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.


