Outcome
    Limited

    NMN for Sirtuin Activation

    NMN reliably raises NAD+ in humans, which is not the same as improving health.

    Overview

    NMN reliably raises NAD+ in humans, which is not the same as improving health.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Direct NAD+ precursor entering the salvage pathway, increasing substrate for sirtuin activity.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    250-500mg/day
    Expected timeframe
    2-4 weeks for NAD+ rise

    Protocol

    form
    Not applicable; regulatory status contested
    duration
    Not applicable
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent deacetylases, so NAD+ availability can in principle limit their activity, and this is the mechanistic basis for the claim. But sirtuin activity has never been measured in a human NMN trial - the trials measured blood NAD+, insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity and walking speed. Measuring sirtuin activity in living people is technically difficult, requiring tissue biopsy and assessment of substrate acetylation states, which is why it has not been done. The sirtuin field itself has been contentious: early claims about resveratrol activating SIRT1 were substantially revised after the initial assays were found to be artefacts of the fluorophore used, and whether sirtuin activation drives longevity in mammals remains debated.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not established

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Human trials confirm dose-dependent increases in blood NAD+ and some improvements in muscle insulin sensitivity and walking measures. Clinical outcome data remains preliminary.

    Nicotinamide riboside and NAD+ repletion in stem cell and mitochondrial maintenance: evidence review

    Score: 5/10
    2016
    systematic_review

    Zhang H, Ryu D, Wu Y +4 more

    NAD+ repletion rejuvenated muscle stem cells and extended lifespan in aged mice

    View source

    Nicotinamide riboside supplementation raises NAD+ and affects sirtuin signalling in humans: a randomized trial

    Score: 7/10
    2018
    rct
    n=24

    Martens CR, Denman BA, Mazzo MR +5 more

    Nicotinamide riboside effectively doubled NAD+ levels and was well tolerated

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Regulatory status varies by country. Long-term safety data is limited. Avoid with active cancer pending more data.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone: sirtuin activity cannot currently be measured in people and has not been studied.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.