How can NMN support with hangover recovery?
Recent research suggests that NMN may help support liver function and counteract the harmful effects of alcohol metabolism.

Relationship NMN and aging

NMN is a precursor for Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential coenzyme in many cellular processes, including energy metabolism and DNA damage repair.
With aging, natural production of NAD+ decreases, which is associated with decreased energy production in the mitochondria, increased oxidation, DNA damage, cognitive decline and inflammation.
By NMN supplementation, it would be possible to increase NAD+ levels and thereby improve the effectiveness of alcohol degradation, since ethanol and acetaldehyde both require the presence of NAD+ for their metabolism.

Alcohol is first converted to acetaldehyde by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) using NAD+.
Next, acetaldehyde is converted to acetic acid by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), again with the help of NAD+.
The ultimate goal is to convert acetic acid to carbon dioxide and water through the citric acid cycle.
However, acetaldehyde is a toxic intermediate that contributes to hangover symptoms.

Can NMN prevent a hangover?

Studies have shown that NMN can rapidly increase NAD+ content in the liver, speeding up alcohol metabolism and potentially providing rapid relief from hangover symptoms.
Moreover, NMN has the potential to protect the liver from alcohol-related damage.
For example, it can prevent increases in liver damage biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which typically increase after excessive alcohol consumption.

In one study of postmenopausal women with prediabetes, no significant metabolic benefits of NMN supplementation were observed, such as a decrease in liver fat or skeletal muscle fatigue, apart from an improvement in insulin muscle sensitivity.
These findings suggest that although NMN has some effects on metabolism, the benefits may not be as broad or significant as in rodent models.
It is worth noting that a relatively small dose of NMN was used over a short period of time in this study, which may have influenced the results (Nature.com).

In another study, healthy subjects between the ages of 40 and 65 received NMN supplementation, which showed an increase in serum NAD+/NADH levels after two months.
In addition, NMN was associated with an increase in running endurance after 60 days.
However, the increase in NAD+/NADH levels was also observed in the placebo group, indicating that further research is needed.
The study also indicated a possible effect on reducing insulin resistance (Lifespan.io).
In older men, 12 weeks of NMN supplementation showed a significant increase in blood NAD+ levels and improved indicators of muscle strength and performance, such as walking speed, grip strength and the ability to get up from a chair.
These findings could indicate a benefit to overall muscle function in the elderly, which could be related to overall recovery from physical stressors, including those caused by excessive alcohol consumption (NMN.com).

Can NMN help against hangovers?

These studies provide early indications that NMN could affect certain aspects of metabolic function and physical performance, which could have implications for hangover recovery.
However, none of the studies specifically addressed the role of NMN in hangover recovery.
It is important to remember that the research is preliminary and further research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of NMN in this context.
As such, the role of NMN in helping hangover recovery remains a speculative association rather than a scientifically proven treatment.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that current knowledge is primarily based on animal models, and more human clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of NMN supplements.
There are also concerns about the marketing of NMN products and the need for more regulated research to support potential health claims.

This discussion would be enriched by a discussion of the current state of research on NMN, as reported in the Journal of Advanced Research, and insights from studies on the potential liver-protective functions of NMN (LANKANG).