What is the nutrient NMN?

The full name of NMN is beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide. It is a small molecule substance that is synthesized by the human body and can be ingested in small amounts from daily foods such as broccoli, avocado, and raw beef. Its core identity is the precursor of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)—and NAD+ is a key coenzyme involved in thousands of physiological reactions such as human energy metabolism, DNA repair, and inflammation regulation. The older you get, the lower the NAD+ level in your body is, which is why many people associate it with anti-aging.

Two years ago, when I was helping my elders choose anti-aging supplements, I read a lot of information. I also asked friends who were doing nutrition research, and found that this product is actually much more controversial than popular perception. The animal experimental data that have been published so far are indeed very beautiful. Whether it is the conclusion that supplementing NMN in elderly mice reverses muscle decline, improves exercise endurance, or improves metabolic indicators and repairs damaged DNA, it is supported by research from top journals such as Cell and Nature. This is the core reason why it is popular in the global supplement circle.

But when it comes to people, the situation is much more complicated. At present, most of the human clinical trials around the world have small sample sizes and short periods. There is not enough evidence to prove that long-term use of NMN can really help people delay aging, and there is no clear long-term safe dosage standard. The reactions of different people after taking it vary greatly. Several friends of mine who work in the Internet industry took one pill when they were working on a project in the middle of the night. They said they would not be as dizzy when they woke up the next day, and even coffee could not save them. Some friends took it regularly for almost a month, but there was no change in their physical sensations. There was also a 30-year-old girl who had acne all over her face after taking it for a week, and it took less than half a month for it to slowly subside.

What’s more important to note is that our country has not yet approved the production and sale of NMN as a general food raw material. It can only be used as a health food raw material or cosmetic raw material. Don’t believe the “imported original miracle medicine” boasted in the circle of friends. Last year, there was an aunt in my neighborhood who listened to door-to-door sales and spent more than 2,000 yuan to buy three bottles of NMN, which is said to be "reversible for 10 years of growth." After taking it for ten days, she felt dizzy, nauseated, and her blood pressure soared. She sent her to the hospital for an investigation and found out that the three-no products contained illegally added hormones, which were purely for IQ tax purposes.

To put it bluntly, NMN is more like a "metabolic auxiliary" for the body. It is not an elixir that can cure all diseases. If you really want to try it, you must first choose a compliant product with a formal blue hat logo. If you have underlying diseases or are taking other drugs, it is best to ask your doctor for advice first. Don't be fooled by the exaggerated propaganda of the merchants and spend money randomly.