Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN, Vitamin B3)

[dsaun777]

Does anyone here take nicotinamide mononucleotide as suggested as an anti aging supplement by the biologist David Sinclair? Do any of you, whether biologist or not, have any data or personal preference for this?

 

[berkeman]

Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...

 

[berkeman]

Okay, after Mentor review, the thread is reopened. Keep in mind that we cannot give medical advice here at PF, so let's keep the discussion about the published literature for this supplement. Thanks.

 

[dsaun777]

Here is a YouTube/podcast from Dr Sinclair who is a Harvard professor as well as a biologist. Can anyone refute the nmn research being done by him. I don't have a deep enough understanding of molecular biology but I am having a hard time finding sources that refute his claims. Maybe it's too early.

 

[Tom.G]

Can anyone refute the nmn research being done by him.

The standard, in medical research especially, is to ask "Is there anything that substantiates this claim?"

This is a much stronger and effective approach, due to the logic of: "You can not prove a Negative."

 

[jim mcnamara]

In science a hypothesis must be falsifiable - meaning that it must be possible to demonstrate that an improved or changed hypothesis exists. A better explanation, not "disapproval" is then the way forward. It often turns out that many hypotheses are as good as it gets using currently available methods, so hypotheses are then used to medical advantage.

 

[dsaun777]

I just find it a little unnerving that he makes these claims on large public platforms like Youtube and podcasts without a 2nd opinion from any other biologist or medical doctor. He does say to consult with your doctor before trying these supplements. I can just imagine millions of listeners, from the Joe Rogan podcast alone, would take this without any consultation. NMN is consumed naturally on a regular basis by humans in the form of cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, avocados, and some others. But the concentration of NMN in the supplements is many magnitudes higher than would be in any food. I am interested in seeing more biologists other than David Sinclair speak on the subject.

 

[TeethWhitener]

About a decade or so ago, a bunch of Sinclair’s research (and larger-than-life claims) on the amazing powers of resveratrol proved to be irreproducible. His company was apparently bought by Glaxo for a zillion dollars or so and they ended up shuttering it after several years of nothingburger.

But hey, he’s a tenured professor at Harvard, so there’s that.

 

[Astronuc]

But the concentration of NMN in the supplements is many magnitudes higher than would be in any food.

That is a cautionary indicator (orange/yellow flag).

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in some foods, added to foods, and sold as a supplement. The two most common forms of niacin in food and supplements are nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. The body can also convert tryptophan—an amino acid—to nicotinamide. Niacin is water-soluble so that excess amounts the body does not need are excreted in the urine. Niacin works in the body as a coenzyme, with more than 400 enzymes dependent on it for various reactions. Niacin helps to convert nutrients into energy, create cholesterol and fats, create and repair DNA, and exert antioxidant effects.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/niacin-vitamin-b3/

Perhaps it is the antioxidant effects the folks are considering.

Vitamins and minerals should be balanced. Excessive intake in individual vitamins (hypervitaminosis) would/could be harmful.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases...l/expert-answers/niacin-overdose/faq-20058075

Niacin overdose is unlikely if you take niacin only in the amount prescribed by your doctor. While it's not possible to overdose on niacin simply by eating too many niacin-rich foods, taking too much over-the-counter or prescription niacin can be dangerous.

in the same article from the Mayo Clinic

Because niacin [I believe this means excessive levels of] has also been linked to liver damage and strokes, most doctors now recommend it only for people who can't take statins to treat high triglyceride levels. If you're concerned about taking niacin, talk to your doctor.