Since Professor David Sinclair discovered that NMN can extend the lifespan of mice in 2013, NMN—known as the "anti-aging supplement"—has been widely favored by the academic community and consumers. As its anti-aging properties continue to be explored, NMN has become a standout among anti-aging supplements. Below is a curated Q&A addressing the most common questions about NMN, helping you gain a more accurate, comprehensive, and in-depth understanding of its anti-aging effects.
Q: Why supplement with NMN?
A: NMN can delay aging itself and fend off age-related diseases.
Currently, human clinical results have confirmed NMN’s anti-aging effects, including: improving insulin sensitivity; boosting immunity; delaying arteriosclerosis, muscle atrophy, skin aging, and intestinal aging.
In addition, animal experiments and in vitro studies have provided sufficient evidence of NMN’s potential effects (awaiting human clinical exploration), such as: delaying neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes; slowing the aging of organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and female ovaries; and enhancing vision and hearing.
Currently, human clinical results have confirmed NMN’s anti-aging effects, including: improving insulin sensitivity; boosting immunity; delaying arteriosclerosis, muscle atrophy, skin aging, and intestinal aging.
In addition, animal experiments and in vitro studies have provided sufficient evidence of NMN’s potential effects (awaiting human clinical exploration), such as: delaying neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes; slowing the aging of organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and female ovaries; and enhancing vision and hearing.
Q: What is the optimal dosage of NMN?
A: The maximum safe daily dosage shown in human clinical trials is approximately 1200mg. However, "more is not better"—comprehensive human clinical data indicates that 600mg per day delivers the best benefits for the human body. Beyond dosage, factors such as supplement brand and individual absorption capacity should also be considered[1].
Q: Does NMN have side effects?
A: No.
To date, most human clinical trials on NMN are still ongoing, with roughly a dozen results disclosed. Participants are mostly middle-aged and elderly people aged 40–70, including men, women, individuals with pre-existing conditions (e.g., prediabetes), and healthy people. No significant toxicity or side effects have been found.
To date, most human clinical trials on NMN are still ongoing, with roughly a dozen results disclosed. Participants are mostly middle-aged and elderly people aged 40–70, including men, women, individuals with pre-existing conditions (e.g., prediabetes), and healthy people. No significant toxicity or side effects have been found.
Q: Is NMN addictive?
A: No addiction has been observed in any animal experiments or human clinical trials conducted so far.
Q: Which is better—NMN or NR?
A: No conclusion has been reached.
NMN and NR are two precursors that directly and significantly increase intracellular NAD+ levels.
NR has a smaller molecular structure and can penetrate cells directly, where it is converted to NMN and then to NAD+. NMN has a larger molecular structure, but the Slc12a8 protein (also called NMN transporter) in the small intestine can directly transport NMN into cells.
The academic community still debates which is superior. Understanding how the two synthesize NAD+ and their mechanisms can help inform your judgment—for example, how NMN and NR synthesize NAD+ in the human body, and what their synthesis efficiencies are.
NMN and NR are two precursors that directly and significantly increase intracellular NAD+ levels.
NR has a smaller molecular structure and can penetrate cells directly, where it is converted to NMN and then to NAD+. NMN has a larger molecular structure, but the Slc12a8 protein (also called NMN transporter) in the small intestine can directly transport NMN into cells.
The academic community still debates which is superior. Understanding how the two synthesize NAD+ and their mechanisms can help inform your judgment—for example, how NMN and NR synthesize NAD+ in the human body, and what their synthesis efficiencies are.
Q: I heard NMN causes cancer—Is this true?
A: No reproducible, widely recognized studies have proven that NMN causes cancer.
The claim that NMN causes cancer originated from a 2019 study by the University of Pennsylvania, which found that NMN increased the number of lesions in cancer-bearing mice and concluded that "NMN may accelerate the deterioration of cancerous tissues."
However, three years later, no similar studies have replicated this result. On the contrary, in 2021, Zhu Junjie and his team from the Affiliated Pulmonary Hospital of Tongji University also injected NMN into cancer-bearing mice and found that NMN had no effect on the lesion areas.
The claim that NMN causes cancer originated from a 2019 study by the University of Pennsylvania, which found that NMN increased the number of lesions in cancer-bearing mice and concluded that "NMN may accelerate the deterioration of cancerous tissues."
However, three years later, no similar studies have replicated this result. On the contrary, in 2021, Zhu Junjie and his team from the Affiliated Pulmonary Hospital of Tongji University also injected NMN into cancer-bearing mice and found that NMN had no effect on the lesion areas.
Q: Which is better—oral NMN or NAD+ injections?
A: Oral NMN.
Oral NMN can be fully absorbed through the digestive system, increasing NMN levels in the blood, liver, and other organs within 15 minutes, after which it quickly participates in NAD+ synthesis.
In contrast, NAD+ injections are less safe than oral intake. Short injection durations or poor individual absorption can cause a sharp spike in blood concentration in a short time, potentially leading to adverse reactions such as headaches and shortness of breath.
Additionally, Professor David Sinclair stated in an interview that the NAD+ surge from injections fades quickly and cannot stably increase overall NAD+ levels in the body long-term[2].
Oral NMN can be fully absorbed through the digestive system, increasing NMN levels in the blood, liver, and other organs within 15 minutes, after which it quickly participates in NAD+ synthesis.
In contrast, NAD+ injections are less safe than oral intake. Short injection durations or poor individual absorption can cause a sharp spike in blood concentration in a short time, potentially leading to adverse reactions such as headaches and shortness of breath.
Additionally, Professor David Sinclair stated in an interview that the NAD+ surge from injections fades quickly and cannot stably increase overall NAD+ levels in the body long-term[2].
Q: Can NMN be taken with other supplements?
A: Yes.
- NMN combined with SS-31 can improve heart function.
- NMN paired with quercetin enhances its ability to combat chronic inflammation.
- NMN combined with betaine can alleviate health risks caused by excessive methyl consumption, such as stomach pain, headaches, and abnormal epigenetic modifications.
Q: When is the best time to take NMN?
A: Noon.
The metabolic level of NAD+ in cells and the activity of SIRT1 (a longevity-related protein) peak at noon each day. Taking NMN at this time maximizes the cell’s utilization of NAD+.
Taking it at night reduces effectiveness by more than half, while morning intake is ineffective—even counterproductive for the elderly.
The metabolic level of NAD+ in cells and the activity of SIRT1 (a longevity-related protein) peak at noon each day. Taking NMN at this time maximizes the cell’s utilization of NAD+.
Taking it at night reduces effectiveness by more than half, while morning intake is ineffective—even counterproductive for the elderly.
Q: Which foods are rich in NMN?
A: Broccoli (0.25–1.12mg per 100g), cucumber skin (0.65mg per 100g), edamame (0.47–1.88mg per 100g), avocado (0.36–1.6mg per 100g), etc.
Q: Why isn’t NMN working for me?
A: It may be related to the product or individual physical factors.
First, NMN products on the market vary greatly in quality. In October last year, ChromaDex analyzed the 22 best-selling NMN brands on Amazon and found that over 64% of them contained almost no NMN.
Second, "effective in mechanisms and clinical trials" does not mean everyone will feel obvious effects—no supplement is a "one-size-fits-all solution."
First, NMN products on the market vary greatly in quality. In October last year, ChromaDex analyzed the 22 best-selling NMN brands on Amazon and found that over 64% of them contained almost no NMN.
Second, "effective in mechanisms and clinical trials" does not mean everyone will feel obvious effects—no supplement is a "one-size-fits-all solution."
Q: Are there any recommended NMN brands?
A: Specific brand recommendations are not provided here.
Consumers can refer to third-party authoritative evaluation reports when purchasing. Currently, there are two common safety assessment reports: toxicological evaluation reports and safety assessment reports. Among NMN products available on cross-border e-commerce platforms, only a few companies can provide safety assessment reports. It is recommended to choose NMN products from companies that can provide such reports.
Consumers can refer to third-party authoritative evaluation reports when purchasing. Currently, there are two common safety assessment reports: toxicological evaluation reports and safety assessment reports. Among NMN products available on cross-border e-commerce platforms, only a few companies can provide safety assessment reports. It is recommended to choose NMN products from companies that can provide such reports.
References
[1] Liao, B., Zhao, Y., Wang, D., Zhang, X., Hao, X., & Hu, M. (2021). Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00442-4
[2] Lee, E. (2022, August 30). NMN Supplement VS NAD IV Therapy | Dr David Sinclair Interview Clips [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=finREg1tyu0
[2] Lee, E. (2022, August 30). NMN Supplement VS NAD IV Therapy | Dr David Sinclair Interview Clips [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=finREg1tyu0