About 30 Common Questions on NMN
This article provides a detailed introduction to the sources, functions, uses, and methods of using NAD+ and NMN. It allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of NMN while also paying attention to adverse reactions to NMN and related prohibitions.
01 What is NAD+?
NAD+, also known as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is abbreviated as Coenzyme I. It is an essential coenzyme in oxidation-reduction processes and is involved in various physiological activities such as cellular substance metabolism, energy synthesis, and cellular DNA repair.
02 What is NMN?
NMN, abbreviated as β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, naturally exists in living cells and is a precursor to Coenzyme I NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). It can appropriately extend lifespan. The substance that truly exhibits anti-aging effects is an important energy metabolite called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+).
03 Does NMN really have anti-aging effects?
NMN is indeed an effective anti-aging substance, a conclusion widely recognized in today's scientific community. Since 2013, hundreds of experimental papers related to NMN have been successively published in well-known scientific journals such as Cell, Nature, and Science. Nature even included it in the top tier when selecting the most promising anti-aging substances in 2020.
04 What is the difference between β-NMN and α-NMN?
NMN is divided into β-NMN and α-NMN. They look very similar, with the only difference being the position of a chemical bond, resulting in different spatial structures and ultimately different biological activities: β-NMN is biologically active, while α-NMN is not, meaning that the effective substance is β-NMN. Regardless of the production process used, each batch of NMN raw materials will produce both β-NMN and α-NMN. Therefore, high purity NMN does not necessarily mean it is more effective; it needs to be proven that the β-NMN content is high to be truly beneficial.
05 Are NMN products claiming to have a purity of 99.9% genuine?
NMN with a purity of 99.9% does exist, but not all products claiming high purity are genuinely so. When producing NMN raw materials, molecules such as NR (Nicotinamide Riboside), NA (Nicotinic Acid), NAM (Nicotinamide), which have very similar molecular formulas, are simultaneously produced. If these substances are not effectively screened, all substances will be displayed as NMN in ordinary spectrum detection, thus appearing to have high purity, but such high purity is actually substandard.
06 Is it better to add more NMN raw materials?
Adding more does not necessarily mean better quality. Two points need to be distinguished here.
Firstly, whether genuine NMN raw materials have been added. If substances such as NR, NA, NAM, which have molecular formulas very similar to NMN, are used to impersonate NMN, then adding more does not have any meaning. Moreover, large intake of NA, NAM, etc., can also cause side effects.
Secondly, NMN is divided into β-NMN and α-NMN, with the former being biologically active and the latter being inactive. Without effective test reports proving the purity of the raw materials and the content of β-NMN, a high addition amount is meaningless, only a means to deceive consumers.
Therefore, whether it is high purity NMN raw materials and high content of β-NMN that truly reflect the quality.
07 Why is there such a big price difference in NMN?
NMN products on the market are as expensive as over $100, while cheaper ones are less than $300. Consumers must make rational choices when purchasing. Firstly, products priced at over $100 are basically produced by fermentation, which results in high raw material purity, but the production cost is extremely high, hence the high selling price. The more advanced method now is the biological enzyme method, which reduces the raw material cost while ensuring purity. However, obtaining high-quality NMN raw materials still requires a high technological threshold, especially since the prices of several catalytic enzymes are not low. The method to obtain low-cost raw materials is chemical synthesis, but the quality and safety cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, those particularly cheap products should be carefully guarded against being of inferior quality.
08 Is it safe to take NMN?
In numerous experiments with NMN, no significant drug-related side effects have been observed. Relevant studies at home and abroad have shown that it is safe to use NMN even at doses many times higher than the normal dosage. Phase I clinical trials of NMN conducted by three foreign research institutions including Harvard Medical School have proven that taking NMN is safe for the human body.
09 What is the safe dosage of NMN?
In 2016, a research team led by Professor Shin-ichiro Imai of the University of Washington School of Medicine conducted long-term experiments on mice taking NMN orally. The experiment found that mice taking NMN orally at a dose of 100mg/kg/d for a long time could delay most age-related physiological decline. Converted to the equivalent dose for humans, it is 8mg/kg/d. For an adult weighing 65 kilograms, this is equivalent to a daily dose of about 520 milligrams.
Combining the conclusion from a 2020 published clinical study on NMN, which concluded that "a single oral dose of 500 milligrams of NMN is safe," it is suggested that the safe dosage of NMN is around 500 milligrams per day.
10 How long does it take for NMN to take effect?
The effectiveness of taking NMN varies from person to person and depends on one's own condition. For those with good physical fitness and energy, it may take three to four weeks to feel the effects. For those with chronic illnesses, weak physical conditions, or sub-health conditions, the effects may be more rapid and pronounced, generally felt within a week. It is recommended that everyone adhere to the dosage for optimal results.
11 Why is it not recommended to take NMN at night?
After taking NMN, the NAD+ level in the body increases, and the ATP level, the energy molecule produced by mitochondria, increases, which can easily lead to excessive energy, especially for those who are highly excited at night, which can affect sleep.
12 Does taking NMN create dependency?
According to human experiments, taking NMN does not create physiological dependence. Because NMN is a substance inherent in the human body, many foods also contain it, it is not addictive, has no side effects with long-term use, and can be safely taken.
13.Are there any side effects of taking NMN long-term? Will there still be effects if I stop taking it?
Many natural foods and fruits contain NMN, and long-term use has no side effects, so there is no need to worry. Stopping NMN will not have any adverse effects on the body, but the improvement effects brought by NMN will gradually fade over time.
14.Can NMN raw materials be taken directly?
(1) NMN raw materials should not be taken directly. NMN raw materials on the market are industrial-grade or for experimental use, and direct consumption carries high risks as raw materials may be contaminated and contain impurities.
(2) Unprocessed NMN raw materials have high acidity and direct consumption can cause irritation to the digestive system, which may lead to or exacerbate digestive system diseases.
15 Can NMN be taken with other supplements?
NMN is a substance naturally present in the body and does not conflict with common supplements on the market, so it is safe to take them together. However, due to the variety of supplements available on the market, it is recommended to take them at least 1 hour apart.
16. Can NMN be taken with antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs?
Studies have shown that long-term use of NMN is helpful in stabilizing blood pressure and improving insulin sensitivity. It is recommended to take NMN and antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs at least 2 hours apart. Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar daily. If they decrease, the dosage of medications can be reduced with the doctor's permission.
17.Can NMN be taken with low blood pressure?
NMN is not a blood pressure medication, but it helps stabilize blood pressure by restoring various functions in the body after increasing the level of NAD+ internally. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that NMN has any adverse effects on low blood pressure, so it can be taken.
18.Can cancer patients take NMN?
Recent research has shown that NAD+ supplements (NMN being the optimal NAD+ supplement) help boost immunity and assist in cancer treatment.
19.Can NMN be taken during a cold?
It is fine to take NMN during a common cold. However, if it is a viral influenza, it is recommended to stop taking NMN for a week and resume after the symptoms improve.
20.Can women take NMN during menstruation?
Generally, women can take NMN during menstruation. However, if they have gynecological inflammation, it is advisable to stop taking it during menstruation.
21.Can NMN be taken with uterine fibroids or breast hyperplasia?
For benign and mild uterine fibroids or breast hyperplasia without abnormal changes detected in regular check-ups, NMN can be taken. But if they are severe or confirmed malignant tumors, please follow the doctor's advice.
22.Does taking NMN cause "heatiness"?
People with lower metabolic rates may experience this condition. This is because NMN, after converting to NAD+, promotes cell metabolism, increases the production of energy molecules like ATP, and increases the consumption of vitamin B, leading to symptoms like acne or oral ulcers, which are perceived as "heatiness."
23.Can leukemia patients take NMN?
If they are currently taking other medications, it is not recommended to take NMN. After finishing the course of other medications, follow the doctor's advice regarding NMN.
24.Can NMN be taken by hyperthyroidism patients?
NMN is an endogenous substance in the body and is also present in small amounts in our daily food. Therefore, there is no problem with hyperthyroidism patients taking NMN from a safety perspective. However, hyperthyroidism patients may experience weight gain when taking NMN.
25.Can NMN be taken with gum inflammation?
It is advisable to start taking NMN after the inflammation subsides.
26.Why do some people feel drowsy after taking NMN?
Due to chronic work stress and poor lifestyle habits, adult nerve cells are in a state of continuous stress, resulting in DNA damage and decreased nerve sensitivity, which is a state of life overdraft. When nerve cells are relieved from stress, sleep gradually returns to normal, and cells enter a benign repair mode. When cell DNA damage is repaired to a certain extent, there may be a stage of "drowsiness," which is a normal bodily response.
27.Why do some people feel mentally agitated after taking NMN?
One reason is that increased NAD+ in the blood promotes dopamine synthesis, leading to excitement. Another reason is that the increased NAD+ level reduces the need for sleep by repairing neurons. For people prone to nighttime excitement, it is recommended to take NMN in the morning and at noon to avoid nighttime intake.
28.Why do some people get acne breakouts after taking NMN?
If the individual is prone to acne, they may experience a resurgence of acne after taking NMN. NMN entering cells and converting to NAD+ promotes cell metabolism and ATP production, leading to increased synthesis of hormones, which may cause acne. Typically, the acne will subside in a few days.
29.What are the effects of NMN deficiency?
The feeling of "heatiness" varies from person to person. NAD+ is one of the three major nutrients in the human body (carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids) and is the final metabolic pathway. It connects the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle provides over 95% of the body's energy, serving as the energy hub of life. Although NAD+ is naturally present in the body, it decreases with age, halving every 20 years. As NAD+ decreases, the body experiences degenerative symptoms, such as muscle atrophy, cognitive decline, pigmentation, and hair loss, collectively referred to as "aging" in the traditional sense. NMN primarily accelerates the increase in NAD+ levels in the body, repairs damaged cells, improves body functions, and maintains a youthful state.
30.How can NMN be rapidly absorbed?
NMN is absorbed very quickly in the body and can rapidly increase NAD+ levels:
(1) It is absorbed intact through the digestive system.
(2) It enters the bloodstream within 2-3 minutes.
(3) It increases NMN levels in tissues within 15 minutes.
(4) It rapidly increases NAD+ levels in organs such as the blood and liver.
