Recently in Boston research facilities, a group of old, blind mice regained their eyesight, got stronger muscles, and grew smarter, younger brains, while another group suffered from accelerated aging. According to the leading anti-aging expert David Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, the experiments demonstrate that aging is a reversible process. The research showing how aging can be affected “forwards and backward” was published in the journal Cell in January 2023. In the future, the goal is to slow-down and reverse aging also for humans.

One of the key factors to this is not pharmaceuticals, but novel dietary supplements such as NMN and NR. These are both precursors to NAD+, a coenzyme that plays a key role in cellular energy production and DNA repair. As we age, levels of NAD+ naturally decline, which can contribute to age-related decline in cellular function.

By supplementing with NMN or NR, it

is thought that levels of NAD+ are increased, which may help to support healthy aging, such as activation of sirtuins and DNA repair. These compounds have gained attention in the longevity market as potential anti-aging supplements, with several studies showing promising results in animal models. But what can the dietary supplements then do for us?

Improved Energy Production

NAD+ is essential for producing ATP, the main energy source of the body. As NAD+ levels decline, so does ATP production, which can lead to fatigue, decreased endurance, and reduced physical activity. However, studies have shown that supplementation with NMN and NR can increase NAD+ levels and improve energy metabolism, leading to increased physical activity and reduced fatigue.

Improved Brain Function

NAD+ is also essential for maintaining healthy brain function. Studies have shown that NAD+ depletion in the brain is linked to several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, supplementation with NMN and NR has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in animal models of these diseases.

Improved Immune Function

NAD+ is crucial for the proper function of the immune system. It plays a critical role in regulating the activity of immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, which are essential for fighting infections and diseases. However, NAD+ levels decline with age, which can impair immune function and increase the risk of infections and diseases.

Research has shown that supplementation with NMN and NR can increase NAD+ levels and improve immune function in animal models.

Improved DNA Repair

NAD+ is essential for the repair of damaged DNA, which is a critical process for maintaining healthy cellular function. However, NAD+ levels decline with age, which can impair DNA repair and increase the risk of cancer and other age-related diseases. Studies have shown that supplementation with NMN and NR can increase NAD+ levels and improve DNA repair in animal models.

Increased Lifespan

Several animal studies have shown that supplementation with NMN and NR can increase lifespan. For example, a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that mice supplemented with NMN had increased NAD+ levels, improved energy metabolism, and increased lifespan compared to control mice. While human studies are needed to confirm these findings, the results suggest that NMN and NR could have anti-aging effects in humans.

Improved Metabolic Health

NAD+ is essential for maintaining healthy metabolic functions, such as glucose and lipid metabolism. However, NAD+ levels decline with age, which can impair metabolic function and increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Studies have shown that supplementation with NMN and NR can increase NAD+ levels and improve metabolic function in animal models.