NMN Explained: Benefits, Research and Real-World Results

If you didn’t already know, you can slow down the natural ageing process, and even reverse it! NMN supplements boost your natural NAD+ levels in the body. NAD+ is responsible for DNA repair, energy metabolism, cell signalling, and much more, so by raising these levels, you can feel young once again! This blog will discuss NMN benefits, the different NMN supplements you can take, and exactly how NAD+ provides you with so many different benefits.

When using NMN supplements the body converts this into NAD+, and boost levels of NAD+ in the body. This leads to the NMN benefit of improved metabolic reactions. In terms of ageing, NMN research suggests this molecule could be involved in other facets of ageing, such as heart and brain function. Previous research of NMN’s usage after chemotherapy found that NMN increases survival chances and prevents deteriorating heart function following chemotherapy.

Previous research suggests that NMN administration improves vasodilation of blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow to the brain, helping to improve cognitive function. Some studies surrounding NMN’s effects have suggested that NMN and NAD levels may be reduced in patients with a variety of age-related ailments, such as diabetes and liver disorders. Therefore, by using NMN supplements, this can help to elevate these levels, and help to improve impaired glucose tolerances by restoring normal NAD+ levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity or insulin secretion.

Table of Contents

What is NMN?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a derivative of Vitamin B3. It is a molecule that is found naturally in the body and is a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme that plays a critical role in metabolism and other cellular pathways and is found in all living cells. However, once a human is middle aged, these levels could have fallen to half of what they were. But, due to NMN directly increasing NAD+ levels in our bodies, taking NMN supplements counteracts the natural decline that occurs as we age by raising NAD+ levels. When you first take NMN it firstly synthesizes in the body then the molecules enter the nicotinamide core recycling pathway, where the enzyme nmnat then converts NMN to NAD+. This can result in NAD+ levels in older people being raised to the NAD+ levels of a 20-year-old! But what are the benefits of higher NAD+ levels?

What Are the Benefits of NMN?

There are many NMN benefits. NMN has several anti-ageing and health-promoting effects, and as mentioned can help offset age-associated weight gain. But why is this?

As mentioned, when you get older your NAD+ levels decline with age; this is associated with a variety of age-related diseases. NAD+ is required for the activity of enzymes called NA+- dependent enzymes. These are involved in a wide range of metabolic reactions, so by increasing NAD+ levels via NMN supplements, it can aid these metabolic reactions. Examples of the metabolic reactions it aids include:

Energy Metabolism

NAD+ is a cofactor in the conversion of food into energy (ATP) via cellular respiration. More specifically, NAD+ is used in the electron transport chain, which is the final step of cellular respiration that results in the production of ATP. ATP is the primary source of energy for all living cells and is essential at aiding exercise training, specifically to support the three energy systems: ATP-PC, Fast Glycolytic, and Aerobic energy systems. By increasing the levels of NAD+ in the body, NMN benefits the process by helping to enhance the efficiency of the electron transport chain, and boost the production of ATP, resulting in an increased energy metabolism. Due to NMN research finding that the enhanced NAD+ levels led to oxygen uptake, percentages of maximum oxygen uptake, power at first ventilatory threshold, and power at second ventilatory threshold increased, this meant that NMN users had improved physical performance, increase endurance, and reduced fatigue.

DNA Repair

NAD+ acts as a substrate for enzymes called poly ADP-ribose polymerases (PARPs), which are responsible for repairing DNA damage. When DNA is damaged, PARPs are activated, bind to the damage site, and use NAD+ to add ADP-ribose molecules to the target proteins. This process creates a signalling cascade that attracts other DNA repair proteins to the site of damage, such as DNA repair enzymes, helicases, and endonucleases. The repair proteins then remove, repair, or replace the damaged DNA.

NAD+ is also important for the activation of enzyme called sirtuin, which plays a key role in maintaining the stability of chromosomes and controlling the cell cycle. Sirtuins act as deacetylases and remove acetyl groups from target proteins, promoting their activity and stability. By removing acetyl groups from histones, sirtuins can also relax chromatin structure, allowing the repair proteins to access the damaged DNA Sirtuin SIRT6 deacetylates and activated histone H3K9, which regulates chromatin remodelling and influences the accessibility of DNA to the transcription machinery.

Therefore, NAD+ is critical for DNA repair since it enables the activation of PARPs and sirtuins, which are responsible for recruiting and activating other DNA repair proteins to fix the damaged DNA. Because NAD+ levels decline with age; by using NMN to increase NAD+ levels, these elevated NAD+ levels will enhance DNA repair. One study found that NMN supplementation in mice increased NAD+ levels, and improved DNA repair in the brain, this led to NMN benefits such as a decrease in age-associated cognitive decline. Other studies in mice have also shown that alongside repairing DNA, NMN also reduces the incidence of cancer.

We recommended taking our NMN alongside our SIRT6Activator for optimal NMN benefits. Our SIRT6Activator product enhances DNA double-strand break repair under oxidative stress. For the science behind this please visit DoNotAge.org science page.

Cell Signalling

NAD+ plays a critical role in cell signalling by acting as a substrate for sirtuins, which are NAD+ dependent enzymes. As mentioned, sirtuins are involved in a wide range of cellular processes. Including cell growth, differentiation, and ageing. They are also involved in the regulation of gene expression, energy metabolism, and stress response. Research shows that sirtuins are activated by NAD+. Previous research found that NMN supplementation led to NMN benefits in mice by increasing NAD+ levels and activating the sirtuin SIRT1, which led to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. SIRT1 deacetylates and activates the transcription regulator FOXO3, this regulates cell size, cell survival (apoptosis), and stress resistance.

Overall NMN benefits us by its ability to increase NAD+ levels in the body which has been shown to be a promising approach for enhancing cell signalling and improving the function of sirtuins.

In summary, Sirtuins are important for cell signalling because they can regulate the activity of various proteins that are involved in cell signalling. By removing acetyl groups from target proteins, sirtuins can promote their activity and stability, and influence the expression of genes and the activity of enzymes that are involved in cell signalling.

How Long Does It Take to Feel the Benefits of NMN?

NMN converts into NAD+ within 15 minutes. However, you may not experience any noticeable NMN benefits immediately. People start to feel NMN benefits within different timescales. Some consumers have started to notice effects after the first two to three weeks, whilst it has taken others a couple of months. The supplement should be taken for six months for clear NMN Benefits to manifest.

Results of This NMN Supplement Study on Japanese Men

In the NMN study conducted on humans, ten healthy male subjects were given NMN, and it was well-tolerated without causing any severe adverse events.

This was the first study that was conducted on humans. The study utilised a nonblinded clinical trial in 10 healthy men. Men that were deemed unfit e.g., had prior diseases, infections and, psychiatric disorders were excluded. The subjects orally received 100, 250, or 500mg of NMN in capsules at 9AM after overnight fasting. They were observed for 5 hours afterwards whilst being able to drink water freely. With urine collections being taken every 30-60 minutes for the first 2 hours and at the end of the 5 hours.

The administration of NMN did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, nor body temperature. However, the researchers found that some of the metabolites that are produced when NMN is broken down in the body (MNA, 2Py, and 4Py), despite already being present in the participants' blood at the start of the study, increased significantly at all doses tested when taking NMN supplements.

MNA (mono-nicotinamide) is a molecule that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may also have a role in regulating blood sugar levels.

2Py (2-pyridone) is a molecule that has been found to be involved in a variety of biological processes, including the production of energy in cells, the regulation of gene expression, and the protection of cells from damage.

4Py (4-pyridone) is another molecule that is involved in the production of energy in cells and may also play a role in protecting cells from damage.

This is significant as it suggests that higher doses of NMN may result in greater NAD+ production and potentially greater health benefits. The plasma concentration of MNA tended to moderately increase. After taking different doses of NMN, the levels of 2Py and 4Py, two chemicals in the body, were measured. The highest levels of these chemicals were seen 5 hours after taking the NMN.

The results of this study suggest that a single oral administration of NMN is safe for healthy humans and that it may lead to increased levels of certain NMN metabolites. These NMN metabolites have been associated with improved cognitive function, improved energy, muscle recovery, and mood. This also showed that NMN was well-tolerated and did not cause any adverse effects. Therefore, it showed that NMN consumption led to improvements in health.

NMN Improved Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the most common cause of dementia, a group of disorders that affect memory, thinking, and behaviour. As the population ages, the number of people with Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are ways to manage its symptoms and slow its progression.

One potential natural remedy for Alzheimer's disease is NMN it’s a molecule that is naturally produced in the body and is involved in cellular energy production. NMN has been shown to have anti-ageing properties and to improve cognitive function in animal studies.

NMN and Alzheimer's Disease

Research has shown that Alzheimer's symptoms before compared to after taking NMN were a lot worse, showing that NMN supplements improved Alzheimer's disease symptoms in animal models. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, mice with Alzheimer's disease were given NMN orally for 12 weeks. The study found that NMN treatment improved cognitive function and reduced the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, taking NMN supplements may have potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking NMN Supplements?

We have tens of thousands of happy members who take our NMN powder and NMN capsules and previous research on the administration of NMN suggests that taking NMN causes no significant deleterious effects. What is more, no side effects of taking NMN supplements have been found in humans.

Although research on humans is in its early stages, the results so far have been very promising. There have not been any serious side effects recorded from using NMN — only NMN benefits have been recorded and prior research has shown that using NMN triggers anti-inflammation immune systems able to reverse cytokine storm.

7 Positive Side Effects from Taking NMN Supplements

1. Better Sleep This was the first thing they noticed after two nights. They fell asleep quickly, had deep and dream-filled sleep, and woke up refreshed.
2. Joint Pain Relief They used to experience knee pain when climbing stairs, but that pain disappeared after about a week of taking NMN.
3. Improved Exercise Endurance They felt like they had more endurance during workouts and seemed to recover quickly with little muscle soreness afterwards.
4. Increased Energy They felt like they had more energy overall, but it's not a speedy, caffeinated feeling.
5. No Hangovers They used to get hangovers after drinking, but they haven't experienced any hangovers during this experiment.
6. Improved Digestion They've noticed an immediate improvement in bowel movements.
7. Better Mood and Stress Management They've been in a good mood despite dealing with major life stress and feel like they can recover from stress more easily.

Overall, they're surprised and delighted by the results and haven't noticed any negatives. They're cautiously optimistic that these improvements aren't just a placebo effect. They feel like they're getting some of their youthful energy and vitality back.

Does NMN Help Alzheimer’s?

Animal testing utilising NMN supplements have also shown other NMN benefits like the capability to treat underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease such as decreases in oxygen consumption rate and mitochondria abnormalities. It does this by boosting NAD+ levels, which helps to repair key brain cells as Alzheimer’s is caused when these key cells in your brain are damaged.

What Is the Best NMN Supplement?

DoNotAge.org offer scientifically trusted NMN supplements in the form of NMN capsules and pure NMN powder. This supplement has been scientifically proven to increase energy levels and promote anti-ageing. This NMN supplement is the gold standard for purity so you enjoy optimum NMN benefits. It is also tested independently by third-party laboratories to confirm high purity and low heavy metal content. DoNotAge.org also guarantees the purity and quality of their NMN supplements.

NMN Reviews Before and After Taking the Supplement

It’s no secret that there are a range of NMN supplement benefits, such as improvements to cognitive function, anti-ageing, and muscle recovery.

However, with all of the fake and ineffective NMN supplements out there you would be wise to want to see it to believe it. Therefore, this blog will discuss the different studies regarding the effects people experienced before & after NMN, as well as people’s own first-hand accounts.

27-Year-Old NMN Consumer

The author of the Reddit NMN before and after post had heard about NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and resveratrol from a podcast. As someone who is interested in nootropics and other supplements for human optimisation, they decided to try the NMN + resveratrol stack. However, they were not taking it for longevity purposes, but rather for cognitive enhancement.

The author is a 27-year-old male who exercises 3–5 times a week with a combination of running and gym workouts. They work a cognitively demanding and stressful job and experience some low-level depression but do not take any prescribed antidepressants. Before trying NMN, they were already taking fish oil, vitamin D, CoQ10, and St. John's Wort. They typically sleep for 7.5–8 hours per night and limit their caffeine intake to one cup of coffee per day, with tea as a substitute on weekends. They also smoke one cigarette per day.

Month 1

In the first month of taking NMN and resveratrol, the author felt an incredible rush of energy and mental clarity. They described feeling like they were on amphetamines and their mental exhaustion dissipated. They were able to go to the gym, study while after the gym, and do harder workouts than before. They needed constant mental stimulation and always had a podcast playing in their ears. They also started thinking about expanding their career in ways they wouldn't have considered before. However, they noted that they felt emotionally numb and became increasingly impatient. They were irritable with the slow pace of life and slept only 5–6 hours per night for the first week. After the first week, they crashed and slept for 14 hours.

Month 2

In the second month, the author decreased the dose of NMN. They still felt the rush of energy but had trouble sleeping and became increasingly impulsive and irritable. They made mistakes at work that they normally wouldn't have. They took a few days off to catch up on sleep, during which they felt a little hazy, but attributed it to overworking. The reason for this is because they took their supplements before bed rather than in the morning.

Month 3

In the third month, the author settled on a dose between the 2 doses tested prior. They found that their mental capacity for conversation and work had increased by 10–15% compared to when they weren't taking NMN. They could sleep better at this dose and didn't feel as sped up as before. They described it as feeling like a good cup of coffee. They also noticed that their optimal sleep time had decreased to 7–7.5 hours, which they attributed to the NMN either masking their sleep deprivation or improving their sleep quality.

The author reflected that, at their age, they were taking NMN more as a cognitive booster/nootropic than for its longevity benefits. They believe that their NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels were optimal before taking NMN, but the effects of NMN were undeniable. The author found that the improvements in sleep quality alone made taking NMN worth it for them. They considered everything else to be a bonus.

38-Year-Old Male in Good Health NMN Supplement Review

After hearing about NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) on a podcast and reading about NMN, this person decided to try it out for themselves and review how they felt before and after taking NMN. They didn't find a specific forum for NMN, so they're posting their experience here since NMN and resveratrol are similar molecules. They're curious if anyone else has experienced similar positive effects.

They've been taking NMN powder mixed with water every morning after breakfast and coffee for three weeks. They're a 6'3", 195 lbs, 38-year-old male in good health who takes no medications.

What Is the Difference Between NMN Capsules and NMN Powder?

NMN Capsules NMN Powder
NMN Capsules are a convenient and easy way to take NMN supplements. They are pre-measured and easy to swallow. This makes them a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or who prefer a more convenient way of taking supplements. Capsules also tend to have a longer shelf life than powders and are less likely to degrade over time to give you optimal NMN benefits. NMN Powder, on the other hand, is a more versatile form of the supplement but provides the same NMN benefits. It can be mixed with water or other liquids to make a drink. NMN powder can also be easily adjusted to a specific dosage. However, if the supplement is not stored correctly, it might degrade over time.

How Much NMN Should I Take?

If you are taking NMN capsules from DoNotAge.org, two capsules will give you 1000mg of NMN, which provides you with optimum NMN benefits as this amount equates to a healthy daily level of NAD+. With DoNotAge.org’s NMN Powder, one scoop equates to 500mg, so 2 scoops daily is the recommended amount for optimum NMN benefits, giving you the NAD+ needed to see the best results.

How Do You Get NMN Naturally?

NMN is naturally found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables:

  • Broccoli
  • Cucumber
  • Cabbage
  • Tomato

However, 1 cucumber has 1.04mg to 6.4mg of NMN in it. This means to get the NMN benefits you get in DoNotAge.org’s NMN powder and NMN capsules, you would need to consume 156–961 cucumbers per day… that’s a lot of cucumbers!

NMN Supplement Summary

Overall NMN benefits the body in many ways. It is a great supplement for boosting NAD+ levels which has a range of benefits from increased energy metabolism, DNA repair, cell signalling, and more. Although more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which NAD+ levels impact these processes, results thus far have been extremely positive.

We recommend using DoNotAge.org’s NMN alongside: Pure Resveratrol, Pure Resveratrol, and Pure TMG for the best NMN benefits! What are you waiting for? Get NMN benefits by purchasing DoNotAge.org's NMN and start your journey to living a healthier and longer life now!