Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is one of the naturally occurring molecules. It is also classified as bioactive nucleotide.
There has been quite a controversy surrounding nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) with U.S. federal regulators in recent years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits marketing NMN as a dietary supplement in the United States. Since NMN is banned in the United States, several manufacturers market this supplement by claiming it has anti-aging properties.
Most of the clinical studies on NMN are based on animal studies. Let’s discuss NMN's potential benefits, side effects, and dosage.
Why NMN is Important
NMN is a key to the body's production of a coenzyme named NAD+ (Nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide) which involved in multiple biological processes such as
aging and gene expression. In addition, NAD+ converts food into energy for our
cells. It also supports enzymes which are responsible for repairing DNA and
preventing cell damage.
When nicotinamide entered in to the body, it converts into NMN. After that, NMN
converts to NAD+. NAD+ deficiency can cause metabolic disorders, mental
disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and age-related diseases such as obesity,
type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's
disease.
Do NMN Supplements Work?
Several animal model studies have shown promising results. Due to limited human
trials on NMN, it's difficult to determine whether the supplement is effective
or alone increases NAD+ levels in humans. Only more human trails can conclusively
uncover the truth.
Safe dosage of NMN
supplements
According to a study conducted in 2023, 900 milligrams of oral dose of NMN
daily is generally safe and well tolerated for adults. However, consult with a
health care provider to determine the appropriate dose of NMN for you because
the right dose depends on a number of factors, including one's body weight,
dietary intolerances, preexisting health conditions, and potential interactions
with other medications.
Benefits
of NMN Supplements:
Most studies on NMN have been conducted in vitro or on animals which suggests
that NMN may support healthy aging. Human studies on the potential benefits of
NMN are limited. To confirm its benefits and establish as a potential dietary
supplement, more human clinical trials are required.
Meanwhile, researchers do know that NMN is an essential precursor of NAD+ and
an intermediary in NAD+ biosynthesis
which is critical to the body's proper functioning as NAD+.
Based on existing research, NAD+ plays an important role in the following
cellular functions:
• Repairing damaged DNA
• Coordinating circadian rhythms
• Converting food into energy
• Supporting cell defense systems
• Stress resistance
Potential Risks and Side Effects
NMN is generally considered safe, and no serious side effects have been reported
in humans. Like other new supplement, long-term safety data of NMN supplements
is limited. Before taking any new supplement always consult with a health care
professional.
According to a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, NMN users may
experience following mild side effects
è Abdominal pain
è Diarrhea
è Gas
è Upper respiratory issues.
FDA Issues with NMN Supplements:
It’s a provision in U.S. to
submit a motion before indent to market dietary supplements with new dietary
ingredients (NDI) that had not previously introduced in the U.S market. Inner Mongolia Kingdomway Pharmaceutical Limited ("Kingdom")
submitted a new dietary ingredient (NDI) notification to the FDA for NMN. After
months of their motion, FDA ruled that NMN cannot be classified as a
dietary supplement in the U.S.
The FDA reiterated that dietary supplements exclude ingredients that have been
"authorized for investigation as a new drug" or for which
"substantial clinical investigations have been instituted" and
"made public." A new drug investigation for NMN occurred before it
had been lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement, so the FDA decided NMN
should not be marketed as a dietary supplement until further notice.
According to FDA regulations, manufacturers are violating the law by marketing
NMN products as supplements in the U.S.
After the FDA ban, NMN supplements are in a precarious position. However, it
has been questioned whether the ban is intended to protect public health or big
pharma profits. It is possible that the widespread availability of NMN
supplements will destabilize the prescription drug market for age-related
diseases, affecting pharmaceutical giants' bottom lines.
"If NMN supplements were to become widely available, they could
potentially disrupt the market for prescription drugs treating age-related
diseases." says Prof. David Sinclair. Further, Prof. David
Sinclair research suggested that NMN supplements can not only improve NAD+ levels but also slow
down the aging process in the body.