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Aging is a natural and inevitable phenomenon for everyone. However, many people would likely wish to stay young forever, and live long and healthy lives. Did you know that thanks to numerous modern studies on how humans age, methods to suppress aging, and even the possibility of rejuvenation, NMN has been found to be effective in suppressing aging and can be easily taken as a supplement?
Here, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of what NMN is, and why it is said to have positive effects on suppressing aging, extending lifespan, and improving sleep.
What is NMN?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a substance made from vitamin B3 that increases biomolecules necessary for life, which are lost with age. Its function has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide in recent years.
About Aging
"Aging" refers to the decline and changes in physiological functions that occur after an organism's maturity. The term aging encompasses the decline in function and adaptability that appears over time, as well as the process itself.
The typical effects of aging on the body are as follows:
- Neurovascular system: Decline in cognitive function
- Cardiovascular system: Myocardial infarction, heart failure, high blood pressure
- Respiratory system: Decline in respiratory function
- Digestive system: Aspiration pneumonia, constipation, abnormal bowel movements
- Renal and urinary system: Increased nocturia, urinary incontinence
- Skeletal system: Osteoporosis, arthritis
Aging is thought to accelerate from around the age of 40, when energy metabolism significantly declines, and at this time, effects begin to be seen throughout the body.
NAD+ is a key substance in halting aging
The speed of aging is believed to accelerate as energy metabolism declines, so controlling metabolism has attracted attention as one method to halt aging.
An enzyme called NAD+ is drawing attention, as it is deeply involved in energy metabolism and has recently been featured in popular media for its expected effects on suppressing aging. Thanks to NAD+, the energy necessary for life's activities reaches the cells, allowing us to maintain our health. However, NAD+ decreases in the body with age. Consequently, less energy reaches the cells, leading to aging.
NAD+ can be efficiently increased by NMN
NAD+ decreases in the body with age. Many people may think that taking NAD+ can halt aging, but in reality, even if NAD+ is ingested, it is rarely absorbed directly into cells. However, the amount of NAD+ can be efficiently increased by NMN.
"Sirtuin genes" play an important role in controlling aging
So far, we have explained that NAD+ is closely related to aging and decreases with age, and therefore, it is necessary to increase NAD+ by taking NMN. From here, we will explain what happens in the body when NAD+ increases.
NAD+ activates the function of "sirtuin genes." "Sirtuin genes" protect organelles such as mitochondria and telomeres, which play important roles in aging and lifespan.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are organelles that help create new cells, repair cells, and boost basal metabolism. When mitochondria increase, old mitochondria are removed, which raises metabolism. Increased metabolism due to an increase in mitochondria is expected to improve and suppress diseases caused by aging. Furthermore, they remove active oxygen, which is one of the factors that cause aging. They are also expected to suppress the negative effects of active oxygen, such as skin aging and organ damage.
Telomeres
Telomeres are structures at the ends of chromosomes in cells, and are known as "the ticket to life" due to their deep connection to lifespan. Our bodies maintain youth by repeatedly undergoing cell division, but eventually, they are no longer able to divide further, leading to a state of cell death. Whether cells can divide is related to the length of telomeres, and it is characteristic that they shorten with each division. Recently, sirtuin genes are said to have the effect of protecting telomeres and preventing their wear and tear.
Comparison of NMN and Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a type of polyphenol, was once a hot topic as an anti-aging substance. However, its effects have not been fully elucidated, and it has been found that it does not directly extend the lifespan of mammals. Furthermore, as the government has not confirmed its health benefits, there are no set intake standards or upper limits, and there are currently concerns about its safety.
On the other hand, NMN has been confirmed to be safe for long-term administration in humans, and it has been revealed that it can extend the lifespan of mammals. In addition to the various positive effects on the body mentioned earlier, there is also high anticipation for its ability to improve sleep quality.
Effects of NMN beyond inhibiting aging
Now, let's take a more specific look at what effects NMN can bring when actively consumed.
For example, improvements in vision and hearing, increased bone density, improved organ function, suppression of obesity, enhanced athletic performance, and improved insulin sensitivity have all been researched worldwide, and their effects have been clarified.
The Relationship Between Sleep and Aging
Aging not only affects physical movement, disease risk, and appearance changes, but also impacts sleep. The common belief that elderly people go to bed and wake up early is due to changes in their body clock caused by brain aging, which tends to shift their biological rhythm to earlier hours.
In other words, it can be said that elderly people go to bed and wake up early because they are forced to do so by aging. While this does not apply to all elderly individuals, it is a common characteristic for many.
Furthermore, the impact of aging on sleep is not just a matter of timing. In older adults, deep sleep tends to decrease, while light sleep tends to increase. Sleep duration also tends to shorten, and it is common for them to wake up multiple times during the night or feel somewhat tired upon waking.
Improve sleep quality with NMN supplements
In subjective evaluations of sleep and other bodily sensations from NMN supplements, it was found that many people felt an improvement in sleep quality after two weeks of intake compared to before. While this is purely a subjective evaluation by individuals, many people reported improvements in their perception of deep sleep, ease of falling asleep, relaxation, and feeling refreshed upon waking after two weeks of intake.
Furthermore, this evaluation suggests that the improvement in sleep quality simultaneously leads to enhanced vitality, increased concentration, improved work efficiency, and a clearer mind during the day.
Incorporate NMN for better sleep
Many people wish to stay healthy forever and remain youthful as they age. To lead a vibrant life even in old age, daily sleep is very important. NMN is a safe ingredient that is expected to overcome aging and extend lifespan. Incorporate it through supplements and aim for a healthy and energetic daily life with better sleep.
【References】
※1 Zhao C et al., 2020
※2 Han S et al., 2020
※3 Nicolas D et al., 2018
※4 Han X et al., 2019
※5 Tarantini S et al., 2019
※6 Barbara MC et al., 2020
※7 Mills KF et al., 2016
※8 Michelle FG and Clarissa AH, 2016
※9 Song J et al., 2019
※10 Mills KF et al., 2016
