In the modern world, advances in medicine and human health have made it possible to live longer than before. However, living longer does not always mean living healthier. That’s because the human body gets weaker and susceptible to disease as it ages.
Therefore, scientists are studying the benefits of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, commonly called NMN, and its positive effects on mitigating age-related issues.
In this article, you will come to learn about some incredible benefits that Nicotinamide Mononucleotide supplements possess.
But first,
What is Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?
Before delving into Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, one should understand what Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD+, is. It is a highly critical coenzyme essential to life and found naturally in all species. It is a dinucleotide, meaning it contains two nucleotides joined together through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains nicotinamide, and the other has an adenine base. Hence, it forms NAD+, the most versatile molecule in the body linked closely to aging and metabolism.
NAD+ is used for various reasons, such as repairing damaged DNA or producing the energy needed by cells to function effectively. As the body ages, the production of NAD+ decreases, thus resulting in susceptibility to age-related health issues.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is also a molecule that occurs naturally in all life forms. It is created using the B vitamins present in the human body. At the molecular level, it is a precursor to the essential NAD+, meaning it is the quickest way to boost its production in the body.
The first human Nicotinamide Mononucleotide study was conducted in Japan in 2016, where ten healthy adults were administered the molecule. The results were considerably positive, warranting further studies to discover its fullest potential.
Benefits of NMN
NMN supplements are being recommended by scores of medical practitioners worldwide for their remarkable benefits over human health. Their recommendations stem from past and current successful medical studies on this unique molecule.
Clinical trials in mice have concluded that the molecule can be used to treat various age-related conditions and other diseases. Some of the most prominent and key aspects of the study are as follows.
• Protects the heart
You can rest your skeletal muscles by giving them a break once in a while. But the case isn’t the same with your heart. It is one of the most vital organs in your body, one that must not even slow down. Even minor changes in heart function can have severe implications on your overall health.
The body needs as much NAD+ as it can make to keep the heart ticking efficiently. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide supplements can help boost this production, ensuring your heart stays in good condition always.
• Boosts muscle strength and endurance
Studies indicate that mice that received a steady dose of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide over a period of time had better metabolism and higher energy levels. Also, they had little to no side effects of the administered supplement. This is critically important because as the body ages, it needs more NAD+ to sustain muscle health and vitality.
• Reduces the risk of obesity
Obesity can be very challenging to treat and is linked to other health issues such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes. While lifestyle changes, diet restrictions, and regular exercises can help, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide supplements can push the process along faster.
In mice studies, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide mimics the effects of calorie restriction (CR). This is exceptionally helpful because mimicking CR benefits without adhering to its strict dietary regimen would be indisputably beneficial.
• Elevates mitochondrial function
No living organism can survive without mitochondria. These are unique cellular structures that convert the molecules from food into the energy that cells in the human body use. And NAD+ is absolutely essential to this process.
In fact, mitochondria anomalies resulting from insufficient NAD+ can reportedly impact neurological function, leading to severe disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Studies in mice show that Nicotinamide Mononucleotide supplements can help treat mitochondrial dysfunction and may even prevent them in some cases.
• Enhances DNA repairs
Every time cells divide, the DNA at the ends of the chromosomes becomes a little shorter. Gradually, this begins to damage the genes. Sirtuin is a group of proteins that play a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA and maintaining its overall health.
The NAD+ made from Nicotinamide Mononucleotide can effectively activate Sirtuins. These proteins slow the process of DNA degradation by stablising the damaged ends known as telomeres. Research indicates that when mice were fed Nicotinamide Mononucleotide supplements, it resulted in activated Sirtuins, leading to more stable telomeres.
Summary
Besides the above benefits, research indicates that this fascinating molecule has positive effects on the brain, lifespan, liver, immunity, skin, reproduction, bone structure. And while studies on Nicotinamide Mononucleotide are still underway, some scientists are so convinced of its benefits that many of them are taking the supplements themselves.
