What's NMN?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a substance present in all living things. It is a ribonucleotide, a crucial component of the nucleic acid RNA. NMN is a type of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor, which helps raise NAD+ levels in cells.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme necessary for life and cellular processes. It functions as an assistant to enzymes, enabling them to carry out chemical reactions.

Functions of NAD+

NAD+ is the most abundant molecule in the body after water and plays a vital role in various processes. It is crucial for energy production in mitochondria, the cell's energy generators. NAD+ acts as a coenzyme in metabolic processes such as glycolysis, the TCA Cycle, and the electron transport chain.

NAD+ and DNA Damage Control

NAD+ helps control DNA damage, which accumulates as organisms age due to environmental factors and inaccurate DNA replication. NAD+ deficiency inhibits important DNA repair proteins like PARP1. Increasing NAD+ levels can support DNA repair and prevent depletion of cellular resources.

NAD+ and Sirtuins

Sirtuins are proteins that play a role in cellular health, stress response, and damage repair. NAD+ is required for sirtuin activation. Declining NAD+ levels and reduced sirtuin activity are associated with aging and age-related diseases. Increasing NAD+ levels may slow or reverse certain aging processes.

Importance of NAD+

NAD+ has attracted scientific interest due to its abundance and crucial functions in the body. Studies in animals have shown positive effects of increasing NAD+ levels in metabolic and age-related conditions. It may have potential benefits for age-related illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and immune system decline.

NAD+ Biosynthesis

Our bodies produce NAD+ from precursor molecules, including L-tryptophan, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide riboside, and nicotinamide mononucleotide. These precursors undergo various biochemical pathways to synthesize NAD+.

Absorption and Distribution of NMN Supplements

NMN is absorbed into cells through a transporter on the cell surface. It may enter cells directly, bypassing the need for conversion. NMN injections have been shown to increase NAD+ levels in various tissues. Oral administration of NMN in mice also leads to increased NAD+ levels.

Increasing NAD+ Levels

Calorie restriction has been linked to improved NAD+ levels and sirtuin activity. While NAD+ is found in certain foods, it's not sufficient to significantly change cellular NAD+ levels. Supplementation with NAD+ precursors like NMN and nicotinamide riboside can boost NAD+ levels effectively.

NMN Safety and Side Effects

Studies suggest that NMN is generally safe and non-toxic, even at high dosages. Human clinical trials have been conducted, demonstrating its safety in single doses. However, long-term safety and effectiveness require further investigation.

Importance of NAD+

Discovery of NAD

In 1906, Arthur Harden and William John Young discovered a “factor” in brewer’s yeast that enhanced fermentation. This factor turned out to be NAD. In 1929, Harden and Hans von Euler-Chelpin received the Nobel Prize for their research on NAD’s chemical properties.

Understanding NAD's Functions

During the 1930s, Otto Warburg identified NAD’s essential role in numerous biochemical processes. NAD facilitates the transfer of electrons, providing the energy required for biological activities.

NAD and Pellagra Treatment

In 1937, Conrad Elvehjem and his colleagues discovered that NAD+ supplementation cured pellagra, a disease caused by a niacin deficiency. This finding led to the use of nicotinamide, an NMN precursor, for pellagra treatment.

NAD's Role in DNA Replication and Transcription

Arthur Kornberg’s work in the 1940s and 1950s revealed the principles behind DNA replication and RNA transcription, both essential processes for life. NAD+ played a significant role in these processes.

NMN and PARPs

In the same year, Chambon, Weill, and Mandel discovered that nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) activates an important nuclear enzyme. This discovery led to further exploration of PARPs and their involvement in DNA damage repair and cellular processes.

NAD's Additional Functions

In 1976, Rechsteiner and colleagues found evidence suggesting that NAD+ had additional essential functions in mammalian cells beyond energy transfer. This led to the discovery that sirtuins use NAD to regulate gene expression and potentially extend lifespan.

Interest in NAD and its Metabolites (Anti-aging Properties)

Since then, there has been growing interest in NAD and its metabolites, such as NMN and NR, for their potential anti-aging properties. Research has focused on understanding their effects on lifespan and age-related conditions.