The fountain of youth has long held appeal, but in the real world, the myth of some magical elixir gives way to more pragmatic methods of staving off the hallmarks of age. Even among those committed to aging gracefully, who wouldn’t want more energy, a sharper memory, healthier cellular function, an improved metabolism, or greater fertility? It’s the stuff of legends, in its own way, but research is showing us quite clearly that it’s all possible. Even as you read this, researchers are in the midst of major breakthroughs, with NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) the latest and greatest compound in aging science. There’s plenty of reason to be excited, but does NMN actually reverse aging? It’s important to recognize the difference between lifespan and healthspan before answering a question like that. Here’s what the science says about NMN and whether it truly reverses aging.
Understanding NMN’s anti-aging claims: A look at the science
Aging is the process of becoming older, and there’s something to be said for all the wisdom we gain along the way. But it’s the physical and psychological symptoms of that process that really stick it to us. In a world filled with people who are living longer than ever before, aging well has never been more important. And while the specifics will vary, we can probably all agree that aging well probably describes some version of staying healthy enough to be active, with strong cognitive function — with bonus points for looking and feeling relatively youthful.
If we take a deep dive into what’s actually happening as we age, we very quickly run across NAD, a molecule with a very important role in every single cell in our bodies. Without it, innumerable enzymes and proteins can’t do their jobs, to catastrophic effect. Unfortunately, declining NAD levels are associated with all kinds of age-related diseases — and the very process of aging itself. Truly, languishing NAD is just part of growing older.
Enter NMN. As a NAD precursor, NMN cannot only stop that decline in its tracks, but actually turn the tide, raising NAD levels to more youthful levels. And the impact of that is impressive. To date, clinical studies with mice and people alike are more than promising. A few key takeaways:
- NMN increases energy levels. In mice studies, stamina and endurance improved by up to 80%. For people, having more energy is a standard reported effect from taking sufficient levels of NMN. A review of NMRN research through May of 2024 concluded that long-term intake of NMN can increase NAD concentrations in the body, boosting the energy metabolism efficiency of mitochondria and enhancing the body’s ability to consume energy as well.
- NMN improves cognitive function. Feeling “sharper” and better able to focus and concentrate is another reported effect of taking NMN. In mice, studies clearly show an increase in brain functioning, with more blood flow to the brain and improved cognition.
- NMN boosts metabolism. An aging metabolism means a greater risk of multiple diseases, and a human study shows the role of NMN in improving muscle insulin sensitivity by enhancing the ability of insulin to trigger sugar uptake while also increasing specific gene activity. Researchers note that it could be a sign of NMN’s potential as a tool against age-related disease. As for the enhanced energy consumption noted in the 2024 review we reference above, it also helps improve overall metabolic rate.
- NMN improves age-related decline in mice. Think about what it means to get older, and we likely picture more wrinkles, gray hair, poor eyesight, brittle bones, and a weaker immune system. All of these age-related deteriorations — minus the hair — improve in mice taking NMN.
- NMN increases libido. Some people taking NMN report a stronger libido, and mice studies show it can also improve fertility.
Does NMN boost libido?
Vitality is often associated with virility and fertility, both of which are linked to libido. Unfortunately, aging can also rob us of a robust libido — both men and women experience a nosedive in sex drive as they age. Blame it on hormonal changes, underlying health conditions, or external factors like stress or medications — but don’t overlook the reduction in NAD we experience as we get older. The decline in NAD production associated with aging — with a loss of up to 30% by age 60 compared to age 45 — overlaps with the average onset of menopause for women and a drop in testosterone production for men. Coincidence? Probably not. Quick aside: While conversations around testosterone are generally geared to men, women produce this sex hormone as well. It’s essential for all sorts of important things—bone density and muscle mass, cognitive and sexual function, mood and energy. Like men, women’s testosterone levels gradually decline as a result of age, and they can nosedive abruptly following specific medical procedures, like oophorectomy. In fact, testosterone supplementation may be considered for menopausal women experiencing a loss of libido if hormone replacement therapy isn’t doing the trick.
Optimal NAD levels play a key role in energy production and cellular health, and both factor into sexual wellness. While research into the precise role of NAD precursors like NMN on libido and sexual health is scarce, there are links that can be sensibly made. Take the fact that increased NAD levels are associated with improved blood flow — an important factor in sexual response. High NAD levels can also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are deterrents to sexual function. By supporting healthy NAD levels, it’s probable that NMN can help maintain and even improve sexual health. Anecdotal evidence backs this up — a number of people who supplement with NMN report a stronger libido. Mice studies, meanwhile, show that it can improve fertility. At this point, we can’t definitively say that NMN boosts libido, but the evidence is promising (so stay tuned!).
The impact of NMN on physical signs of aging: Wrinkles and skin health
For several years now, A-listers like Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have been vocal fans of “NAD-ing” to keep the signs of aging at bay. It’s a topic Forbes contributor Rebecca Suhrawardi covers at length in her piece, “NMN And NAD: Hot Topics In Beauty And Longevity” — and you may recognize our very own Baran Dilaver and Patricia Ryan in the story! For many people, celebrities included, “it’s the improvement of one’s beauty that’s the biggest gateway to [NAD] supplementation,” Suhrawardi writes. “Attempting to stall or reverse the signs of getting older is what gravitates many people towards using NMN to boost NAD.”
So how exactly does it work? It’s pretty straightforward. NMN increases hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness for a more youthful appearance. It also enhances the skin’s ability to repair UV-induced damage (the biggest contributor to wrinkles and crepey skin, don’t you know) by increasing NAD levels, which makes the nucleotide excision repair process more efficient. This is the system that addresses DNA lesions and reduces the risk of photoaging and skin cancer. Plus, NMN reduces inflammation and activates key enzymes to repair DNA and defend against UV rays (the biggest contributor to wrinkles and skin damage). As for thinning locks, another hallmark of age, NMN helps promote growth and combats thinning by reversing follicle atrophy and oxidative damage. And effects are noticeable within just a few months.
Is Age Reversal Truly Possible with NMN and NAD Supplements?
There are other studies that show various benefits of NMN specifically on markers of aging in older animals, and more clinical studies are underway with people, too. The big takeaway is that by boosting NAD in the body, NMN can help improve function at the cellular level, triggering a domino effect of benefits that cascade through the body. But does NMN reverse aging? That really depends on who you ask and how they define it.
Here’s the thing. There’s no shortage of lengthy and well-funded longevity studies. Researchers are actively exploring how we can add not only years to our lives, but quality years at that — years marked by a healthy body and the energy and mental acuity to continue all the things we love. As these studies continue and advances are made, NMN absolutely falls into the scientific breakthrough category.
We know, beyond any doubts, that raising NAD levels has tremendous value for our health in multiple ways. And it’s available here and now! Wonderfeel’s Youngr™ NMN — a patented blend with ergothioneine derived from mushrooms, hydroxytyrosol from olives, and resveratrol from grapes, all powerful antioxidants that complement and enhance the effects of NMN – is designed to raise NAD levels to more youthful levels. Whether or not you consider that to be truly reversing aging is up to you. Either way, we invite you to try Wonderfeel so you can be the judge.