Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring molecule that is found in all living cells. It is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme that plays a vital role in many cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. NAD+ levels decline with age, which is thought to contribute to a variety of age-related diseases and conditions. NMN supplements are becoming increasingly popular as a way to boost NAD+ levels and improve overall health and longevity.
NMN research is still in its early stages, but it is one of the most rapidly growing areas of longevity research. There are a number of clinical trials underway to investigate the safety and efficacy of NMN for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Here are some of the key findings from NMN research so far:
- NMN can boost NAD+ levels in animals and humans.
- NMN can improve cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- NMN can protect against heart disease and stroke in animal models.
- NMN can suppress tumor growth and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
- NMN can increase lifespan in animal models.
While the results from NMN research are promising, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of NMN supplementation for specific conditions.
Here is a more detailed look at some of the specific areas of NMN research:
NMN and Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the loss of neurons and the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. NAD+ levels are decreased in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
NMN has been shown to improve cognitive function and protect against neurodegeneration in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, one study found that NMN improved cognitive function and reduced the formation of amyloid plaques in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
NMN and Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. NAD+ levels are also decreased in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease.
NMN has been shown to protect against neurodegeneration and improve motor function in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. For example, one study found that NMN improved motor function and reduced the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in mice with Parkinson’s disease.
NMN and cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. NAD+ levels are decreased in the hearts of people with cardiovascular disease.
NMN has been shown to protect against heart disease and stroke in animal models. For example, one study found that NMN reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke in mice with high cholesterol.
NMN and cancer
Cancer is a disease that is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. NAD+ levels are often decreased in cancer cells.
NMN has been shown to suppress tumor growth and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. For example, one study found that NMN suppressed the growth of breast cancer cells in mice.
NMN and lifespan
Lifespan is the maximum length of time that an organism can live. NAD+ levels decline with age, and this decline is thought to contribute to the aging process.
NMN has been shown to increase lifespan in animal models. For example, one study found that NMN increased the lifespan of mice by 20%.
While the results from NMN research are promising, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of NMN supplementation for specific conditions.
If you are considering taking NMN supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
