NMN: The secret of eternal youth

Veröffentlicht am: August 27, 2024
Irina  Fink
Irina Fink

Naturopath

Dr. David Sinclair, Australian biologist and professor of genetics, who specializes in researching ageing processes, takes daily, among other things NMN among other things. The reason for taking NMN is to improve NAD+ levels in the body. As we age, the NAD+ available to our cells and tissues steadily decreases. The latest research shows that we can slow down or even reverse the ageing process if we increase the concentration of NAD+ in our body.

Contents

What is NMN?

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a moleculethat occurs naturally in all forms of life. NMN is one of the most important precursors of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an essential enzyme for various cell functions, including metabolism, DNA repair, cell growth and survival. It is considered a key factor in increasing NAD+ levels in cells.

With increasing age, the NAD+ concentration in the cells decreases, as normal cell functions deplete the NAD+ reserves over time. Healthy NAD+ levels can be restored by taking precursors such as NMN. According to Sinclair, direct administration of NAD+ is not a viable option as the NAD+ molecule cannot cross cell membranes and penetration into the cell would not be possible. It would therefore also not be able to influence the metabolism or other positive effects. Precursors such as NMN, however, are said to lead to a healthy NAD+ level levels.

 


NAD+ as a direct dietary supplement is less effective than NMN, as NAD+ as such cannot enter the cell.


 

What is NMN?

 

What is NAD?

NAD+ is an important coenzymethat is essential for cell functions indispensable for cell function. A coenzyme is, so to speak an auxiliary molecule that enzymes need in order to function properly. Enzymes, on the other hand, are biocatalysts that control and accelerate metabolic processes and biochemical reactions in organisms.

 


Sufficient NAD+ is important for cell health!


 

The molecule is produced in the body, for example, by the sirtuins which repair damaged DNA. It is also necessary for the mitochondria, which produce the chemical energy in our body. These recently discovered sirtuinsare also known as longevity genes genes. They play an important role in the maintenance of cell health and represent a family of enzymes that are involved in cellular stress reactions and the repair of damage are involved. They also have a positive influence on:

  • the release of insulin
  • the aging process
  • neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's
  • Type 2 diabetes

 


To activate sirtuins, they require NAD+.


 

Sinclair explains that we lose more and more NAD+ with increasing age and that the resulting depletion of sirtuins is one of the main reasons why we develop diseases in old age but less so at a young age". An increase in the NAD+ level could, according to him, certain slow down or even reverse certain ageing processes.

In which processes does NAD+ play a role?

  • NAD+ serves as a coenzyme in the mitochondria

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is involved in metabolic processes such as glycolysis and the electron transport chain, which is responsible for energy production in our cells.

  • NAD+ for DNA damage

As we get older, we absorb DNA damage due to harmful environmental factors such as such as UV rays, pollution and incorrect DNA replication. The current theory of ageing states that the accumulation of DNA damage the main cause of ageing is the main cause of ageing. Cells need this coenzyme to carry out DNA repair processes. For this reason, DNA damage can deplete valuable cellular resources.

 


The deterioration of mitochondria and DNA damage are the main causes of ageing.


 

What does NAD+ do?

  • Slows down the ageing process

NAD+ is the fuel that helps sirtuins to promote DNA repair. The activation of these sirtuins requires NAD+. Animal studies have shown that increasing the level of NAD+ in the body activates sirtuins and increases the lifespan of yeast, worms and mice. Scientists are still investigating how the results can be transferred to humans, as studies on humans would have to be carried out over a period of years.

  • Activates the metabolism

NAD+ is one of the key factors in maintaining mitochondrial function and energy production. NAD+ levels in the body decrease with age and a high-fat, unhealthy diet. Studies have shown that taking NAD+ supplements can reduce diet- and age-related weight gain in mice and improve their physical performance, even in old mice.

  • Alleviates the symptoms of type 2 diabetes

Recent studies suggest that taking NMN could play a crucial role in combating diabetes. One study investigated the effects of a 10-week NMN supplement on menopausal women. These were previously classified as overweight and prediabetic. Even at a low dose of only 250 mg NMN, muscle insulin sensitivity increased by an average of 25% in these women. This improvement in muscle insulin sensitivity is clinically relevant and is similar to the improvement observed after a weight loss of approximately 10%.

  • Promotes heart function

An increase in NAD+ levels can protect the heart and improve cardiac function. Supplementation with NMN can also protect against cardiac remodeling, remodeling processes of the heart that can lead to heart failure. In addition, studies in mice have shown that supplements that increase NAD+ levels prevent injuries to the heart caused by a lack of blood flow. Sufficient NAD+ may also protect against abnormal enlargement of the heart.

  • Protects against cognitive decline

A study on mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease showed that an increase in NAD+ levels can reduce impaired cell communication in the brain and thus improve cognitive functions. If the brain is not sufficiently supplied with blood, additional NMN protects the brain cells from dying.

  • Strengthens the immune system

The older we get, the weaker our immune system becomes, we get sick more easily and find it difficult to recover from illnesses such as the flu or even COVID-19. According to studies, NAD+ levels play an important role in regulating inflammation and cell survival during the immune response and ageing.

  • Contributes to intestinal health

Taking NMN, which increases NAD+ levels, also promotes intestinal health. It maintains the intestinal mucosa by promoting mucus secretion. NMN can also regulate the structure of the gut microbiome, increase the amount of probiotics and reduce the amount of harmful gut bacteria. In a Chinese study conducted in 2021, it exerted a protective effect on gut health and intestinal barrier function. However, the mechanism by which NMN regulates the gut microbiome is not yet clear and further research is needed.

 

What does NMN do?

How you can increase your NAD+ level

Fasting or a reduced calorie intakebetter known as calorie restriction, has been shown to increase NAD+ levels and sirtuin activity. In mice, it has been shown that the increased NAD+ and sirtuin activity due to calorie restriction slows down the ageing process. slows down the ageing process. Although the coenzyme is contained in some foods, the concentrations are too low to have a strong influence on intracellular concentrations. The intake of NMN in particular has been shown to increase NAD+ levels

Which foods contain NMN?

  • Avocados
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Cucumbers
  • Edamame

While eating foods high in NMN helps to maintain the body's natural NAD+ stores, supplements such as NMN have been shown to increase NAD+ levels. The NAD+ contained in these foods is too low to have a significant effect on NAD+ levels.

Does NMN have side effects?

NMN has already been classified as safe in numerous animal studies. The research results are so successful that studies on humans have also begun. Long-term oral intake, even in higher quantities of up to 1200 mg, is considered safe and non-toxic. 

Future studies should focus on the long-term safety and efficacy of the application. NMN is not yet associated with any known side effects.

 

NMN effect

Sources (in English):

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Nadtochiy, S. M., Wang, Y. T., Nehrke, K., Munger, J., & Brookes, P. S. (2018). Cardioprotection by nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN): Involvement of glycolysis and acidic pH. Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology, 121, 155–162. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.06.007