Summary of NMN’s 5 Key Functions (Recommended for Saving)

As people age, the body’s NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels gradually decrease. NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), however, can be converted into NAD+ to provide support for multiple physiological functions of the body.

Energy metabolism is the foundation of life activities, and NAD+ serves as a key coenzyme in cellular energy conversion processes. In cell mitochondria, NAD+ participates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation reactions, helping convert substances like glucose and fatty acids into ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the direct energy source for cells.

Studies have shown that NMN supplementation increases intracellular NAD+ levels, enhances mitochondrial function, and thereby improves energy metabolism efficiency. This effect is particularly significant in middle-aged and elderly populations: it effectively alleviates age-related issues such as reduced energy and increased fatigue, helping the body maintain a vigorous state to support daily work and exercise needs.

The essence of aging is the gradual decline of cellular function, and NAD+ plays a core role in regulating cellular senescence. NAD+ is an important substrate for the Sirtuins (deacetylase) protein family—known as "longevity proteins"—which maintain chromosomal stability and repair DNA damage by regulating gene expression.

When NAD+ levels drop, Sirtuins activity decreases, leading to the accumulation of cellular DNA damage, intensified oxidative stress, and accelerated aging. NMN supplementation provides sufficient substrates for Sirtuins proteins, activates their activity, promotes DNA damage repair, and reduces oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. This delays cellular senescence and plays a positive role in maintaining the function of body tissues such as skin elasticity and bone health.

The nervous system has extremely high demands for NAD+. The survival and functional maintenance of neurons depend on a stable supply of NAD+. With aging, NAD+ levels in the brain decrease, which easily causes neuronal apoptosis, reduced synaptic connections, and subsequent issues like declined cognitive function and memory loss—even increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

NMN can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain to increase NAD+ levels in brain tissue. On one hand, it protects nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses; on the other hand, it promotes the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters and enhances synaptic plasticity.

Cardiovascular health is closely related to cellular energy metabolism and oxidative stress levels. NAD+ plays an important role in regulating vascular endothelial cell function: by activating Sirtuins proteins, it improves the diastolic function of vascular endothelial cells, reduces the release of inflammatory factors, and inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells—thus preventing the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

NMN supplementation increases NAD+ levels in vascular tissue, enhances vascular elasticity, reduces vascular resistance, and improves blood circulation. Additionally, NMN regulates lipid metabolism and lowers oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels, further reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and providing comprehensive protection for the cardiovascular system.

Metabolic syndrome is a major health challenge for modern populations, with its core being glucose-lipid metabolism disorders. NAD+ is involved in regulating the insulin signaling pathway: when NAD+ levels are insufficient, insulin sensitivity decreases, which easily leads to elevated blood glucose and fat accumulation.

NMN supplementation activates SIRT1 and SIRT3 (subtypes of Sirtuins proteins), enhances insulin sensitivity in tissues such as the liver and muscles, promotes glucose uptake and utilization, and lowers blood glucose levels. At the same time, NMN regulates adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism, reduces fat accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue, improves dyslipidemia, and has potential auxiliary effects in preventing metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

While focusing on the health benefits of NMN, we should also view its effects rationally. Only by combining it with healthy lifestyles such as a balanced diet and regular exercise can we better maintain bodily health.