How To Grow Old Gracefully: The Science Of Aging

Younger people may underestimate the pains that come with aging. Age-related decline often gives rise to poorer sleep quality, changing blood pressure, and weaker immune systems, contributing to a more fragile body. This is an inevitable part of life, but advancements in medical research have paved the way for novel therapeutics that may make slow aging much more possible.

What happens when we grow old

As we get older, age-related issues and illnesses tend to appear. Scientific research shows that many of these issues generally stem from the erosion of telomeres. Telomeres are protective caps of repeated DNA sequences found at the end of our chromosomes, and they prevent our protein-coded genes from being degraded.

Every time the cell divides, telomeres get shorter until they are depleted, and the genes themselves are threatened. When the actual DNA is eroded, people become highly prone to age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Image from “Effects of Psychological Stress on Telomeres as Genome Regulators”

While diet and exercise would undoubtedly aid in healthy longevity, an inconsistent lifestyle may still lead to compounding health problems. To combat this, there have been several novel therapeutics developed. The goal is to reverse the aging process, and increase life expectancy, and, ultimately, quality of life. One of the most promising fields of research involves NMN, specifically replenishing these telomeres through NMN’s anti-aging properties.

What is NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide)?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring molecule in all mammalian cells. What’s more, NMN is a direct precursor to the life-preserving enzyme Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), which plays a vital role in cellular functions such as DNA repair, cell metabolism, and the prevention of many age-related diseases. As an essential molecule in the human body, NMN appears to be the key to generating the body’s fuel molecule, ATP, via oxidative phosphorylation, which provides the body with energy. However, our bodies face decreased NMN production with age, leading to lower NAD levels.

Given that NAD provides cellular energy, it’s central to several cellular functions such as enzyme activity, gene expression, cell signalling, and DNA repair. Emphasizing DNA repair, telomere erosion would eventually lead to the cell facilitating a DNA repair response to continue functioning.

DNA repair uses up cellular resources, including NAD. The continuous damage to DNA would drain cellular resources that may impair other cellular pathways. To counter any loss, NMN research suggests taking NMN as a dietary supplement that can directly contribute to altered NAD metabolism and boost the DNA repair process to combat aging.

The health benefits of NMN supplements

Nicotinamide mononucleotide benefits have been gaining increased attention recently due to its anti-aging properties. Aside from repairing DNA damage, there are several known NMN benefits found in previous studies.

Improved Mitochondrial Functions

A mitochondrial study of animal models showed significant improvements with higher NMN levels. In particular, NMN supplementation works alongside NAD, and nicotinamide riboside (NR) plays a role in minimizing mitochondrial damage, which increases cell survival.

Furthermore, studies by Washington University School have found that oral administration of NMN supplements led to increased body temperature, which indicates higher energy and cell metabolism. With increased energy production, people have better insulin sensitivity and are at lower risk of age-associated weight gain, protecting them from metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.

Alleviation of Age-Associated Physiological Decline

A study on cognitive impairment in older mice has found that taking NMN can restore cognition, even with obstructed blood flow to the brain due to vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Furthermore, NMN restores NAD levels, preserves brain cells, and stimulates neuronal DNA repair allowing for higher cognitive function.

Mitigate Muscle Deterioration

With age, our muscles tend to decline in strength and endurance. In a clinical trial hosted by the University of Tokyo, older but healthy Japanese men who underwent a 12-month NMN supplementation program were found to have positive physical changes. Not only did their blood NAD levels double, but their walking speed and endurance also improved from long-term administration. These were good indicators of preventing skeletal muscle aging.

Although human trials with NMN are limited, current research has shown promising results. If you’re interested in taking NMN dietary supplements, it’s important to seek professional medical advice to ensure NMN is right for you.