Welcome to CMG Breaking News:
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) now permitted in Australia
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is now a permitted ingredient for Listed Medicines (AUST L) and Assessed Listed Medicines (AUST L(A)) in Australia.
Introduction
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a bioactive nucleotide that has amassed significant attention in recent years due to its potential as a therapeutic agent for various age-related health issues. NMN serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a crucial coenzyme involved in numerous biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signalling.
“With nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) now being a permitted ingredient in Australia, we are in an exciting period of enhancing health, not just for healthy ageing and longevity, but for energy metabolism, cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, motor function, sleep quality, and beyond.”
Dr Brad McEwen PhD, MHSc, MPH, BHSc
Naturopath, Nutritionist, Educator, Researcher, Health advocate
NAD⁺ and NMN levels in ageing
The process of ageing is characterised by a series of biological changes known as the Hallmarks of Ageing. These hallmarks encompass a range of phenomena that contribute to the decline in cellular function and organismal health over time. The Hallmarks of Ageing include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, disabled macroautophagy, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis.
As people reach middle age, the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) in the body decline significantly, often dropping to approximately 50% of what they were during youth. This reduction is accompanied by a decrease in NMN levels, which are crucial for the synthesis of NAD⁺. Furthermore, the ageing process itself has been shown to hinder the body’s ability to convert NMN into NAD⁺, thereby exacerbating the decline in NAD⁺ levels. To counteract this age-related decrease, strategies such as activating specific pathways and enzymes that promote the synthesis of NAD⁺ can be utilised. Additionally, supplementation with NAD⁺ precursors, particularly NMN, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance NAD⁺ levels, potentially mitigating some of the negative effects associated with ageing and promoting overall cellular health.
Preclinical Research Summary of NMN
Preclinical studies across cellular and animal models consistently highlight NMN as a key precursor in the biosynthesis of NAD⁺, a central molecule in cellular energy metabolism and genomic stability. Research shows that NMN increases intracellular NAD⁺ levels, supporting numerous metabolic and protective pathways.
Energy and Metabolic Function
- Increases NAD⁺ biosynthesis, improving cellular energy metabolism
- Supports mitochondrial function, including oxidative phosphorylation efficiency and ATP generation
- Enhances cellular glucose metabolism, with studies demonstrating improved insulin secretion, sensitivity, and signalling pathways
- Favourably influences lipid metabolism, including cholesterol
Vascular and Cardiometabolic Support
- Preclinical models indicate a reduction in age-related arterial stiffness
- Demonstrates cardioprotective effects, including improved myocardial energetic balance and reduced ischemia-related injury
Cellular Protection and Inflammatory Pathways
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of inflammatory mediators
- Acts as an antioxidant, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress burden
- Provides neuroprotective benefits in laboratory models by supporting neuronal energy homeostasis and reducing oxidative injury
Cell Health and Longevity
- Improves cell viability under metabolic and oxidative stress conditions
- Supports longevity-associated pathways, including sirtuin activation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and cellular resilience mechanisms
Clinical Research Summary of NMN
Emerging human clinical studies investigating oral NMN supplementation have begun to explain its potential metabolic, vascular, and functional benefits. Published findings consistently demonstrate the ability of NMN to increase NAD⁺ levels and support key physiological functions.
NAD⁺ Restoration
- Demonstrates increases in intracellular NAD⁺ levels and enhanced systemic NAD⁺ turnover
Vascular and Cardiometabolic Outcomes
- Clinical findings report improvements in arterial stiffness and reductions in diastolic blood pressure
- Improves muscle insulin signalling and insulin sensitivity in adult populations with impaired glucose metabolism
- Shows reductions in postprandial hyperinsulinaemia
- Associated with favourable lipid changes, including decreases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B
Physical Function and Performance
- Enhances muscle function, including improvements in motor performance
- Increases walking speed, walking distance, and markers of aerobic capacity
Sleep, Longevity Indicators, and Quality of Life
- Reports improvements in sleep quality across several domains
- Positively influences health-related quality of life, including vitality and physical functioning measures
- Associated with improved longevity-related biomarkers, though long-term clinical evidence for lifespan effects is still emerging
For information purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to a health professional.
References
López-Otín C, et al. Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell. 2023 Jan 19; 186(2): 243-278.
López-Otín C, et al. The hallmarks of aging. Cell. 2013 Jun 6; 153(6): 1194-217.
McEwen B. Introducing Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Optimising Health and Beyond. Vitamedicine Institute. 2025. ISBN 978-0646726144
Verdin E. NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015 Dec 4; 350(6265): 1208-13.
Website: https://www.cmgrouponline.com.au/