Free Shipping Over ₹1500
30 Day Return
Third Party Tested
NMN Could Be An Effective Supplement To Take If Weight Loss Is Your Primary Health Goal

NMN Could Be An Effective Supplement To Take If Weight Loss Is Your Primary Health Goal

by Pooja Ramakrishnan in News

Introduction

India has long been labelled the soon to become diabetes capital or nation of the world, with incidence rates just below China. Over 77 million people suffer from Type 2 diabetes while less than 30 million are prediabetic, which means it is only a matter of time before they become diabetic too, unless they make serious changes to their lifestyle and manage to delay it somehow. Ozempic is a well known therapeutic drug that is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and is produced by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company. More recently though, this drug which is a type of semaglutide- which means it helps the pancreas release insulin as needed, helps food digest slowly and also regulates glucose release by the liver - has been used to help individuals treat obesity, as it assists in weight loss. However, the brand names are different. Recent studies have shown that taking liraglutide, which is structurally quite similar to semaglutide can help reduce blood glucose levels, improve bone formation and mass and lead to weight loss. 

What Drugs Like Liraglutide Or Ozempic Can Do

Liraglutide or semaglutide- both are classes of drugs called GLP-1 (Glucagon like Protein-1) agonists- which means they mimic the action of the GLP1 receptor. People who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes have enough insulin being made, but it is not able to enter cells effectively, as there is some issue with the number of GLP1 receptors on cells. Normally, GLP-1 helps sense glucose levels in blood and will signal to the pancreas to increase insulin production, while also helping reduce glucagon (a protein that helps blood glucose levels increase) activity at the same time. But, in Type 2 diabetes, this mechanism is messed up, leading to high blood glucose levels, less satiety and blood glucose spikes, among other issues. Liraglutide works in almost the same way as a semaglutide, except it needs to be taken everyday, while a semaglutide can be taken once a week. It also has the additional ability to reduce chronic inflammation by using SIRT-1 controlled pathways in cells. SIRT-1 is a well known sirtuin protein- a class of 7 proteins labelled from SIRT-1-7 respectively, which help in cellular repair and are protective in nature. Sirtuins need plenty of NAD+ to work their magic- and levels of NAD+ begin to reduce with increasing age. 

The Experiment

Chinese researchers conducted experiments on diabetic mice models, which were then treated with 0.2mg/kg liraglutide, for a duration of 12 weeks. This helped reduce their blood glucose levels and body weight too. It was also observed that liraglutide helped increase bone mass and formation, and this was confirmed with tests that showed bone breakdown markers were lower than before. This happened mainly due to an increase in SIRT-1 activity. 

Now, the researchers genetically modified the mice to NOT produce SIRT1 protein at all, but continued treating them with liraglutide injections as before. They noticed that without SIRT-1 activation, there were greater levels of oxidative stress and inflammation- which directly impacted bone mass and formation. This helped them confirm that SIRT-1 was indeed being activated by liraglutide. 

What Happens With NMN Supplementation

With that experimental result in mind, let us explore one more concept- how NAD+ from NMN helps regulate all of this and increases longevity related markers in cells. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, shortened to NMN is a compound that acts like a precursor to NAD+ - which is the energy currency of the mitochondria. If more NAD+ is present, the mitochondria works very efficiently and helps provide enough energy to run all cellular processes in real time. But, as someone ages, their NAD+ levels begin to drop, and they feel fatigued and suffer from chronic illnesses more often than not. Sirtuin activation also plummets as they are highly dependent on NAD+ for their energy needs. 

So, if we supplement liraglutide or semaglutide therapy with NMN, then there could be weight loss and better blood glucose control because of the liraglutide, while other chronic inflammatory and aging related markers can be downregulated (or reduced) due to better activation of sirtuins by ample NAD+ derived from NMN. Though this drug combination still needs to be experimented with, it is not too hard to postulate what may happen- as research has definitively shown that NMN supplementation helps increase sirtuin activation in the body and that NMN can be combined with sirtuin activator drugs themselves for an additive therapeutic effect.  

Conclusion

The renowned Australian aging researcher Dr. David Sinclair says this “I believe that aging is a disease. I believe it is treatable. I believe we can treat it within our lifetimes. And in doing so, I believe, everything we know about human health will be fundamentally changed.’ Though, all of us want to live long lives, we may not be able to do that because of the concerted effects of aging related pathways in the body. The use of liraglutide and semaglutide for treatment of obesity and diabetes is now well known. Quick weight loss can be stressful for the body and so supplementing with NMN may help offset some of these issues. With improvement in blood glucose levels and lower chronic inflammation, the person may also feel better than ever. So, what do you think would happen if sirtuin activators, NMN and liraglutide or semaglutide were used in combination to treat diabetes or obesity?

Tags: Metabolism and Weight

Related Posts

How to Prevent Premature Aging Naturally

How to Prevent Premature Aging Naturally

Introduction- Aging is a long journey that every single one of us has to undergo, but each of us is going to get affected in many different ways. Some of us associate the term ‘aging’ with looking older in real life, having a smattering of white hair on the head, greying facial hair, dealing with wrinkles and sagging skin, pigmentation related issues, an uptick in body aches - both in severity and frequency, having to eat less, not being able to move freely and so on. While these are obviously true, there are so many other signs that show aging is not exactly a linear process and that there are signposts littered along the way- giving you fair warning. These are what we call ‘signs of premature aging’. Let us look at what they are and how they can be slowed down.  Natural Methods To Prevent Premature Aging The best ways you can influence aging and try to slow it down include focusing on a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep every night, knowing when you are stressed and then to effectively destress, exercising regularly every week, taking good care of your skin and not drinking, smoking or consuming any substance that is harmful for you. If you follow this everyday, you should be able to see a drastic improvement in your energy levels and you’ll feel way better and look amazing too! Not really following these pointers is pretty normal too- this is because it does involve a particular level of commitment to eating properly- going food shopping and then planning meals everyday of the week is not super easy either. Important diet related tips include- eating many different kinds of veggies and fruits daily, in multiple servings, not using a lot of sugary additives, eating enough carbohydrates and fats but not too much and not giving in to cravings every single time. The more colorful your plate looks, the better- this is because all those pigment molecules are essentially antioxidants and can help prevent cellular damage at the most basic level. Drinking a lot of water is also a total no-brainer and needs no explanation.  Effective Natural Antioxidants To Slow Down Aging- There are tonnes of natural antioxidants available, and they have mostly always been around too. There is no need to get fancy and invest in expensive stuff either. The best compounds are - Vitamins C, E, carotenoids and polyphenols from plants which give fruits, veggies and flowers their vibrant colors, resveratrol which directly impacts cellular damage pathways and Coenzyme Q10.  Conclusion Some lifestyle changes to prevent natural aging of skin include not getting out in the sun too much and even if you have to- by using sunscreen generously. The sun sends all sorts of rays- X-rays and UV rays especially,  which can damage your skin and this happens even if it is a cloudy day. You should also make it a habit to eat good quality food, drink clean water and get regular health checkups. That way, you find deficiencies faster and can treat them with supplements. Some herbs and supplements that help prevent premature aging include curcumin from turmeric or haldi, vitamins and minerals from food, resveratrol, NMN, Apigenin, trimethylglycine, Coenzyme Q10, collagen, keratin, biotin, quercetin etc. among many others.  FAQs 1. Which foods should I include in my diet to help slow aging naturally? Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants are good for you- and not just for your skin. Water by itself is a fantastic ingredient that can help hydrate your body and help your skin look better than ever.  2. What daily habits should I adopt to maintain youthful skin? You need to cleanse and moisturise very well everyday, no excuses. But, use gentle cleansers because if you use harsh chemicals, then you can damage the skin barrier. You need to eat well and hydrate well too. You should never go to sleep with any makeup on. You should also focus on getting enough sleep, every night, because that is the time the repair mechanisms in your body work really well.  3. How does sun exposure influence premature aging and what natural protection methods can I use? Sunlight is composed of rays of different wavelengths, of which the most well known are UV and X-rays, which can damage cells, cause DNA mutation, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, age spots and loss in elasticity in general. This is why using sunscreen is so important. 4. Can hydration impact the aging process, and how much water should I drink? The age old adage of drinking at least 3 litres of water everyday is going to save you now and always. Dehydration has been linked to a higher risk of developing certain chronic conditions like degenerative diseases, causing your skin to look sad and dull and also affecting how your heart and brain function, as these 2 organs are highly dependent on ions like sodium and potassium for their proper survival.  5. How does stress contribute to premature aging and what natural methods can help manage it? Chronic stress can cause increased levels of inflammation in the body, which means your body is always trying to achieve equilibrium and is failing to do so. This means a massive waste of resources and the higher possibility of developing diseases which will last for a lifetime, caused due to ‘inflammaging’. So, it is important that you manage stress actively- by doing whatever it takes to destress.   

Learn more
Colorectal Cancer And NMN Supplementation- What Is The Deal?

Colorectal Cancer And NMN Supplementation- What Is The Deal?

Introduction Aging is the number one determining factor for people dealing with medical conditions in general. A higher risk of cancer is generally attributed to a multitude of causes like aging, faulty genetic make-up, exposure to toxins, low performance of the immune system, poor dietary habits and others. All of these cellular activities happen systematically because of specific NAD+ based molecules. NAD+ levels plummet from your early 30s,which means oxidative stress and free radical levels begin to increase, causing damage to cellular DNA.  The Link Between Cancer and Damaged Cellular DNA Change in DNA is called a mutation, and when these mutations multiply, incorrect information and instructions are being passed down to future daughter cells. High numbers of mutations have been found in cancer cells, while mutations themselves can cause more cancerous cells to be produced.  Now, let’s segue to colorectal cancer. Statistics show that it is the 7th most common cancer type in India, with over 70,000 cases, this year alone. On a global scale, it is the 3rd most common cancer type. Though cancer in general seems to strike older individuals, there is a worrying trend in India- with most of the positive cases under the age of 50. Why do you think this is happening? Also, what happens to treatment options? The Colon Cancer Study- A bunch of recent studies have shown that involving NAD+ precursors in the treatment regimen may be helpful in improving prognosis. Mind you, this study was done in mice- they were given food laced with azoxymethane (a compound that can cause cancer) and water that contained dextran sulfate sodium (this compound specifically caused high levels of inflammation and tumor growth in these mice). This way, they could use a full-fledged colorectal cancer model. When it was time for treating them, they were divided into two groups- the control group which received a placebo (no NMN) and the second group which had NMN injected, respectively.  After this was done, the mice were studied in great detail and one of the major pointers noticed was a major decrease in the number of tumors formed in NMN-injected mice. STAT1 levels (think of this molecule as a biomarker or indicator for cancer) were seen to be low in mice which had colorectal cancer. NMN supplementation caused an increase in STAT1 levels which would directly reduce the amount of free radicals produced- conferring a protective effect in cells. The Immune System Connect- Our immune system has different cells which are like hall monitors that patrol the blood-vessel hallways. One of them is the NK or natural killer cells which target cancerous ones and destroy them. Older mice have lower numbers of NK cells. Regular NMN supplementation helped enhance NK cell activity. Another cell called the T-cell is greatly involved in fighting against cancer. Macrophages are immune cells that are normally found in high numbers in cancerous environments. NMN can help the immune system as a whole, as it helps improve functionalities of different kinds of immune mediator cells, while also actively helping to reduce macrophage activation and associated inflammation.   So, let’s talk about the fact that NMN helps mice deal with cancer. Not just colorectal cancer but other kinds too, as research has shown. Supplementation studies on humans are being conducted, and we are super excited to see that the results seem to be tipping in NMN’s favor. Clinical applications abound for NAD+ based precursors and we think it is a much milder form of therapy when compared to stringent drug regimens and chemotherapy. So, here’s us hoping that more studies are conducted- this time with humans as subjects to really understand disease modalities and add a much-needed weapon in our perpetual fight against cancer.  

Learn more
Why NMN is Called the Miracle Molecule for Aging

Why NMN is Called the Miracle Molecule for Aging

Introduction Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is a compound that can be used to make NAD+ - think of NAD+ as the energy currency of the mitochondria, much like how ATP is the cellular currency to get things done otherwise. We have all learnt by rote the phrase- ‘mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell’, but what powers the mitochondria in turn? It is NAD+! Reserves of this compound begin to drop sharply once we hit our 30s. This is also when we notice more body aches and pains, more fatigue, brain fog and think that ‘Ah, I’m getting old, aren’t I?’ This could not be farther from the truth because if cells get enough energy, you will be back on top of everything at the end of a long day or work and everything else in between. How can you do that? By supplementing with NMN, duh!  How NMN Slows Down The Aging Process Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has been known for a long while now since it was first discovered in 1963. Some more research then showed that this compound was super effective in activating the PARPs - which are polymerases responsible for DNA replication and ensuring integrity of the process itself. More recent research has shown that NMN is a good NAD+ precursor- which means it acts as a resource for cells to make more NAD+. With more NAD+ within cells, there is better control of cellular processes and DNA repair. In 2014, Dr. David Sinclair, a well known Australian researcher showed that regular supplementation with NMN on mice models lead to an increase in lifespan by reversing damage to DNA. The compound also helps reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.  Scientific research on NMN and aging has shown that NMN is made from vitamin B precursor molecules. It was found that NMN needed to be converted to another compound called NR - nicotinamide riboside for it to enter cells with ease. But, now scientists know that another receptor specific for NMN is coded for by the Slc12a8 gene.  It is now known that NMN helps improve mitochondrial function in cells, which in turn means more cellular energy for all other activities to take place. The reduction in NAD+ by itself is a symptom of aging, but it also drives the aging process. The main pathway it helps activate is the sirtuins - key proteins which help keep cells safe from stress and other issues like inflammation and chronic illnesses. It helps improve heart and circulatory health, and NMN has shown some promise in treating heart failure too. Taking NMN helps in managing the well known hallmarks of aging- loss of lysosome activity, decreased autophagy, lipid peroxidation, decreasing chronic inflammation and improving brain and metabolic health.  How To Use NMN For Anti-Aging Benefits? Simple! You need to begin supplementing with NMN on a daily basis. You can start with the lowest dose- maybe 250-500 mg once per day and then build it up to 1000 mg per day after a month of consistent use, provided you don’t notice any weird side effects. Gataca makes the best NMN supplements for anti-aging. All the ingredients used to formulate are vegan and GMT certified and the active ingredient that goes into making these supplements is at a 99.9% purity.  Conclusion Nicotinamide mononucleotide is going to be a great buddy and help you achieve all the health goals you have in mind. Keep in mind though that NMN on its own will not work miracles, but will definitely help you a lot if you pay attention to your lifestyle, what you eat, learn different ways to reduce stress and get enough sleep. Animal studies have shown great results with NMN supplementation and clinical trials are now being done with NMN on healthy human volunteers to ascertain how helpful it could be for human use. While the FDA has banned NMN in the US and other regulatory organisations have followed suit, it is still available in India. Try it first, before you go dismissing NMN as another wonder pill which won’t really work for you.  FAQs 1. What is NMN, and why is it called the 'miracle molecule' for aging? Nicotinamide mononucleotide is an NAD+ precursor, which means it is a starting material for NAD+ production. Since levels decrease naturally with advancing age, supplementing helps improve mitochondrial and cellular health over all- reducing aging related issues.  2. How does NMN work in the body to combat aging? Supplementing with NMN regularly can help cells repair themselves better and combat damage, increase NAD+ levels, markedly improve mitochondrial function and overall cellular health respectively. DNA damage is especially reduced due to the activation of important proteins called sirtuins.  3. What is the recommended dosage of NMN for anti-aging benefits? Research has shown that you can start taking NMN from 250 mg - 1000 mg per day, but not more than that. Higher amounts are not necessarily beneficial and may induce a lot of unwanted side effects too. To be safe, always begin with the lowest dose possible for the first month and then gradually increase as needed. 4. Are there any side effects associated with NMN supplementation? Some people may have to deal with headaches, nausea or diarrhoea, but in general, NMN is a very well tolerated supplement. It is important to stick to the right dosage to reduce the probability of having to deal with these side effects.  5. Who should consider taking NMN supplements? People who suffer from low energy levels, have brain fog or fatigue and want to improve their chances of aging healthily- these are the folks that sh0uld try NMN supplements. The ideal age group is above 30 years of age.   

Learn more
Home Search Cart Products