- NMN is getting a lot of buzz for its anti-aging potential and longevity.
- It, along with NR, converts into NAD+, which is crucial for energy and DNA repair.
- NMN could help with insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function.
- Animal studies are promising, but human research is still limited and a bit controversial.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has been getting a lot of attention lately for its potential anti-aging effects.
All the longevity experts (Andrew Hubberman, Peter Attia) are talking about it.
Animal trials have shown some exciting results, but whether it works the same way in humans is still up for debate.
Research suggests that BPC-157 might act as an antidepressant.
NMN converts into NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme that’s super important for energy production and DNA repair. NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) is actually a precursor to NMN, and both aim to boost those NAD+ levels that decline as we get older.
Higher NAD+ levels could mean:
That’s the idea, anyway!
Research has shown that BPC-157 helps repair tissues throughout the body.
So, what's the difference between NMN and NR?
Both help create NAD+, but they get there in different ways. NMN is a bigger molecule and tends to be more stable, while NR is smaller and may enter cells more easily.
The FDA isn't a fan of NMN as a supplement, partly because they think there's not enough evidence.
NR, on the other hand, is approved as a supplement. Both seem to boost NAD+ levels in the body, but how well they get into cells is still something scientists are trying to figure out.
The thing with NMN is that while animal studies look pretty good, the human research is mixed.
Some early trials reported increased NAD+ levels and improved health markers related to aging, but other studies—especially in healthy people—showed little to no effect. Peter Attia released an article about it
On the flip side, older adults or those with pre-diabetic conditions seemed to benefit more.
Another reason for the controversy is the lack of solid safety data, especially from regulatory bodies like the FDA and European agencies. No one really knows what happens if you take it long-term.
Some experts also think that lifestyle changes—like exercise or calorie restriction—might be just as effective as NMN for boosting NAD+ levels. NR is often brought up as an alternative, given its better-established safety profile.
I have tried BPC-157 in oral form for tendinitis in March, as recommended by my personal doctor.
I tried NMN myself for about 3 months and didn't notice any changes—no extra energy like people often claim.
As I'm 27, I won't continue taking NMN since it's still controversial, and at my age, it might do more harm than good. If I were 50, my perspective might be different though.
Important Note: NMN isn't FDA/EU-approved; use is at your own risk.
Thanks for reading Zero Members!
Sources:
https://peterattiamd.com/nmn-and-exercise-performance/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238909/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36482258/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352172/
