The Science behind NMN
What is NMN?
NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide, known in the scientific research community as β-nicotinamide mononucleotide. NMN is a naturally occurring biologically active nucleotide, a derivative of the vitamin B family. Its relationship to vitamin B leads to NMN’s involvement in various biochemical reactions within the human body, particularly those related to immunity and metabolism.
In the human body, NMN is the most direct precursor of NAD+, which often referred to as “coenzyme,” stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. NAD+ exists in every cell in our body and participates in thousands of reactions, including the elimination of purine dinucleotides. In a variety of cellular metabolic reactions, NAD+ molecules play a vital role and being an important support system for cell viability. Therefore, NMN’s synthesis of NAD+ is a crucial component of the body’s cell development system.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ serves as an essential coenzyme that we need for our daily life and cellular function. Enzymes are the catalysts that make biochemical reactions possible within the body. The coenzymes including NAD+ are the molecules needed for enzymes to function, like the biometric "helper" in our gene expression. NAD+ is one of the most abundant molecules in the human body next to water. It is used by many of our proteins in the body, such as sirtuins which could repair the damaged DNA. NAD+ is also important for the development and maintenance of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells that generate chemical energy for the body.
Since its discovery in 1906, NAD+ has attracted the attention of scientists for its abundance in the body and its key role in the molecular pathways that keep the body functioning. In animal studies, increasing the levels of NAD+ in the body has shown encouraging results - improving metabolism and preventing age-related diseases. Increased levels of NAD+ are associated with reversing the effects of aging, which would lead to positive effects on prevention and mitigation of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, meanwhile keep the immune system healthy.
Why NMN?
1) NAD+ declines with age
NMN is a precursor of NAD+, a molecule that may be useful in slowing down some aspects of aging. As we age, NAD+ levels would gradually shrink, bodily functions would slow, and metabolism decreases at the same time. In order to reclaim a sense of youthful vitality, maintaining normal NAD+ levels could be crucial.
2) NMN intake increases NAD+ prevalence
Straight NAD+ cannot be directly absorbed by our cells due to size matters. Our body has to break them down into smaller precursors before they can pass through the cellular walls. NMN would more easily enter our cells intact and encourage NAD+ development , so oral intake of NMN is the most effective way to initiate NAD+ synthesis. That is how the body works to convert NMN to NAD+, increasing overall NAD+ prevalence.
3) Increased NAD+ levels have numerous benefits
A sufficient amount of NAD+ in the body can help the body maintain cell activity and increase metabolism. We could see the positive change on our holistic health if we keep maintaining our body’s NAD+ levels through NMN intake.
The benefits of NMN
- Increases NAD+ Levels
- Activates Sirtuin Proteins
- Repairs DNA damage
- Helps metabolism and promotes energy production
- Promotes better sleep
- Supports Cardiovascular Health
- Reduces age-associated weight gain
- Improves cognitive function