If you’re interested in aging and longevity innovations, you may have heard of NMN, which stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide.

It’s a molecule your body makes naturally, but some people also take it as a supplement. Scientists, such as Harvard University professor and longevity expert David Sinclair, are currently looking into its promising potential benefits for many different areas of health, including:

  • longevity
  • diabetes
  • liver conditions
  • brain health
  • heart health
  • exercise training
  • sleep

Research on the effects of NMN supplements is still emerging, and more investigation is needed. Here, a primer on NMN and the research available so far on its potential benefits, optimal dosage, side effects, and safety.

What is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)?

Put simply, NMN is a naturally occurring molecule that helps power your body.

NMN is a type of molecule called a nucleotide. Nucleotides play many roles in your body, including as the building blocks of DNA.

Within your cells, NMN is converted into another molecule known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Your body needs NAD for a variety of functions involved in metabolism and energy production.

You might think of NMN as raw material and NAD as the refined version that your body can actually use.

The amount of NAD your body can make depends on the amount of NMN available in your body