Welcome to the CMG Ingredient Spotlight for March 2026. This edition focuses on nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a bioactive nucleotide that has attracted considerable attention in recent years for its potential as a therapeutic agent in addressing age-related health conditions. March has also been a productive month for NMN, with several key articles published. In this spotlight, we explore the functions and applications of NMN, along with highlighting recent publications of NMN.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a water-soluble bioactive nucleotide that has attracted considerable attention in recent years for its potential as a therapeutic agent in addressing age-related health conditions. As a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), NMN plays a vital role in supporting essential biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signalling.
The molecular formula of NMN is C11H15N2O8P and its molecular weight is 334.22 g/mol. There are two anomeric forms of NMN, namely alpha (α-) and beta (β-). The beta (β-) anomer is the active form.
Preclinical research on NMN
Preclinical studies demonstrate that NMN plays a central role in cellular metabolism and systemic health, primarily through its function as a direct precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NMN supplementation enhances NAD+ biosynthesis, leading to significant increases in NAD+ levels and NMN levels in multiple tissues. Restoration of NAD+ availability has been shown to increase cellular energy, improve mitochondrial bioenergetics, and enhance overall mitochondrial function. NMN also improves mitochondrial dynamics and supports efficient energy metabolism.
NMN has demonstrated substantial benefits for glucose and lipid metabolism in preclinical models. It improves cellular glucose metabolism and enhances insulin action and insulin sensitivity. In addition, NMN improves cellular lipid metabolism.
Cardiovascular and vascular benefits of NMN are well documented in preclinical research. NMN protects the heart from ischaemia/reperfusion injury and reduces infarct size following such injury, highlighting its cardioprotective effects. NMN reduces age-related arterial stiffness, decreases arterial collagen type I content, and improves endothelial function. Furthermore, NMN promotes vascular endothelial formation and reduces vascular oxidative stress.
At the cellular and molecular level, NMN stimulates autophagy and activates SIRT1, helping to restore depletion of the NAD+/SIRT1 pathway. NMN exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and reduces key inflammatory markers including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. It also acts as an antioxidant, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, including vascular oxidative stress.
NMN improves cell viability and provides neuroprotection, with preclinical evidence suggesting potential benefits for memory and learning.
Human clinical research on NMN
NMN is a direct precursor of NAD+ and has been shown to increase intracellular NAD+ levels, thereby enhancing systemic NAD+ availability.
Human clinical research indicates that NMN supplementation is associated with a broad range of physiological benefits. These include improvements in longevity-related parameters, and favourable effects on metabolic health, such as:
- reductions in arterial stiffness
- decreased postprandial hyperinsulinaemia
- reduced total cholesterol
- lowered LDL cholesterol
- decreased apolipoprotein B levels
- reduced diastolic blood pressure
- enhanced aerobic capacity
In addition, NMN supplementation enhances muscle NAD+ turnover, improves muscle insulin signalling, and increases muscle insulin sensitivity. Functional outcomes reported in clinical studies include:
- improvements in motor function
- increased walking speed
- greater walking distance
- potential improvements in maximal voluntary muscle strength.
NMN has further been associated with improvements in sleep quality, shows potential in reducing body weight, and enhances health-related quality of life.
Conclusion
Human clinical studies indicate that NMN supplementation is well tolerated, increases circulating NMN and NAD+ levels, and is associated with improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic, and functional outcomes relevant to ageing. Evidence supports favourable effects on arterial stiffness, insulin sensitivity, physical performance, sleep quality, and quality of life. Collectively, these findings position NMN as a promising, evidence-based supplement with potential to support metabolic function, cardiometabolic health, physical performance, and healthy ageing.
For information purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to a health professional.
References
McEwen B. A Spotlight on Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN). AJNM 2026 32(1) 6-15.
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; 350(6265): 1208-13.