Antiaging supplements are hot right now, targeting everything from skin and hair to metabolism and brain health. The latest to join the ranks is nicotinamide mononucleotide — or NMN — a somewhat tongue-twistering name that’s popping up everywhere, especially among celebrities. These supplements are designed to increase the body’s level of a molecule called NAD+, which plays a key role in cellular energy production and metabolic health.
Mostly Kim Kardashian revealed that she has spent the past year taking NMN supplements, while other well-known celebrities, including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieberand Jennifer Aniston – swear by NAD+ infusion therapy. (Bieber, for example, has said he plans to use it “for the rest of his life” so he “never gets old.”)
NMN supplements are also gaining ground on TikToksome users claim it can reverse aging – but what exactly does the science say? While the role of accessories like melatonin or vitamin patches fairly simple, NMN is a bit… more complicated.
Read on to learn how NMN works, what supplements are supposed to do, and what the research actually shows.
Simple breakdown of NAD+
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) a crucial helper molecule (or coenzyme) found in all living cells. It plays a fundamental role in converting food into energy, repairing DNA and supporting general cellular function.
“NAD+ is essential for healthy cell replication and the formation of almost every process in the body.” Amanda H. Corbett, PharmD, FCCP, FAIHMassociate professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, tells SELF. “Think about how you need hemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body. NAD+ is a similarly critical factor in your body.”
Board certified internist and longevity expert Amanda Kahn, MDtells SELF that NAD+ “is fundamental to lifelong biology because it supports how efficiently our cells produce energy and respond to stress.”
NAD+ levels of course decreases with age. While not everyone will notice the difference, Dr. Kahn says this decrease can lead to lower energy, slower recovery, and reduced physiological flexibility over time.
How the body makes NAD+ – and why NMN is getting so much attention
Your body produces and maintains NAD+ in a few natural ways. Vitamin B3 (niacin and nicotinamide) found in foods such as poultry, fish and whole grainsthe primary food source. So when NAD+ levels begin to decline with age, it seems logical to just increase your B3 intake, right?
