During our research, we found numerous scientific articles detailing NMN. However, most of them were animal studies. We selected an article titled “Use of the Dietary Supplements NR and NMN to Increase Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Impact Mitochondrial Function, and Improve Metabolic Health” because of its clarity in providing the information. The article has different sections on animal and human studies. Most of the articles you read on the internet about NMN supplements have result-related information derived from animal studies. There are significant differences in outcomes between animal and human studies of NMN.
In this article, we have also shared interesting findings related to NMN in anti-ageing skin care.
How did NMN supplements come into the anti-ageing picture?
In both men and women, NAD+ levels decrease with age across organs such as the brain, liver, pancreas, skin, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, leading to age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and other changes that negatively impact longevity and age-related health.
Low NAD+ levels are associated with neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, as mentioned in different research papers.
Every problem has a solution
Problem 1: NAD+ declines with age.
The solution: To replenish NAD+ levels. The first option is to cover the intake through foods such as fish (salmon, tuna, and sardines), dairy products, pork, beef, and turkey.
Problem 2: The NAD+ levels in the food are low
Solution 2: Individuals seeking alternatives to elevate NAD+ levels often turn to dietary supplements containing NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide mononucleotide (β-NMN), to restore NAD+ levels and support various body systems, including cognition, which is a significant concern for ageing adults.
Science behind Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
NMN is a naturally occurring molecule and a nucleotide. It is derived from ribose, nicotinamide, nicotinamide riboside, and niacin.
NMN dietary supplements are marketed for anti-ageing benefits, based primarily on research suggesting that NMN supports NAD+ levels.
NMN is directly involved in the synthesis of NAD+ in cells. It is important to note that NAD+ is required for routine metabolism, converting food into cellular energy. According to the NAD World 3.0, NMN is a key intermediate and central to maintaining NAD+ levels.
NMN may impact different systems of the body and may be beneficial for overall health. It is transported into cells via the Slc12a8 NMN transporter, where it is subsequently converted to NAD+ by NMN/NaMN adenylyltransferases. When NAD+ levels decline, a signal is generated, and Slc12a8 expression is upregulated.
When NMN enters the cell, it is converted to NAD+, and now the list of health benefits of NMN supplements in humans starts:
Benefits of NMN supplements
This section addresses the anti-ageing health benefits of NMN supplements.
NMN for pre-diabetic women
In a 10-week study of overweight postmenopausal women with prediabetes (body mass index 25.3 to 39.1 kg/m2), the effects of NMN supplementation on body composition, skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, insulin signalling, muscle NAD+ content, and the global gene expression profile were examined.
250 mg of daily NMN supplement increased skeletal muscle insulin signaling, insulin sensitivity, and muscle remodelling in these women.
NMN for older adults
Older adults often struggle with poor sleep quality and physical or mental fatigue. These issues directly affect their quality of life. In a study involving 108 participants, the effectiveness of 250 mg of NMN once daily for 12 weeks was studied.
How parameters evaluated in the study?
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Sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
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Fatigue using the “Jikaku-sho shirabe” questionnaire.
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Physical performance using grip strength, 5-times sit-to-stand (5-STS), timed up and go, and 5-m habitual walk.
This study highlighted important findings regarding the optimal timing for NMN supplementation.
Taking NMN in the afternoon improved lower limb function and reduced drowsiness in older adults. The study findings clearly mention the potential of NMN to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue in this age group.
The same study found that consuming an NMN supplement after 18:00 improved sleep quality and significantly reduced drowsiness. This also improves physical performance.
Animal studies:
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Data from animal studies also show that co-administering melatonin (10 mg/kg) and NMN (100 mg/kg) to mice alleviated age-related memory impairment. The combination of these two also reduces mitochondrial dysfunction.
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A study by Mills et al. shows that NMN increases in plasma at 2.5 min and is converted to NAD+ from 10 min onward. There is a significant increase in NAD+ from 30 min.
Anti-ageing effect of NMN supplement
A study evaluated the anti-aging effect of NMN and its safety on 66 healthy subjects between the ages of 40 and 65 years. The subjects took two capsules (each containing 150 mg of NMN dietary supplement Uthever or starch powder) once a day after breakfast. During the 60-day study period, significant changes were observed on days 30 and 60.
At day 30, NAD+/NADH levels in the serum increased by 11.3%. None of the changes were reported in the placebo.
This increase in NAD+/NADH levels reflected the potential of NMN supplement in raising NAD+ levels and was linked to higher energy levels and an anti-ageing effect. At the end of the study, there was a notable increase in the subjects' walking endurance.
NMN in skin ageing: Interesting findings
Skin ageing is associated with both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Ultraviolet radiation (UV), smoking, and air pollution all contribute to skin ageing. One mechanism underlying ageing is a decrease in NAD+ levels.
A study aimed to evaluate the permeability, functionality, and stability of NMN in Cosmetics. Researchers in the study detected the permeation of NMN contained in a yeast‐fermented filtrate (YFF) in vitro using artificial skin membranes (Strat‐M). They found that NMN was stable in the YFF and did not reach the subcutaneous tissue. It also increased collagen production by Fibroblasts in the papillary dermis.
Yeast‐fermented filtrate containing NMN may be a potential cosmetic ingredient, they concluded.
In China, the renowned scientist Rongzhao Fu and his team have developed an anti-ageing skincare product. This cream harnesses the properties of NMN. There are many surprising benefits of NMN for the skin, such as helping it remain youthful while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
The information shared above clearly mentions the remarkable results of NMN in anti-ageing, beauty, and skin care.
Skin ageing is accelerated by environmental factors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation and air pollution.
Based on information shared in the animal studies, NMN could slow accelerated skin aging. It does so by protecting against UV radiation and intestinal bacterial dysfunction.
NMN for hair health
Another study entitled, “Oral Supplementation of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Improves Hair Quality and Subjective Perception of Hair Appearance in Middle-Aged Women” has many interesting findings. This study was conducted in 15 healthy Japanese women aged between 40 and 50 years who orally consumed NMN (Torula yeast-fermented NMN) for 12 weeks. Two important parameters were evaluated: hair quality and fatigue.
There was a significant increase in Anagen hair elongation density and Hair diameter. Hair cuticle condition improved as well.
The VAS questionnaire revealed improvements in hair characteristics such as elasticity, gloss, volume, fatigue, and perceived hair loss. Overall, these improvements suggest an enhanced quality of life.
The study highlights that NMN supplements may benefit hair health by promoting hair growth and improving the condition of the hair cuticle.
Limitations of Current NMN Research
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Most of the studies are short-term, including results from 8-12 weeks of duration. NMN is still being studied for long-term metabolic and ageing outcomes.
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Most of the information shared above comes from small studies that can show trends but not definitive conclusions.
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The most positive human outcomes, as reported above, were observed among postmenopausal women with prediabetes, healthy middle-aged adults, and older Japanese adults. More research is warranted for young adults.
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Dosage of NMN supplements in studies ranges from 250 mg to 900 mg. Optimal dosage remains under research
Consult your healthcare provider before starting NMN supplement.
Sources
Yoshino M, Yoshino J, Kayser BD, Patti GJ, Franczyk MP, Mills KF, Sindelar M, Pietka T, Patterson BW, Imai SI, Klein S. Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 2021 Jun 11;372(6547):1224-1229. doi: 10.1126/science.abe9985. Epub 2021 Apr 22. PMID: 33888596; PMCID: PMC8550608.
Kim, M.; Seol, J.; Sato, T.; Fukamizu, Y.; Sakurai, T.; Okura, T. Effect of 12-Week Intake of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Physical Performance in Older Japanese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 755. Source
Huang H (2022) A Multicentre, Randomised, Double Blind, Parallel Design, Placebo Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Uthever (NMN Supplement), an Orally Administered Supplementation in Middle Aged and Older Adults. Front. Aging 3:851698. doi: 10.3389/fragi.2022.851698
Betsuno R, Yamane T, Tsuji H, Nakajima Y, Imai M, Bamba T, Uchiyama S. Permeation of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) in an Artificial Membrane as a Cosmetic Skin Permeability Test Model. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 May;24(5):e70222. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70222. PMID: 40317586; PMCID: PMC12048825.
Yu B, Jing X, Jia L, Wang M, Liu L, Ping S, Wang Y and Yang M (2024) The versatile multi-functional substance NMN: its unique characteristics, metabolic properties, pharmacodynamic effects, clinical trials, and diverse applications. Front. Pharmacol. 15:1436597. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1436597. Source
Camillo, L.; Zavattaro, E.; Savoia, P. Nicotinamide: A Multifaceted Molecule in Skin Health and Beyond. Medicina 2025, 61, 254. Source, Source
Fukumoto, S.; Ito, M.; Kunitomo, H.; Hataoka, T.; Chiba, T.; Nureki, O.; Fujimoto, T. Oral Supplementation of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Improves Hair Quality and Subjective Perception of Hair Appearance in Middle-Aged Women. Cosmetics 2025, 12, 204. Source
