Free Shipping Over ₹1500
30 Day Return
Third Party Tested
Can The Superhero Supplement NMN Fight Depression?

Can The Superhero Supplement NMN Fight Depression?

by Gataca in News

Imagine if there was a supplement that could turn you from a sad person into a social butterfly faster than Clark Kent changes into Superman. We’re being a bit dramatic, don’t take this timeline seriously.

According to recent research, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is that mood-boosting superhero we've been waiting for!

The Mouse Experiment

To model depression in mice, scientists used a "social defeat stress experiment"! This is a simple exercise where they make a small mouse face a much bigger and more aggressive mouse. Scientists often use this setup to study stress and depression in animals. In this experiment, the small mouse gets bullied by the big mouse for 10 days in a row. As you might guess, this makes the small mouse very stressed and sad. It starts acting in ways that look like depression in humans.

Here's the interesting part: Some mice were given NMN every day for three weeks before meeting the big mouse. These mice seemed to handle the stress much better. 

It was like they had an invisible shield against feeling sad!

Three Tests for the Mice

The scientists then gave the mice three challenges:

1.The Friendship Test: Would the mouse go near another mouse, or stay away?

2. The Sugar Water Test: Would the mouse still enjoy sweet drinks, or had stress made everything seem less fun?

3. The Hanging Test: How long would the mouse keep trying to escape when hung by its tail?

The mice that got NMN did better on all these tests. They were more social, enjoyed sweet things more, and didn't give up as quickly when things got tough.

The Mitochondrial Connection: It's Not Just About Serotonin Anymore

For years, we thought depression was all about a lack of feel-good chemicals like serotonin in the brain. 

But plot twist! It turns out our cellular powerhouses, the mitochondria, might be the real MVPs in the fight against the blues.

Our brain cells need energy to keep swinging against depression. 

That's where NMN comes in, boosting levels of NAD+ and potentially giving our mitochondria the pep talk they need to produce more cellular energy.

NMN: The Benjamin Button of Brain Health?

Could taking NMN in your younger years be like investing in a 401k for your brain? 

Some scientists think so! 

Early- and mid-life depression have been linked to a higher risk of dementia later on. 

By potentially nipping depression in the bud, NMN might help keep your brain young and spry well into your golden years.

Of course, we're not quite ready to call NMN the fountain of happiness just yet. 

We're gonna need more human studies - before we can make any definitive claims on depression.

A Quick Spotlight on India's Mental Health Landscape

The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Might Make You Anxious)

  • According to the World Health Organization, nearly 15% of Indian adults need mental health intervention. That's more people than the entire population of Mumbai! Even more concerning, one in 20 Indians is grappling with depression. 
  • If you thought the pandemic was just about masks and social distancing, think again. A 2021 Lancet study showed a whopping 35% increase in anxiety disorders in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Remember how we talked about stress affecting our little mouse friends? Well, humans aren't faring much better. The 2023 GOQii India Fit Report reveals that 26% of Indians are stressed due to work. That's right – over a quarter of the population is feeling the heat at the office!
  • Several studies also show that Gen Z and Millennials are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety. Between academic pressure, career competition, and the constant comparison game on social media

The Bottom Line: A New Hope for Mental Health?

While we can't all be superheroes, it seems NMN might give us a fighting chance against the villainous duo of depression and stress. This is especially relevant in a country like India where a majority of the population is grappling with stress and depression.

As we wait for more research, keep your chin up and maybe consider adding a little NMN to your daily routine. 

Who knows? It might just be the sidekick your mood has been waiting for.

Remember, though, that while this research is exciting, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Tags: Best NMN In India Cell Aging Longer Life Longevity India Longevity Supplements
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Everything You Need To Know About Betaine-TMG

Everything You Need To Know About Betaine-TMG

Introduction TriMethylGlycine or Betaine TMG is a simple molecule but can get a lot done in your body. It is basically glycine, which has 3 methyl groups attached to it, which makes it an excellent methyl donor. Methyl groups are a necessity for hundreds of cellular reactions to occur. Notable among them are DNA modifications, transcription and translation of proteins, to assist the liver so it can function better in the detoxification department and as a crucial inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Successful methylation also helps in the production of other neurotransmitters like dopamine.  What Are The Benefits Of Betaine TMG Supplement? Betaine TMG’s main strength lies in its ability to donate methyl groups which help regulate lots of processes in the body. The addition of methyl groups is done by a process called methylation, while removing methyl groups is called demethylation. The addition of methyl groups is a highly planned process as excessive methylation or undermethylation- both can be problematic. Studies have shown that DNA is tagged with multiple methyl groups - which help regulate its expression When methylation does not occur normally, a person is more susceptible to certain kinds of cancers, immunity issues and heart disease. All of these have been linked to higher levels of homocysteine, though the exact mechanism is not understood.  TMG is also good for increased endurance, as this was evident in a study conducted on football players. When they were given 2 grams of TMG everyday, they noticed better running speed and muscular strength, with them performing especially well with repeated sprints. This is because TMG helps the cells produce more creatine - which is fuel for muscle cells. It also helps reduce insulin resistance, when taken with choline. It also influences fat metabolism in positive ways. TMG can also be used for people who have depression or anxiety due to low levels of dopamine in their brain, while also reducing homocysteine levels (high levels of which have been associated with depression too).  Who Should Take Betaine TMG Daily? People who have high levels of homocysteine in their system due to faulty genes, have heart disease or liver disease and want to improve their metabolism should talk to their doctor before supplementing with TMG. TMG also helps cells regulate hydration levels, which can be good if you are a fitness enthusiast. Its effects on muscular performance and health cannot be denied either.  Should You Take Betaine TMG With Or Without Food? You should always take it AFTER a meal to get the maximum benefits from this supplement.  The main advantage of TMG is that there is nothing artificial about it and it is readily synthesised and broken down in our body in normal conditions. The methyl groups can be taken away and used for a variety of chemical reactions, most of which centre around DNA maintenance and regulation, in detoxification of certain compounds by the liver and in making important neurotransmitters that help improve brain function and mood. T + N = L + P: TMG Works great with NMN. When NAD+ is boosted, your body might get depleted of methyl groups. TMG restores the methyl groups. Pair with NMN for optimal longevity and performance benefits.  Finally, glycine by itself is a neurotransmitter and the smallest amino acid molecule that can help you sleep better and for longer.  FAQs 1. What is Betaine TMG, and how does it work in the body?Betaine trimethylglycine (TMG) is a compound that contains 3 methyl groups- which are extensively used for all sorts of cellular functions and synthesis related processes. It helps the heart especially, by lowering levels of homocysteine (an amino acid that has been linked to increased incidence of heart disease), by ensuring that all cells in the body have enough fluids in them, while also helping the liver and pancreas metabolise food better.  2. How does Betaine TMG support heart health and lower homocysteine levels?Betaine gives away its methyl groups, which the body can then use to convert homocysteine to methionine, which does not cause any harm. High homocysteine levels in the blood are a marker of heart disease and possible issues later on.  3. When is the best time to take Betaine TMG—morning or night?You should take TMG supplements after breakfast. If better sleep is your priority, then TMG can be taken at night too, 30 minutes before bedtime. Once the methyl groups get donated, glycine amino acid remains. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which asks your brain to relax, so that you can wind down for the night and fall asleep. 4. Are there any side effects or risks associated with Betaine TMG?If you take too much of TMG, then you risk having very high levels of methionine in the blood, which is not good for you. Otherwise, some people may be allergic to it and develop rashes or have diarrhoea and stomach pain. But these occur in very rare cases.  5. Can Betaine TMG be taken with other supplements like creatine or choline?Yes, betaine helps in making more creatine - both of which help regulate homocysteine levels in the body. Taking both choline and TMG can help you reduce your chances of suffering from cancer, according to a few studies. 

Learn more
Is Your Biological Age The Same As Your Age?

Is Your Biological Age The Same As Your Age?

Introduction We don’t think twice before giving our age for official purposes or otherwise. This is because we know when we were born - i.e. the Date of birth (DoB) and just calculate how old we could be. Though your age can be a simple number, there are a lot of factors that actually determine if you are as old as that or not. Case in point- some people look much younger than their age, while others may look a lot more mature or older and tired. Why do you think that happens? This is where the concept of ‘chronological age’ vs. ‘biological age’ comes in - where someone who is much older but fitter may have a lower ‘biological age’, when compared to someone who is much younger but leads a very sedentary lifestyle and makes poor dietary choices on a daily basis. Aging is ascertained by looking at certain biomarkers- which are indicators of cell function.  How To Calculate Biological Age Accurately?Just like how we may require certain details to calculate the age of a person- their birth date, calculating biological age is dependent on a bunch of important factors. Aging at a cellular level is called ‘senescence’, and we have an in-built mechanism to get rid of very old and dying cells - as they don’t function well and also influence their neighbours in adverse ways. So, biological age in simpler terms just means to measure how much damage your cells have undergone, over a period of time- mostly in years, though some people may seem to age faster if they are highly stressed. The term ‘biological age’ was coined in the last century by an English physician called Alex Comfort.This concept has further been developed to explain DNA epigenetic markers. Our DNA sequence is very long- so long that if stretched from end to end, it can go to the moon and back several times, with probably some more left in the strand. We can’t have all that genetic material just floating around right? This is why it is packaged in a highly specific manner using particular proteins called histones. They are further spooled in to form the 4-armed chromosomes that we all associate with cell division. The chromosome has different regions in it- the tail end or the part away from the center is called the telomere. You can think of the telomere as a cap or protective sheath that shortens every time you age, but your DNA is still retained for the most part. If telomere loss is extreme, then it is a marker for aging.  Wherever the DNA has been exposed, there are certain molecules that are added or removed- mostly methyl groups. This ‘methylation’ of DNA is what determines how we all have the same genes, but still end up looking really different from each other. Though there is a genetic component to aging for sure, what really matters is how your cells are functioning at the present moment- which genes are on, which genes are being switched off and which are maintained throughout. This is the first component used to calculate biological age- ‘Methylation of DNA- epigenetic changes’. In general, a lesser number of methyl groups mean that you are older in age. Since, the methylation observed has been super specific in a number of cases, the age of a person can be easily determined from just a tissue sample. All of these can be studied in detail using specially designed genetic tests- which check for epigenetic markers, telomere length, blood pressure, blood cells and populations, thyroid function tests and other hormones that help you stay healthy. They are said to be simple - provide a blood sample and you will then receive a report with all details of how you are doing at a cellular level. Biological Age vs. Chronological Age Calculation-Biological age is calculated based on the expression of certain genes in cells present in the blood. If there is chronic inflammation in some form, then those genes are expressed more than necessary. Measuring how much your DNA methylation has reduced can give researchers a good estimate of what your biological age is. You can think of biological age as the number of rings a tree can have- which is a closer approximation of its age, compared to just its appearance and how lush its foliage is.  Chronological aging measurement is pretty no-nonsense- you just need to know the date of birth or the year they were born in and you know their present age, by subtracting it from 2024. This number is also called calendar age too.  Conclusion Simple blood tests these days will give you the biological age of a person. If the number is higher, it means your cells and organs are having a hard time working, while any lesser values will show that cellular performance is more than optimum. Being mindful of what you eat, how much you eat, exercise and sleep- while also remembering to not get stressed out can greatly help you feel younger and better- and this will reflect as a lower biological age value. In fact, if you exercise regularly- like 40 minutes for 5-6 days a week, your biological age will be lower by 9 years on an average, while it is the opposite if you sit and work for 10 hours a day. You decide whether you want to live just longer, or if you really want to live well.  FAQs 1. What is biological age, and how is it different from chronological age?Biological age is a method used to calculate how old your cells really are metabolically speaking. This is determined by looking at certain DNA related markers like methylation in various cell types, some inflammatory markers and others. Chronological age is literally how old you are and it is determined by looking at your date of birth.  2. How can I calculate my biological age at home?You can give your blood sample to check for actual biological age- where it will be checked for telomere shortening, DNA methylation and other parameters. There are online calculators too, based on detailed questionnaires, but we are not sure how accurate they are, as the questions are pretty general.  3. Does DNA methylation play a role in calculating biological age?Yes, more methylation means you are younger in age, while the inverse is true if you are older.  4. Are online biological age calculators accurate?These applications rely on a set questionnaire with a few possibilities for answers. If you choose the right ones, your biological age will be a smaller value than if you are actually pretty honest about it. We are not sure of the formula they use and there is no certain way to tell you how old you are, unless some tissue sample from your body is tested thoroughly.  5. How does lifestyle affect biological age?If you eat well and exercise regularly, get enough sleep every night and find ways to destress regularly, then you will generally be better than someone who is pretty stressed and doesn’t have time to exercise or meal prep and doesn’t sleep well. 

Learn more
Grape Seed Extract - Benefits Explained

Grape Seed Extract - Benefits Explained

Introduction We all know what grapes are- especially the varieties that are turned into delicious wines. But did you know that there are hundreds of different grape cultivars- some of which are seedless, while others contain seeds in them? The parent cultivar is called Vitis vinifera, from which grape seed extracts are normally prepared. Grape flesh is good obviously, but most of us prefer eating the seedless varieties for textural purposes. Grape seeds however are great storehouses for high quality compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have potent antioxidant activity and help regulate hundreds of cellular processes in the body.  What Are The Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract? Grape seeds are rich in plenty of compounds like epicatechin, procyanidin-B1, B2, B3 and B respectively, along with catechins, epicatechin gallate, protocatechic acid, procyanidins, pro- delphinidins, etc.  Grape seed extract  is hence great for the cardiovascular system- the proanthocyanidins present help in various ways- like producing nitric oxide so that blood vessels relax and helps lower blood pressure, helps in regulating LDL levels, is good at keeping platelets inactive unless absolutely needed- thus helping the immune system work better. Proanthocyanidins are also very good at removing superoxide radicals- this protects cells from oxidative damage. In diabetic models, some studies have shown promise- grape seed extract can help cells improve glucose sensitivity. They also help wounds heal better- which is why it is such a great additive in skincare products.  Grape seed extract is also great for the skin as it promotes collagen production. It helps bones mineralise better and prevents immune cells from attacking bone (so it is good if you have rheumatoid arthritis for example).  Grape Seed Benefits For Brain And Memory Since circulation as a whole is benefitted, it is easy to understand why grape seed extract is good for the brain. The brain is a major energy hog and consumes about 20% of the total oxygen that you breathe in. Since the brain is super metabolically active almost always, high oxygen demand can only be fulfilled by good circulation. Any clots or related issues can hence leave the brain starving and cause a stroke or something more drastic than that. Studies have shown that people with Alzheimer’s disease are benefitted when they supplement with grape seed extract regularly, as it has gallic acid- which does not allow beta-amyloid plaques to form.  Grape Seed Extract Benefits For Liver Health The liver is the largest organ in the body, as you know. It is also very metabolically active and is mainly responsible for breaking down all sorts of compounds in the body- toxic or not, into absorbable by-products. The liver can get affected severely if you drink too much, eat a poorly designed diet. This shows up as inflammation, high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)  in blood, excessive fat deposition in the liver etc. Grape seed extract has shown to actively help reduce ALT levels- lowering hepatotoxicity. Since free radicals are produced in large amounts, it actively removes them and keeps cells safe from oxidative stress.  Conclusion Grape seed extract has shown a lot of potential in treating all sorts of conditions- acute, chronic or otherwise. Though it is mostly very well tolerated by the majority of the population, if you are allergic to grapes- then stay away from it. If you have too much of it, you may have to deal with issues like an itchy scalp, feel faint and have bad headaches. It is also great for skincare- and can help improve texture and elasticity- if used at a 2% concentration for topical application. Grape seed extract in general is a super achiever in the health department and you should talk to your doctor about including it in your routine from today! FAQs1. What is grape seed extract, and how is it different from whole grapes?Literally, grape seed extract means taking all the potent compounds from the seeds alone and leaving the fruit. The seeds have a different biochemical profile, when compared to the fleshy parts of the fruit. Grape seed extract is rich in proanthocyanidins- which are highly potent antioxidants.  2. Can grape seed extract improve skin health and slow aging?Since they are rich in antioxidants, they help skin feel and look better, behave better and work better. They help prevent skin damage due to pollutants and increase collagen production- making your skin feel softer and keeping it wrinkle free for longer, or you will develop wrinkles at a much slower rate- if we are being realistic.  3. Is grape seed extract effective for reducing inflammation and boosting immunity?Yes, grape seed extract can help reduce inflammation by working on the circulatory system, by helping wounds heal better and help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines- which can help regulate the immune system.  4. How does grape seed extract benefit hair growth and scalp health?Grape seed oil is rich in procyanidins- which is a good antioxidant by itself. It also has a lot of Vitamin E, flavonoids- all of which come from the seeds themselves. Hair follicle health improves with regular usage- leading to better hair growth and texture in the long term.  5. Are there any side effects or risks of taking grape seed extract?Some people may be allergic to the seeds and may develop symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, sore throat etc. Always remember to talk to your doctor about taking any health supplements- especially if you are on any other medication. 

Learn more
Home Search Cart Products