NMN Supplementation Shows Promise in Retarding Aging: Study Reveals Effects on Gut Microbiome, Metabolites, and Telomere Length
Introduction
Our global aging population is increasing, leading to concerns about age-associated health conditions. Various interventions, including nutrient sensing and gut microbiome modulation, have been explored to slow down the aging process. One key compound of interest is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which is an important intermediate in the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule involved in age-related processes. Recent research has shown that NMN supplementation has positive effects on various aspects of aging, such as angiogenesis, oxidative stress, intestinal homeostasis, and gut microbiota regulation.
Study Design and Findings
A recent study investigated the effects of NMN supplementation on the gut microbiota, metabolites, and telomere length in pre-aging male mice. The study also measured telomere length in human volunteers. The NMN supplementation did not significantly affect body weight but led to increases in water intake and heat yield in the mice. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant changes in serum metabolites, with alterations in pathways related to nicotinate, purine, and proline metabolism. Notably, the gut microbiota of mice supplemented with NMN showed a reduction in diversity but an increase in the abundance of specific bacteria, such as Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Faecalibacterium. Telomere length, a molecular marker associated with aging, was significantly elongated in both mice and human PBMCs following NMN administration.
Implications
The findings suggest that NMN supplementation in the pre-aging stage may be an effective strategy to slow down the aging process. It has the potential to reshape the gut microbiota, leading to improved immune function and metabolite regulation. Moreover, NMN was found to maintain telomere length, which is often associated with aging-related health conditions. However, it is important to note that this study had limitations, such as a small sample size and the need for further investigation of underlying molecular mechanisms.
Future Directions
Further studies are recommended to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of NMN on aging. Comprehensive clinical trials are needed to further validate the effects of NMN supplementation on aging and assess its long-term safety and efficacy. Additionally, more targeted metabolomics research is required to quantify specific biomarkers, and the impact of NMN on gut health in aging should be thoroughly investigated.
Conclusion
In summary, NMN supplementation in pre-aging mice has shown promising effects, including changes in gut microbiota, metabolite profiles, and telomere length. These findings suggest that NMN may be a potential anti-aging agent. While further research is needed, NMN supplementation holds promise for slowing down the aging process and improving overall health in aging populations. Interested individuals can access the raw data and analyses related to fecal microbiota from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under accession number PRJNA752982.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliations or the publisher. The claims made about NMN supplementation are not endorsed by the publisher, and the manufacturer's claims about the product are not guaranteed or endorsed.
Title of paper: The Impacts of Short-Term NMN Supplementation on Serum Metabolism, Fecal Microbiota, and Telomere Length in Pre-Aging Phase
Author(s): Niu KM, Bao T, Gao L, Ru M, Li Y, Jiang L, Ye C, Wang S, Wu X.
Year published: 2021
Published in: Front Nutr
Original article can be found here.
