Ageing is a naturally occurring process that results from the body's reduced ability over time to absorb micronutrients. As we age, our bodies do not absorb the quantity of micronutrients needed to prevent cellular dysfunction. This lack of micronutrients disrupts the processes that protect our health. Therefore, we need to address deficiencies in micronutrients as we get older, to slow down the ageing process. Two compounds that play an important preventative role in ageing are Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+).
NMN is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts within the human body. It is also found in small quantities from foods such as avocado, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, and edamame (immature soybeans). NMN is derived from vitamin B3 (as niacin) and is a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+). Once NMN enters the cells, it undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions to become NAD+. This restores levels of NAD+ and improves cellular function.?
NAD+ is an organic molecule that attaches itself to certain enzymes, producing a chemical reaction. These chemical reactions play an important role in many cellular processes including DNA repair, energy production, and regulation of the circadian rhythm. As NMN is synthesised from vitamin B3 (niacin), this vitamin is also essential in the ultimate production of NAD+. However, as we age, our bodies struggle to absorb the same nutritional levels of niacin.
Importantly, our natural levels of NAD+ decrease significantly, having halved by the time we reach middle age. This loss interferes with the body’s efforts to repair cells, leading to cellular dysfunction and an increased risk of chronic illness such as heart disease or neurological disorders.
NMN supplements can be taken to counteract our body’s natural decline in production of NMH and NAD+. Benefits of NMN supplements include improved insulin production, neurological function in the brain, and a decrease in adipose tissue inflammation that otherwise occurs as we age. NMN also promotes mitochondrial function in major metabolic parts of the body, including heart, liver, eyes, and skeletal muscle. While research is ongoing, NMN supplements could also reduce the risk of developing chronic illness such as heart or neurological disease. By restoring NAD+ levels, NMN supplements offer a way to slow down the natural ageing process.
?Gain even greater benefits from NMN supplements by using an oral supplement! Studies show that oral NMN supplements can be easily and quickly converted into NAD+ within the body. The speed of this process aids in the reversal of organ impairment due to ageing or oxidative stress. The longer-term use of oral NMN supplements is also shown to prevent age-related weight gain. Other benefits include improved metabolism and healthier levels of cholesterol and insulin sensitivity.
Clinical evidence indicates that appropriate amounts of NMN supplement can safely increase the body’s level of NAD+, thus slowing down the ageing process. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether an NMN supplement could be right for you. As with any supplement, it is important to take the right dose to access the health benefits. Therefore, seek advice from a health professional regarding the correct dosage and duration of NMN supplementation to meet your needs.
