy for moving and thinking, which slow down as you age. Healthy cells mean your body can more easily repair itself. 

Studies show that NAD+ has the ability to:

• Support the body as it ages

• Protect cells

• Contributes to the repair of DNA 

• Keeps your circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycles) normal

As we age, the amount of NAD+ in our cells decreases. But we just can’t pop an NAD pill and call it good. The NAD+ molecule is too big to enter your cells and do its job, which is why NMN may be better. 

Obesity

If you’ve ever dealt with being overweight, you know that losing extra pounds doesn’t come easy. One recent study took a look at whether NAD+ supplementation therapy had any effect on weight. Results showed that NMN intervention altered body composition in obese mice. Their fat mass was reduced and their muscle mass increased. The same study also pointed to improved glucose tolerance and decreased tissue inflammation. 

The next step is to test this on humans. There have been other studies done on humans to measure the effects of NMN, but more needs to be done on the obesity aspect.

Physical Performance

One of those NMN supplementation studies done on humans looked at 80 healthy middle aged people (mean age of 49.3). They were divided into 4 groups for supplementation:

• Placebo

• 300 mg

• 600 mg

• 900 mg

The subjects took their supplements once per day for 60 days with blood tests done at the start, after 30 days, and again at 60 days. They also did a six minute walking test at the same intervals. 

During the course of the study, walking distance was increased in all 3 of the groups supplementing with NMN but not with the placebo group. The 600 and 900 groups showed the biggest improvement. Results showed that blood NAD+ concentrations were highest in the groups taking 600 and 900 mg and that these groups also showed less biological aging than the placebo group. 

Scientists concluded that NMN can increase blood NAD concentration and can have a positive impact on physical performance in humans. 

More Good News

A third recent study is focused on a proprietary form on NMN called MIB-626. Scientists looked at 30 overweight adults, all over the age of 45 and at risk for age related conditions. The subjects were given either 2 500 mg tablets of NMN or a placebo twice a day for 28 days. 

The MIB-626 substantially increased NAD+ in the bloodstream. Participants who were given the drug also lost weight, saw an improvement in blood pressure, and lower cholesterol.

The study concluded that MIB-626 has the potential to help overweight middle aged and older adults due to its ability to increase NAD+ levels. 

NMN Controversy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has banned the sale of NMN as a supplement. The agency has stated that it’s because the company behind MIB-626 is studying as a drug. Amazon will ban the sale of NMN and any products that contain it starting March 13, 2023. 

It’s hard to say what will happen and if the decision will be reversed, but at this time things are unknown. Some form of NMN may become a prescription drug down the road. There is also the possibility that because it has been sold as a supplement prior to the FDA ban, that there will be lawsuits. This has happened in the past. 

No matter how this story ends, NMN has potential to affect longevity and fight or prevent age related diseases. We will continue to follow developments on this story. Visit our website to know more details.