Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (“NM”) is a substance that is involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (“NAD”) production, which is related to energy production. NM supplements are designed to increase the body’s production of NAD. The NAD, in turn, is meant to slow down the aging process and to reduce the risk of disease. The big question that arises is whether such supplements are actually useful.
There are a number of NM supplements on the market, such as NMN, Niagen, and Elysium Basis. The main molecule in these supplements is nicotinamide ribosome, a substance that is found in vitamin B and niacin, which is what many supplement brands claim works to increase NAD levels.
But Do NM Supplements Work?
According to a recent article by WebMD, even though there is some research that shows that NADH supplements could provide benefits such as a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol, and an increase in nerve signals, there is still not enough research to determine just how or if these supplements work.
Kaiser Health News addressed the issue of whether NM is the next “fountain of youth” pill in an article. There has been research as to mice, which is promising, but none concerning humans. According to the article, there is currently billions of dollars of investment, hope, and hype concerning NAD boosters. At this point, scientific research has not shown that the molecule works the same way in humans like it does in mice. The hope is that further research and eventual human trials will lead to some answers – but that can be a long time away.
Side Effects
As previously mentioned, there have not been any human trials involving NM and NAD supplements. As a result, there is no way to know whether the supplement can cause side effects. As a result, those who are interested in using such supplements should be cautious as to any claims. Further, another consideration is the dosage amount. Those who decide to take the supplement should also be aware that there is no information as to the dosage levels as well.
Overall, while preliminary studies do show that NM could be effective, there is not enough research for a conclusive answer. Moreover, given the absence of human trials, there is certainly no evidence of its effectiveness or impact upon humans. At the end of the day, whether one takes an NM supplement, in light of the absence of evidence, is a personal decision.
