As research continues into longevity science, we’re learning more about healthy aging – and NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, is playing a big role. The very process of aging is intrinsically tied to NAD (short for another mouthful – nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an essential cellular component in all living things. It has a hand in countless biological processes, and it’s non-negotiable for life as we know it. But as the years pass, NAD production begins a downward spiral, bringing with it all the hallmarks of aging. Longevity scientists have discovered that NAD precursors, such as NMN supplements, can boost NAD production, effectively rolling back the biological clock. Intriguing, no? Imagine the potential when an advanced NMN formula, like Wonderfeel Youngr™, which is reviewed as the best NMN supplement, is used to optimize these effects. There’s a lot to understand, and we’re covering it all in this complete guide to NMN supplements for healthy aging.
NAD, NMN, and Cellular Health
As we’ve already established, NAD works within every cell to facilitate the very important jobs of various enzymes and proteins, including sirtuins. This family of proteins regulates homeostasis in the cells, something that ultimately impacts everything from inflammation and detoxification to stress management and circadian rhythms. Notably, sirtuins can’t do their job properly without NAD. They’re entirely NAD-dependent, as we get older, that inevitably becomes an issue. By the time we hit age 50, our NAD levels have languished to half what they were when we were 20. Meanwhile, health conditions are typically ramping up – things like reduced energy levels, a foggier mind, poor eyesight, brittle bones, wrinkles, and a weaker immune system. Isn’t aging great?!
Guess what else is happening? You guessed it – sirtuin function is declining right alongside that faltering NAD production. But there is good news. As NAD production increases, so does sirtuin activity, and more NAD/sirtuin action is a good thing for healthy aging.
All of this explains why NAD is increasingly being recognized in the biological process of aging. Even more exciting? Boosting production with high-quality NAD precursors, like NMN, is proving to be a wildly effective strategy for changing the way you age.
What’s NMN and How Does it Work?
NMN is an immediate precursor to NAD. It has its very own transporter, Slc12a8, which shuttles the NMN molecule directly into the cells where it’s used for NAD production. That’s really its claim to fame, along with an impressive safety profile and a laundry list of benefits.
NMN is naturally occurring in various fruits and vegetables, but supplementation is the wiser strategy here. You’d need to consume truly copious amounts of broccoli, cabbage, avocado, and the like to accumulate even a negligible amount of NMN. We’ll cover this later, the right dose is key. Spoiler – more is really better.
Exploring the Benefits of NMN
Research into the specific role of best NMN applications for various conditions has been underway for some time. Here’s what all that science has churned out:
- A positive effect on healthy aging. A peer-review study notes that “taken orally, NMN is rapidly absorbed and converted to NAD. In numerous studies, supplementation with NMN has increased NAD biosynthesis, suppressed age-related adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced insulin secretion, and insulin action, improved mitochondrial function, improved neuronal function in the brain, and more.” Worth noting – the World Health Organization included aging in its 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases. In fact, aging has been aptly described as a “cascade of robustness breakdown triggered by a decrease in systemic NAD biosynthesis and the resultant functional defects in susceptible organs and tissues.”
- Improved muscle function. After conducting a recent trial on amateur runners, researchers found that NMN increased human aerobic capacity during exercise and theorized it’s likely the result of enhanced oxygen utilization in skeletal muscle.
- Improvement in metabolic disorders. Obesity is one of the most common diseases today, and animal studies are making promising discoveries about the role of NAD boosters in countering the effects of high-fat diets, reducing body weight, and improving energy levels. Results of a small clinical trial found that women with prediabetes taking NMN for 10 weeks had an improved muscular ability to process sugar.
- Increased lifespan. We know this is true if you’re a mouse, and researchers are actively studying whether we can say the same for humans. Stay tuned!
- Improved cognitive function. Rodent studies support the theory that NMN improves several vital functions in the brain, including improved cognition and memory in models of Alzheimer’s disease.
- More energy. Clinical evidence is a little limited on this benefit, but there are mice studies that show an increase in both stamina and endurance by up to 80% with NMN. And anecdotal evidence here abounds.
WebMD has a robust overview of NMN’s benefits as well, noting that it’s “used for improving mental clarity, alertness, concentration, and memory; as well as for treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia … improving athletic performance and treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) … treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, jet lag, depression, and Parkinson’s disease; opposing alcohol’s effects on the liver; reducing signs of aging; and protecting against the side effects of an AIDS drug called zidovudine (AZT).”
Why is Wonderfeel Youngr™ Rated as the Best NMN Supplement?
At Wonderfeel, we take pride in the recognition Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN has garnered as the best NMN supplement. Developed with the expertise of Professor Andrew Salzman, a Harvard MD, our formula represents a fusion of scientific innovation and wellness.
Esteemed publications such as Healthline, Buoy Health, Health News, Longevity Technology, Mercury News, and Miami Herald have recognized Wonderfeel as the pioneers in the wellness space and rated the Wonderfeel formula as the best NMN supplement in the market.
“Wonderfeel is the gold standard of rejuvenation developed in San Francisco.”
Buoy Health
“Wonderfeel Youngr™ has set a benchmark in the NMN supplement space.”
Mercury News
“Embark on an age-defying journey with the help of Wonderfeel, – it’s the best on our list.”
Miami Herald
Featuring an advanced 900mg NMN per serving, Wonderfeel Youngr™ goes beyond the norm in potency. Its carefully crafted blend of antioxidants and sirtuin activators directly addresses cellular aging.
The endorsement of Dr. Mark Hyman, one of the most respected voices in functional medicine, further validates Wonderfeel’s status as a top choice. His choice of Youngr™, after evaluating various NAD supplements, resonates with our dedication to scientifically grounded, health-promoting solutions.
Does NMN have healthy anti-aging benefits?
While nothing can out-and-out roll back the clock, NMN has a profound effect on both the aging process and healthspan. We already know that restoring NAD in the body to more youthful levels has an impressive impact, evidenced by what we’ve outlined above. And while the idea of healthy aging is certainly open to interpretation, we can all agree that it involves staying healthy and strong enough to be active, with a sharp mind, and a younger-than-your-years appearance. We now understand that NAD is the engine running in the background, regenerating cells inside and out. Picture skin cell replenishment that was so abundant in youth – the kind that gave you that radiant glow. And in that case, the value of boosting NAD with a supplement like NMN most certainly offers anti-aging benefits.
NAD precursors: NMN vs NR
NMN isn’t the only NAD precursor on the block. NR, or nicotinamide riboside, is equally well-known. In fact, it’s been in use longer. It’s a smaller molecule than NMN, but in order to convert to NAD in a cell, NR must first be converted to NMN. You can find various opinions on NR and NMN, and it’s true that both compounds effectively increase NAD in the body, which is the goal, and both are considered safe for human consumption. But from our perspective, NMN is simply the best option, with no conversion step necessary.
What’s the best method of delivery for NMN?
Choosing the right NMN delivery method is crucial for maximizing its benefits. Capsules are currently the preferred method in scientific research due to their proven ability to increase NAD levels effectively.
Liposomal and sublingual methods, while innovative, lack scientific evidence to support their claims of enhanced bioavailability over capsules. Dr. Andrew Salzman, Chief Medical Officer at Wonderfeel, emphasizes the complexities of these alternative delivery methods, noting the need for more research and direct comparisons to establish their effectiveness. For now, capsules remain the gold standard in NMN supplementation, backed by solid scientific evidence and widespread use in the scientific community.
Why not take NAD instead of NMN?
Taking NAD itself isn’t an efficient means of increasing cellular NAD, since there is no known mechanism in the body that can accomplish this. Instead, your best bet is an NAD precursor, simply because they’re more easily absorbed in the body and made of sturdier stuff to make it through the digestive system. Once they make it to the cell, they’re easily converted to NAD. And really, that’s the goal.
But whether you opt for NMN or NR, oral supplementation is your best bet. Intravenous drips have limited benefits and notable drawbacks. First, it’s an investment both in terms of the typical price tag and the time you’ll spend hooked up to the IV – hundreds of dollars and up to four hours a session. Second, NAD does not easily pass into the cell, and clinical studies are very limited in showing any benefits of taking NAD through IV, though anecdotal stories abound. This paper, for example, states that 11 men given 750 mg (2 mg/min) show blood plasma NAD levels don’t rise for the first two hours, meaning the NAD is rapidly degraded.
If the idea is replicating what your own body does so effortlessly – produce NAD – then supplementing with a daily NMN capsule is the better mimic. You’ll consistently benefit from a steady supply of NAD instead of getting a huge hit once a month from the IV. It’s a much more sustained approach to healthy aging.
How are NMN supplements made?
This is a great question and one that too few people ask. In general, there are three methods of manufacturing NMN:
- Chemical synthesis. This method is both expensive and labor intensive, but the yield is suitable for mass production, and there are ways to control the raw starting materials to originate from biological systems. Big drawbacks to this method include solvents that are highly damaging to the environment and impurities and by-products that can be tricky to remove from the finished product.
- Enzymatic synthesis. Considered a “green preparation” method, this is an expensive method with a higher yield and very high purity. The finished NMN is also stable, easily absorbed, and lightweight, with low density and a low molecular structure. It’s what Wonderfeel uses in its products.
- Fermentation biosynthesis. This method has high quality but a very low yield, so it’s not ideal for commercial production.
Our NMN is produced via enzymatic synthesis with starting material cloned from an upstanding member of the Saccharomycetales order, and for that, Wonderfeel Youngr™ is regarded as the best NMN supplement by top health journals and experts. It’s a food-grade yeast that has many admirable traits that position it perfectly for use in the food and biotech industries. Bonus points – this NMN is “generally considered as safe” (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the conditions of its intended use, and it has a “qualified presumption of safety” from the European Food Safety Authority.
Our non-GMO NMN supplement is manufactured in the USA at cGMP-certified facilities. Whatever NMN supplement you choose, make sure it can say the same. An NMN supplement could show 99% purity, but there’s a huge risk of impurities that could be detrimental to your health if it comes from a non-GMP facility used for chemical manufacturing.
Keep in mind that dietary supplements, including NMN, have no requirement to be proven safe and effective before coming to market. Instead, they’re subject to postmarket enforcement by the FDA. The onus is on the consumer to shop wisely and look for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production methods.
Is NMN safe as a healthy aging supplement?
Assuming that you’ve purchased your NMN from a reputable company, yes, NMN supplements are safe. Rodent and human studies to date have flagged no cause for alarm concerning toxicity:
- A 2020 human clinical toxicity study at Keio University focused specifically on safety and concluded that NMN can be safely administered to people. Study participants were administered a daily dose of 100, 250, or 500 mg of NMN over three years. No negative side effects on physiological measurements, such as heart rate or blood pressure, were reported.
- The amateur runner study referenced above included three dosage groups of 300 mg, 600, and 1,200 mg per day. The trial didn’t focus on safety, but there were no negative side effects reported at any dosage.
- A 2021 study from the University of Tokyo focused on the effect of 250 mg of NMN daily for 12 weeks. Spoiler – no negative side effects.
- A study from the School of Medicine at Washington University likewise analyzed the effects of 250 mg of NMN per day, this time over ten weeks. Once again – no negative side effects, just positive health benefits.
- One of the most recent clinical trials administered placebo, 300, 600, and 900 mg doses to people in four groups. No signs of toxicity were observed at any amount. People in the 900 mg group experienced the most positive effects.
Again, we’ll emphasize the importance of choosing your NMN supplement with care. Bargain basement pricing or zero information about ingredients or production methods are all red flags about the quality of a product. Do your homework and go with the companies that are forthcoming about what they’re doing.
What is David Sinclair’s Experience with NMN Dosage and Safety?
In a clinical trial with adults between 55 and 80 years old led by Professor David Sinclair conducted in 2023, it turned out that even taking up to 2000 mg of NMN daily is quite safe. Over a fortnight, participants were given 1000 mg doses of a particular NMN variant known as MIB-626, either once or twice a day, or a placebo for comparison. Everyone, including those on the highest NMN doses, experienced no notable negative side effects, highlighting how well our bodies can tolerate NMN. This discovery really cements the idea that NMN is safe for human use and paves the way for further studies into how it might help with various health issues.
Is it OK to Take NMN Every Day?
Absolutely! Taking NMN on a daily basis can be a game-changer for your health. As we age, our body’s NAD levels naturally decrease, impacting our overall wellness. Regularly supplementing with NMN helps to replenish these declining NAD levels, mirroring the energy and vitality we enjoyed in our youth. Remember, the journey to revitalized health with NMN is a marathon, not a sprint; consistent, daily intake is essential for the best results.
Best Dosing Recommendations for NMN Supplements
Dosing recommendations vary depending on where you look or who you ask. Many of the studies to date looked at relatively low doses, in the 250 mg range. Until recently, NMN production was almost prohibitively expensive, so the lower dose was key for a cost-effective product. Still, many health and longevity experts had a hunch that these so-called ‘healthy aging‘ benefits wouldn’t emerge using a lower NMN dose. Harvard’s David Sinclair, one of the most well-known longevity researchers, personally takes a full 1,000 mg daily dose.
In our own research, we looked at the most recent and the largest clinical trial to date, which assessed the effects of placebo, 300, 600, and 900 mg doses. Researchers measured three specific markers at the beginning and end of the 60-day study:
- NAD levels in the blood
- Performance in a six-minute walking endurance test
- SF-36 questionnaire, an internationally recognized scoring system of measurement for a person’s overall health
While all three NMN groups performed significantly better than the placebo group, the 900 mg group outperformed them all. It confirms what longevity experts have suspected all along – higher doses work better.
- The amateur runner trial investigated the effects of NMN in three dosage groups — 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1,200 mg per day, plus a control group. The biggest impact for improved aerobic capacity occurred in the medium and high dosage groups – a dose that averages out to 900 mg per day.
What’s the Best NMN and Resveratrol Combination Supplement?
Professor Salzman MD, a Harvard MD and renowned drug inventor whose work resulted in over 30 discoveries addressing over 100 diseases, has worked on the Wonderfeel formula that combines NMN with resveratrol. Wonderfeel dosing is specific to our patented formula which combines NMN with resveratrol, as well as with hydroxytyrosol, and ergothioneine, and the primary reason of this special mix is because of their effects on sirtuin activation.
In crafting Wonderfeel Youngr™, we’ve harnessed the superhero-like powers of resveratrol at lower doses, which is known to protect against cellular decay and support heart health, without the potential pitfalls of higher doses. This precise 100 mg dose of resveratrol per serving, chosen based on scientific evidence, works in concert with NMN to activate sirtuin genes, thereby enhancing NAD levels essential for optimal cellular function. This synergy is crucial, avoiding the risks associated with higher doses of resveratrol, which can disrupt cellular processes and impede healing. By combining this with NMN, ergothioneine, and hydroxytyrosol, Wonderfeel Youngr™ offers a balanced, effective approach to cellular health, steering clear of the controversies surrounding high-dose resveratrol.
Furthermore, there’s another reason – the ability of NMN and NAD to be effective on a cellular level relates to low oxidative stress. By bundling these novel compounds with our NMN, we’ve created an effective cellular shield that effectively delivers NMN to the cell so it can get to work.
A daily serving size of Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN is two capsules. A single capsule contains 450 mg NMN, 50 mg of resveratrol, 10 mcg of vitamin D3, 10 mg hydroxytyrosol, and 2 mg of ergothioneine, so our recommendation equals a daily dose of 900 mg of NMN. It’s a safe, effective amount based on the most current research and the clinical experience of the Wonderfeel experts.
When does NMN start working?
While we’d love to tell you definitively when the effects of NMN will become noticeable to you, there is simply no single answer that applies to everyone. Your NAD levels will begin rising pretty quickly after you down a pair of NMN capsules, but the noticeable effects of that increase could vary anywhere from a few weeks to six months. This is where the best NMN supplements come into play, as they are typically formulated for optimal bioavailability and efficiency.
That makes sense – everyone is different, after all. What’s more, the build-up of NAD, just like the decline, is gradual, so it’s best to assume a wait-and-see approach. It can be particularly helpful to jot down daily notes about how you’re feeling in terms of energy or a clear mind or sleep quality, just so you have a record to look back through to really gauge results.
The bottom line on healthy aging.
Longevity science as a whole is still in its infancy, but exciting research continues to unfold. What we know beyond a doubt is that NAD and NMN can make a difference in healthy aging. Pairing a high-quality NMN supplement, like our own Wonderfeel Youngr™, with the other hallmarks of a healthy lifestyle, can roll back that biological clock to a much more youthful state.