What is NMN: Benefits, Side Effects

NMN is the helpful acronym for the term nicotinamide mononucleotide—a phrase we like to avoid saying because it gets most of us tongue-tied.

While NMN is a naturally occurring molecule found in foods like avocado, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, and edamame, NMN supplements have recently taken center stage due to their high concentration and potential to support various aspects of health.

Although NMN was discovered as a crucial metabolic compound back in 1963, longevity researchers have only recently pinpointed its anti-aging properties because of its status as a precursor to another molecule known as NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme—meaning, it’s a “helper” molecule that assists other enzymes to do their jobs properly—and is found in virtually every cell in the human body.

It’s involved with processes ranging from brain cell growth to repairing DNA damage to helping our mitochondria generate cellular energy from food. 

Without enough NAD+, our cells, organs, and tissues can’t function properly—and without any NAD+ in our body, we’d die almost instantly. 

Despite its essentiality, NAD+ levels decline with age, leading to accelerated aging and age-associated physiological decline, like the development of age-related diseases.