NMN - The anti-aging Nootropic
What are NMN and NAD+?
Nicotinamide mononucleotide, abbreviated as NMN, is a nucleotide derived from ribose and nicotinamide. Humans have enzymes that can convert NMN into NAD+ through Slc12a8 NMN transporter. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, abbreviated as NAD, is crucial in cell metabolism. It exists in two forms, an oxidized form (NAD+) and reduced form (NADH).
Importance of NAD+
NAD+ has multiple crucial roles in metabolism. It can act as a donor of ADP-ribose moieties in ADP-ribosylation reactions, a coenzyme in redox reactions, a precursor of cyclic ADP-ribose and a substrate for bacterial DNA ligases and sirtuins. Furthermore, NAD+ can have important extracellular roles too since NAD+ can be released from cells by regulated cell mechanisms.
Relation between NAD+ and aging
NAD + depletion has been linked to multiple hallmarks of aging. In aging animal models, NAD + replenishment is shown to improve lifespan via DNA repair and mitochondrial maintenance. Researchers have shown that NAD+ supplementation can inhibit multiple aging features in animal models. This suggests that NAD+ repletion may have broad benefits in maintaining healthy aging.
Ways to enhance cellular NAD+ levels
NAD+ can be created from the intake of food that contains nicotinic acid (niacin) or NAD+ precursors including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) or nicotinamide riboside (NR). There are various natural ways to enhance cellular NAD+ levels in our body. Milk, yeast, asparagus and many other food contains high level of NAD+ precursors that give your body raw materials it needs to generate NAD+. Regular exercise can also help NAD+ production in our body. Thanks to the scientific advance, now you can get all the NAD+ you need from supplement.
