NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, is a popular anti-aging supplement that has been shown to have promising effects on slowing down and potentially reversing aspects of aging. As people get older, levels of NMN naturally decrease in the body which contributes to aging-related decline. Supplementing with NMN has been shown to help boost NAD+, a key cellular energy molecule, which in turn may help slow down and fight age-related changes in the body.

In this article, we explore some of the key anti-aging benefits of NMN and how it may help you defy the aging process:

Benefit #1:　Increased Endurance and Exercise Performance

As we get older, our endurance and exercise performance tends to decrease. This is partly due to decreasing levels of NAD+ and NMN in the body which are important for cellular energy and respiration. Multiple studies have found that supplementing with NMN can increase NAD+ levels and boost endurance and exercise performance in older mice and humans.

For example, a 2018 study found that NMN supplementation in older mice increased their endurance during exercise by up to 80% compared to non-supplemented mice. The human equivalent dose used in this study led to a 40% increase in NAD+ levels. While more research is needed, these results suggest that NMN may have significant potential to boost endurance and exercise capacity in older individuals.

NMN supplements may help slow skin aging in the following ways:

Increases cellular energy and metabolism. As we age, cellular energy levels decrease which can contribute to skin aging. NMN boosts NAD+, a key cellular energy molecule, which helps cells function properly and maintain healthy skin. Higher NAD+ levels from NMN may help boost skin cell energy and metabolism, reducing signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots.

Increases collagen production. NMN may help boost collagen production in the skin, which decreases with age. Collagen is a key protein that provides structure and firmness to the skin. Studies in mice have found that NMN increases expression of collagen-producing genes and boosts collagen levels in the skin, which could help reduce wrinkles and sagging. More research in humans is needed but these results are promising.

Protects from oxidative stress and damage. NMN acts as an antioxidant in the body and helps fight oxidative stress, which accumulates with age and damages skin cells. NMN helps boost enzymes and molecules that protect cells from oxidative damage. By reducing oxidative stress, NMN could help prevent and repair age-related skin damage.

Increases skin cell proliferation. NMN may stimulate proliferation of new skin cells, which slows down as we get older. One study in mice found that NMN led to a 30% increase in skin cell proliferation, which could help keep skin thick, hydrated, and youthful. While more research is needed, this provides potential insight into how NMN might boost skin cell turnover and regeneration in humans.

Benefit #2: Slowed Cardiovascular Aging

NMN boosts NAD+ levels, which is important for healthy mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. As NAD+ levels decrease with age, mitochondrial dysfunction occurs which contributes to cardiovascular aging and disease. By boosting NAD+, NMN may help restore mitochondrial health and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels and the heart.

NMN increases production of nitric oxide, a molecule important for blood vessel health. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow. As we age, nitric oxide production decreases which leads to stiffening and dysfunction of blood vessels. By boosting nitric oxide, NMN may help improve blood vessel function and elasticity, lowering blood pressure and the risk of atherosclerosis.

NMN activates enzymes called sirtuins which protect against cardiovascular aging. The sirtuin enzymes help regulate inflammation and protect cells from damage. Activating sirtuins has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and longevity in animal studies. NMN’s ability to boost sirtuin activity may help slow age-related cardiovascular decline.

NMN reduces oxidative stress and boosts antioxidant levels in the heart and blood vessels. Oxidative stress accumulates in the cardiovascular system with age and causes cell damage. NMN helps boost levels of antioxidants like glutathione that neutralize oxidative stress. By reducing oxidative stress, NMN may minimize age-related cardiovascular damage and dysfunction.

Overall, NMN shows promising potential to slow cardiovascular aging through its effects on NAD+, nitric oxide, sirtuins, and oxidative stress. By targeting these key mechanisms, NMN may help maintain blood vessel health and heart function as we get older. On the other hand, NMN also shows promising potential to slow skin aging. However, you should always talk to your doctor before supplementing with NMN, especially if you have any underlying heart or blood vessel conditions.