How do biomarkers change with NMN intake?
Physiological and medical research using molecular biology and genetics has described the mechanism of lifespan and aging. But the way you age is not the same for all. Physiological aging is a natural process, which is the destiny of all living organisms and can increase or decrease because of lifestyle disorders. The additional aging added to your physiological aging is known as pathological aging, which can improve by lifestyle management.
In 2019, the projections of the World Population Prospects from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) the number of people aged 80 will triple in the coming 30 years. But thanks to the advances in public health and modern technology, the world is living longer and healthier.
However, a longer life does not guarantee a healthier life. Your body gets frail as you age, making you more prone to illnesses. But scientists are investigating the molecules that have anti-aging effects and help you not only live longer but healthier as well such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide).
In the present study, researchers determined the effect of oral intake of NMN supplements on various biomarkers. And examined how NMN is an effective nutritional anti-aging supplement.
Let’s discuss what are biomarkers, NMN supplements and their effect on biomarkers.
Biomarkers
Biomarkers are the biological molecules that are present in tissues, body fluids and blood that reflect abnormal and normal body processes. In addition, biomarkers are used to investigate disease conditions.
What is NMN?
It is an important molecule that is present inside all your body cells, also known as NAD+. Cells use this molecule in several important functions, especially in energy production. And this energy is used to activate the protein, which repairs damaged DNA. But with growing age, this molecule declines in your body cells. Several studies have shown that you can maintain a healthy level of NAD+ by supplementing your body with its precursors, NMN.
Study subjects and protocol
Researchers selected 17 subjects (postmenopausal females between 50 to 80 years). Participants having a history of diseases, currently, on treatment, drug allergy or history of surgery were excluded. Hard NMN capsules containing 150 mg of NMN were the test product in the study. Researchers gave two capsules orally per day to the study subjects after breakfast for eight weeks. During the study, researchers advised participants not to change their lifestyles including smoking and drinking and intake of new food. Subjects were also asked not to exercise and avoid late-night sleeping. Researchers measured several biomarkers including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and skin conditions at the start and end of the study. The measurement was taken to evaluate the impact of NMN supplementation on biomarkers.
Effect of NMN supplementation on physical measurements
Results revealed no visible change in physical measurements such as basal metabolic rate, body fat, grip strength and blood pressure. While the BMI of the participating subjects increased from 23 to 23.5.
Effect of NMN supplementation on blood biochemistry
The number of platelets in the blood raised from 25 to 27 µL but the amylase levels declined from 75 to 69 µL. Biomarkers related to metabolism such as HbA1c (biomarker in glucose metabolism) declined from 5.3 to 5.2%. In addition to this, HDL (biomarker in lipid metabolism) decreased from 67 to 72 mg/dL. However, results revealed no change in osteocalcin and type 1 collagen (biomarker for bone metabolism).
Effect of NMN supplementation on Hormones
Adiponectin secrets from fat cells and functions as an inhibitory molecule against lifestyle disorders raised from 13 to 16 µg/mL. On the other hand, no clear effect on cortisol, thyroid hormones and estradiol were observed.
Effect of NMN supplementation on NAD+ synthesis
Results revealed a significant increase in the synthesis of NAD+ in the cells after the supplementation of NMN. The NAD+ production increased from 15 to 17 ng/mL.
Effect of NMN supplementation on skin
Results revealed a significant decrease in six skin-related parameters in study subjects. The parameters were moisture, tension, blemishes, flakiness, eruption and rough skin.
Effect of NMN supplementation on bodily sensations
After the completion of the study, researchers observed several bodily sensations in the study subjects. For example, improvement in skin, better sleep, reduction in fatigue and less muscular pain after working. In addition to this, more positive results were observed such as improved night vision, reduction in weight gain and a warmer body as mentioned in table 1. However, results revealed some negative effects in two participants including diarrhea, drowsiness and dizziness.
The bottom line
The study has reflected several positive changes in different age-related biomarkers. For example, an increase in BMI, better skin condition, a decline in HbA1c and HDL, better sleep quality, better vision and an improved NAD+ synthesis. So, the results suggest that NMN supplementation is a promising tool to slow down aging and enhance healthy life expectancy. In addition, FDA should also approve this compound and define its proper dose level for daily use. Still, its benefits make it promising and attract people for daily use.
References
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/gsr/9/2/9_33/_article/-char/ja/
