In recent years, the scientific community has become excited about a molecule that has the potential to slow the aging process: nicotinamide mononucleotide, or NMN for short.
This molecule, which occurs naturally in our bodies, is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential substance that plays a key role in our cells’ energy production, DNA repair and cell communication. Recent research in 2024 has provided important insights into the effects and mechanisms of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), especially regarding its safety, efficacy in improving physical function and metabolism in older adults, and its role in rejuvenating stem cells and mitochondria.
Studies have shown that NMN is safe for human consumption and several studies have found no adverse physiological effects.
These studies have examined its impact on improving insulin sensitivity and physical capacity in older individuals.
The evidence suggests that NMN could serve as a potential anti-aging agent by improving physical performance, including muscle motility, walking speed and endurance, as well as metabolic health markers such as insulin sensitivity.
Notably, NMN has also been associated with improvements in age-related hearing loss and an increase in telomere length, indicating broader anti-aging effects at the cellular level.
Moreover, research from Jilin University highlights the ability of NMN to reduce cellular aging in stem cells and improve mitochondrial function.
This effect is attributed to the activation of sirtuin 3 (Sirt3), a protein associated with longevity and regulation of mitochondrial health.
The impact of NMN on reducing cellular aging and stimulating mitochondrial function through Sirt3 activation underscores its potential in regenerative medicine and aging research.
Collectively, these findings highlight the promising role of NMN in anti-aging therapies and its safety profile, suggesting significant potential for future clinical applications and deeper investigation of its effects on various aspects of human health and aging.
Clinical trials for NMN
There are clinical trials for NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) focusing on various aspects of aging and health.
One of the first human trials of NMN, conducted by Keio University School of Medicine, examined its safety and metabolism in humans.
This study showed that NMN was safe and effectively metabolized without causing significant adverse effects in healthy men, when administered at doses up to 500 mg.
Another notable study focused on postmenopausal women with prediabetes, examining the metabolic effects of NMN. This study observed an improvement in insulin muscle sensitivity, although other expected metabolic benefits did not translate from animal models to humans.
Further research is aimed at investigating the potential anti-aging effects of NMN in humans.
A multicenter clinical trial with healthy subjects between 40 and 65 years of age assessed the impact of NMN on NAD+/NADH levels, insulin resistance and physical endurance for 60 days.
Although the study showed a slight increase in NAD+ levels and a slight improvement in running endurance in the NMN group, these results were not statistically significant. However, the findings suggest that NMN may have potential benefits in humans, warranting further research with larger study size and longer duration.
These studies are part of a broader effort to understand the therapeutic and anti-aging potential of NMN in humans, translating promising results from animal studies into results for human health.
Despite ongoing research, more extensive and long-term clinical trials are needed to establish definitive benefits and optimal dosages of NMN in humans.
