Does NMN Reverse Aging?

Jan 12, 2024

By Natasha Jordan

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) has been the subject of extensive research due to its potential anti-aging effects. NMN is a precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a coenzyme found in all living cells that play a critical role in energy metabolism and cellular repair.

As we age, NAD+ levels decline, leading to a range of age-related conditions. NMN supplementation aims to increase NAD+ levels, potentially reversing aspects of aging. Here’s what current research suggests:

How Long Does It Take NMN to Reverse Aging?

The time required for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) to reverse aging effects varies depending on the context and specific physiological aspects being measured. Studies indicate differing timeframes based on the type of aging-related changes and the duration of NMN administration:

Long-term administration (12 months) of NMN in mice mitigated age-associated physiological decline, improving metabolism, physical activity, and various pathophysiologies without apparent toxicity or deleterious effects (R).

Short-term (40 days) NMN supplementation in pre-aging mice and human volunteers did not significantly influence body weight or feed intake but suggested improvements in serum metabolism, fecal microbiota, and telomere length (R).

An 8-week NMN treatment in mice improved elasticity in large arteries, suggesting a reversal of age-related arterial deterioration (R).

Chronic NMN supplementation (6 or 12 weeks) in older men was well tolerated and showed significant increases in blood NAD+ levels, with nominal improvements in gait speed and muscle performance (R).

Short-term (2 weeks) NMN treatment in aged mice was associated with anti-aging changes in the miRNA expression profile in the aorta, predicting epigenetic rejuvenation and anti-atherogenic effects (R).

These studies illustrate that the effects of NMN on reversing aging can be observed within weeks to months, depending on the physiological parameters being evaluated. However, it is essential to note that most of these studies are conducted in animal models, and further research is needed to fully understand the impact and timeframe of NMN's anti-aging effects in humans.

Can NMN Reverse Skin Aging?

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) shows promise in addressing signs of skin aging, primarily by mitigating oxidative stress and improving cellular health.

Research indicates that NMN and Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial ROS, which are known contributors to skin aging.

This effect is facilitated by enhancing the oxidative status of cells and reducing inflammatory markers while simultaneously promoting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory regulators in human dermal fibroblasts.

This suggests NMN's potential role in improving skin health and reversing aging signs at the cellular level (R).

Systemic Anti-Aging Benefits of NMN and Implications for Skin Health

Additionally, NMN has demonstrated broader anti-aging effects beyond skin health. For instance, in animal models, long-term administration of NMN has been linked to overall age-associated physiological improvements, including enhanced energy metabolism and physical activity.

These systemic effects of NMN, especially its impact on vascular function and oxidative stress reduction, as observed in arterial health studies, may indirectly benefit skin health.

Improved blood circulation and reduced oxidative stress are vital for maintaining healthy skin, suggesting that NMN could positively impact skin aging through these systemic pathways (R).

However, direct evidence specific to human skin aging is still limited, and further research is needed to understand NMN's potential in skin anti-aging therapies fully.

Does NMN Supplement Make You Look Younger?

NMN supplementation could potentially make you look younger by improving cellular health and function. By boosting NAD+ levels, NMN can enhance DNA repair, reduce oxidative stress, and improve mitochondrial function, all of which play a role in maintaining youthful cellular function and appearance (R).

How Much Does NMN Extend Lifespan?

Studies have shown that NMN can have significant health benefits, but the exact impact on lifespan extension is still under investigation.

Research in mice has shown that NMN can improve various health markers associated with aging, such as improved energy metabolism, enhanced physical activity, and better insulin sensitivity.

However, translating these results to human lifespan extension requires more comprehensive clinical trials (R).

Evidence from Research

Reproductive Aging in Females: NMN treatment has shown promising results in rejuvenating oocyte quality in aged animals, leading to restored fertility. This indicates NMN's potential in reversing certain age-related biological declines (R).

Cerebral Microvascular Health: NMN treatment has been found to attenuate oxidative stress and rescue angiogenic capacity in aged cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells. This suggests NMN's role in improving vascular health, which is crucial for preventing cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly (R).

Muscle Insulin Sensitivity: In prediabetic women, NMN supplementation was observed to increase muscle insulin sensitivity, which is often compromised with aging. This highlights NMN's potential in mitigating age-related metabolic dysfunction (R).

Improvement in Maternally Aged Oocytes: NMN supplementation has been shown to reverse the declining quality of maternally aged oocytes, which is associated with advanced maternal age. This effect is mediated by restoring mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress (R).

Role in Reversing Vascular Aging: NMN has shown effectiveness in reversing vascular aging. In mice, it improved blood flow and endurance by increasing capillary density through SIRT1-dependent pathways (R).

Additionally, it reversed arterial dysfunction and oxidative stress, reducing arterial stiffness, indicating rejuvenation of the vascular system and potential reduction in age-related cardiovascular risks. NMN also promoted anti-aging miRNA expression in the aorta, suggesting epigenetic rejuvenation. (R).

Conclusion

While NMN shows promise in reversing certain aging aspects and improving health markers associated with aging, more research is needed to fully understand its impact on human lifespan and specific aging signs such as skin health. NMN may not be a fountain of youth, but it offers a potential avenue for enhancing health and quality of life as we age.

Written By Natasha Jordan

BHSc Nutritional Medicine, International health - University Of Queensland

Diploma In Dermal Science - AACDS

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