Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) along with resveratrol are two anti-aging supplements gaining traction in the longevity domain. In tandem, they might reduce cellular aging and offer additional beneficial effects to the human physiology. This pairing is thought to enhance strength, boost physical stamina, and amplify blood circulation.
What is NMN?
NMN is short for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, which is an important substance that helps produce nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD+ is a crucial enzyme involved in various cellular functions like metabolism, cell development and overall cell health. NMN plays a significant role in boosting energy levels and supporting the renewal of cells.
Research has indicated that NMN can amplify NAD+ synthesis and enhance disease detection in lab mice. In an early study on NMN, mice given an NMN supplement witnessed a spike in tissue NMN and NAD+ levels within 15 minutes in organs like the liver, pancreas, and white fat tissue. To ensure prolonged NMN consumption, another team gave mice reduced doses, anticipating this could eventually display promising anti-aging results in humans when incorporated into drinking water.
Long-term impacts of NMN supplementation:
To evaluate the long-term outcomes of NMN usage, a year-long study was initiated. Preliminary results suggested that consistent NMN consumption notably curbed age-related weight increase. Remarkably, NMN-treated mice consumed more food but gained less weight than the control group. These mice also exhibited boosted energy metabolism, heightened physical activity, and improved oxygen intake.
Furthermore, the research indicated that NMN has the potential to combat aging at a molecular level by reversing changes in gene expression associated with aging. Subsequently, more than 27 additional studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of NMN on mice, uncovering its ability to:- Enhance glucose tolerance and insulin production.
- Minimize damage post-ischemia.
- Diminish inflammation and neuronal cell death.
- Revitalize physical activity.
- Augment learning, memory, and cognitive capabilities.
- Bolster cardiac functions.
- Lessen DNA damage.
Can NMN boost NAD+ levels?
In recent times, scientists began probing NMN’s effects through controlled, randomized trials, aiming to determine if cellular and animal model outcomes are mirrored in humans. Keio University’s medical team spearheaded the inaugural clinical trial where participants received 100–500 mg of NMN. Findings confirmed that this NMN dosage was safely metabolized without any notable side effects.
Although mouse studies indicated NMN might uplift NAD+, human evidence remains limited. One study provided healthy subjects with 250 mg/day of NMN for 12 weeks, thereafter assessing NAD+ and related metabolites in their blood. Results displayed a marked elevation in blood NAD+ levels following NMN intake.
NMN’s anti-aging benefits
The potential anti-aging properties and safety of NMN were evaluated in a double-blind, randomized trial. 66 healthy individuals, aged between 40 and 65, consumed 300 mg of NMN daily post-breakfast for two months. Midway, an 11.3% NAD+ increase was observed, and by the study’s end, this rose to 38%.
The research confirmed that the NAD+ surge in the NMN group substantially surpassed that of the placebo group. Elevating the dose or extending the duration might amplify these effects. Furthermore, no discernible adverse effects were observed in healthy participants.
In a different study, amateur runners received varied NMN dosages (300, 600, and 1200 mg/d) over a 6-week training period. It was discerned that NMN, when combined with exercise, improved oxygen assimilation. Notably, participants on higher NMN doses showed greater effects, though NMN intake didn’t impact their grip strength, push-up counts, or sit-and-reach repetitions. However, the 600 mg/d dose significantly enhanced their single-leg stance test outcomes, unlike the 1200 mg/d dose.
What is resveratrol and its mechanism of action
Resveratrol is a type of natural compound called a stilbenoid. It can be found in grape skins, although in small amounts. Resveratrol is known for its ability to fight against fungal infections. Numerous studies using different model organisms such as yeast, nematodes, mice and certain fish species have indicated that resveratrol has the potential to extend lifespan.
Research has shown that resveratrol can stimulate autophagy in human cells in vitro and may extend life via Sirt1 gene-mediated activation of autophagy. The Sirt1-Sirt7 genes are known for their anti-aging properties. In addition, resveratrol can enhance the actions of the Sirt1 gene and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), resulting in reduced inflammatory markers. In addition, resveratrol has demonstrated neuroprotective capabilities by increasing neurotransmitter release, facilitating the generation of new neurons, and reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
It also shows cardiovascular benefits, such as enhancing nitric oxide production and modulating the renin-angiotensin system, and it provides protection against oxidative stress. In addition, resveratrol has shown potential in cancer prevention and treatment by significantly inhibiting the growth, movement, and invasion of cancer cells.
Should NMN and resveratrol be consumed together?
The concurrent intake of NMN and resveratrol seems promising. Notably, combining NMN with resveratrol was observed to augment NAD+ levels in heart and muscle tissues. Anti-aging specialist Professor David Sinclair posits that resveratrol and NMN operate synergistically. According to his research, while NMN serves as fuel for the sirtuin genes (essential for DNA and epigenome safeguarding), resveratrol is required for their activation.
Several studies have underscored the health benefits of both NMN and resveratrol. The scientific community is now delving deeper to understand the underlying biological pathways and their significance in anti-aging. Multiple human clinical trials are in progress, exploring the impact of these supplements on aging, with the longevity field eagerly awaiting potentially groundbreaking outcomes.
Optimal timing for NMN and resveratrol consumption
For optimum efficacy, younger individuals are advised to consume NMN approximately six hours post-awakening. In contrast, older individuals might benefit from morning intake, maximizing its energizing effects. For resveratrol, younger people are recommended to take it in the evening, whereas midday is suggested for older folks.
NMN Combined with Resveratrol or Ginsenosides and Their Effect on NAD+ Levels in Specific Organs
Researchers based in China investigated the combined effects of NMN and resveratrol, an antioxidant known for its potential to extend lifespan, on NAD+ levels across various organs. When orally administered to adult mice, the team discovered that these two compounds synergistically elevated NAD+ levels in the heart and skeletal muscle. Specifically, there was a 1.59-fold increase in the heart and a 1.72-fold boost in the skeletal muscle six hours post-administration. Such findings imply that a combined regimen of NMN and resveratrol might offer therapeutic benefits for age-related conditions impacting the heart or skeletal muscles, such as cardiovascular ailments or frailty symptoms.
The research group also explored the effects of NMN when combined with ginsenosides, molecules sourced from the Korean red ginseng root. The results revealed that this combination effectively doubled NAD+ levels in lung tissue. Such outcomes suggest that an NMN and ginsenoside mix might be specifically beneficial for age-related lung conditions, like the accumulation of scar tissue or pulmonary fibrosis.
However, the findings also highlighted some intriguing observations about the brain. While NMN on its own didn’t substantially raise NAD+ levels in the brain, combining it with either resveratrol or ginsenosides led to decreased NAD+ levels compared to the absence of any treatment. The exact reason behind the decline in NAD+ levels in the brain when NMN is paired with resveratrol or ginsenosides is yet to be elucidated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the combination of NMN and resveratrol has shown potential synergistic benefits, particularly in elevating NAD+ levels in crucial tissues. With NMN acting as fuel and resveratrol as an activator for sirtuin genes, crucial for DNA protection, their joint consumption seems advantageous. As numerous studies highlight their health benefits, the scientific realm is probing deeper into their anti-aging properties. With ongoing human trials, the longevity sector anticipates transformative results from this pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do people stop taking NMN?
Resources:
- National Library of Medicine – Long-Term Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Mitigates Age-Associated Physiological Decline in Mice. Link
- National Library of Medicine – NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Link
- National Library of Medicine – Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study. Link
- National Library of Medicine – Effects and Mechanisms of Resveratrol on Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Link
Mark Willson, holding a Ph.D., functions as a psychotherapist in Washington, D.C. His specialized fields encompass addiction, anxiety, depression, as well as sexuality and interpersonal connections. Dr. Willson holds the distinction of being a diplomat for the American Board of Addiction and Anxiety, further serving as a certified counselor and addiction specialist.
Aside from his personal professional endeavors, Dr. Wilson has engaged in roles as an author, journalist, and creator within substantial medical documentary projects.
Isabella Clark, Ph.D., held the position of a professor within Emory University’s School of Medicine, working in the Department of Mental Health and Nutrition Science. Alongside this role, she served as a research associate affiliated with the National Research Center. Dr. Clark’s primary area of research centers on comprehending the mechanisms through which adverse social encounters, encompassing prolonged stress and traumatic exposure, contribute to a spectrum of detrimental mental health consequences and coexisting physical ailments like obesity. Her specific focus lies in unraveling the reasons behind the varying elevated susceptibility to stress-linked disorders between different genders.
