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.
