NMN is more than a buzzworthy acronym—especially in supplement form. Although there is a ton of excitement around its connection to NAD+, which might reduce visible signs of aging from the inside out, researchers are also curious about its other health perks, including how it helps the body respond to stress, both physically and mentally.
What Is NMN Good For?
“NMN, known as nicotinamide mononucleotide, is a molecule that is a building block for NAD+,” says Dr. Fawad Mian, who is board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, and sleep medicine, and the founder of Ascend Regenerative. “NAD+ serves as a coenzyme that cells use to produce energy and carry out repairs.”
NMN has grown in popularity recently, mainly for its impressive ability to support healthy aging, but also because it can boost energy and metabolism, since the molecule converts to NAD+. NAD+ boosts cellular metabolism, turns the food we eat into energy, and is a key component of DNA repair. Additionally, NAD+ is linked to cellular and oxidative stress because it helps reduce damaging byproducts that increase when cells are under stress. According to Dr. Mian, the benefits of taking NMN seem promising, with recent studies showing that “NMN presumably doubles circulating NAD in about two weeks.”
Is NMN Good for Stress?
Dr. Mian says the effect on physiological stress relief is not clear at this time, but since it increases NAD+, it “has more of a role in cellular and metabolic strain of the cells, rather than an effect on psychological stress.” With that said, there is some data from mice studies on how NMN impacts anxiety, psychological stress, and mood as a primary outcome. “NMN boosts NAD+, which boosts the brain’s energy production, which theoretically helps weather psychological stress,” says Dr. Mian.
While NMN isn’t a confirmed tool for physiological stress relief yet, its link to oxidative stress is a noteworthy part of the supplement’s anti-aging perks. When the body experiences oxidative stress, free radicals take over and damage skin cells, DNA, and proteins, while also breaking down collagen and elastin. This takeover shows up externally as visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots. By incorporating NMN into your routine to support the body’s natural NAD+ production, you could arm it with the power to amp up protective enzymes and support cellular energy, while also increasing antioxidants—all of which keep oxidative stress at bay.
The Takeaway
Although the supplement “could potentially help adults who want to support energy, metabolism, and healthy aging, it is not a treatment for any diagnosed condition,” says Dr. Mian. With this in mind, it’s always worth checking with your doctor to see if NMN is an appropriate approach to reducing oxidative stress (and possibly physiological stress) in the body.
