Is NMN Truly Secure? An In-depth Exploration
Research has consistently demonstrated that nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a potent physiological enhancer, offers a multitude of health advantages. For instance, NMN promotes mitochondrial duplication and creation, most likely as a result of reestablishing youthful gene regulation patterns. Through this process, NMN enhances the activation of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a protein deacetylase, which in turn promotes the operation of proteins responsible for cellular rejuvenation, thereby reducing oxidative stress. In light of these benefits, NMN has been dubbed by some as the "fountain of youth."
However, questions naturally arise such as, "Is NMN safe for daily use?" and "What happens when NMN is consumed daily over extended periods?" Preliminary data suggest that NMN is indeed safe for both mice and humans. Moreover, the use of NMN for up to six weeks has not been associated with any negative health outcomes. Evidence includes studies demonstrating that a daily dose of up to 1200 mg over six weeks does not cause adverse health impacts.
NMN: A Safe Supplementation for Twelve Weeks Without Side Effects
Further evidence in support of NMN's safety comes from a clinical study that examined the impact of NMN on skeletal muscle over a twelve-week period. The study found that a daily dose of 250 mg for six weeks had no adverse safety implications for men above 65 years of age. Over twelve weeks, a daily 250 mg dosage of NMN led to improved muscle function and mobility. The study monitored physiological indicators including blood chemistry markers, liver enzymes, and kidney function indicators.
The study's findings were summed up by Yamauchi and colleagues who stated, "Supplementation of 250 mg of NMN daily for 12 weeks in healthy old men was safe, well tolerated, and significantly increased NAD+ and NAD+ metabolites in whole blood. Moreover, NMN led to improvements in muscle strength and performance. Therefore, chronic oral administration of NMN could be an effective strategy for preventing age-related muscle disorders."
In a separate study conducted by Klein and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, they found that administering a daily dose of 250 mg to women above 65 years of age for ten weeks significantly improved metabolism. They concluded, "NMN supplementation at 250 mg/day enhances skeletal muscle insulin signaling, insulin sensitivity, and muscle remodeling in postmenopausal women with prediabetes who are overweight or obese."
Ongoing Clinical Trials Assessing NMN Safety
As of now, three clinical trials are underway in the US, as listed on clinicaltrials.gov, to further explore NMN's safety. However, there are no public safety trials happening in countries like China and Japan. One of these trials, named "Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) in Healthy Adults," is actively seeking healthy volunteers. The study is being conducted by Vitalab Clinics in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the results have yet to be published. The estimated completion date for this study is March 15, 2022.
Another study listed on clinicaltrials.gov, titled "Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Uthever NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, a Form of Vitamin B3)," conducted by the Swasthiye Clinic and Research Center in India, has been completed but the results have not been published yet.
Lastly, the Clinical Trials website also lists a study named "To Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of NMN as an Anti-ageing Supplement in Middle-Aged and Older (45-69 Years) Adults." This study examined the safety of administering 900 mg of NMN daily over a 60-day period. The study concluded in September 2021; however, the results have not yet been made available.
Need for Long-Term NMN Safety Studies
So far, no study has indicated any adverse effects on human blood chemistry or cardiovascular health resulting from NMN use. Additionally, NMN has shown promising signs of improving muscle function, immunity, and metabolism. However, more research is required to determine the long-term effects of NMN usage, and whether there are any potential negative health consequences that could arise from using NMN over a year or longer.