Why NMNH Is The Ultimate Anti-aging Supplement

For most of human existence, the average life expectancy was less than 40 years, but the modern world is marked by our ability to live longer due to new technology beginning in the 1800s. As we learned more about the world around us, we discovered better ways to keep ourselves safe from harm, like cultivating clean water, optimizing nutrition, adopting better hygienic practices, and researching how germs affect the human body. In 2024, the average human life expectancy has skyrocketed to around 73 years. Now, it’s pretty much common knowledge that healthy eating, regular exercise, and intentional wellness practices lead to a longer life. But that doesn’t mean we’ve given up studying the science of aging. Harvard professor David Sinclair’s research on the biology of cellular aging and longevity has introduced a new component to anti-aging practices: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD. Keep reading to learn more about how NAD may holistically assist our cell production and longevity, making it a breakthrough healthy aging supplement for people in mid-age and beyond.

What is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD?

NAD is a compound found in all living cells that is crucial for the body’s metabolic practices. NAD works as a DNA repair enzyme, aiding in fighting free radicals and conserving the resources our bodies need to stay healthy while aging gracefully. NAD also helps facilitate the production of ATP, the molecule that stores the energy of a cell. Sinclair’s research focuses on how NAD activates sirtuins, which are a group of seven genes responsible for regulating the aging process. Sinclair says sirtuins “control a variety of protective processes—there are hundreds of things that they do, and we still don’t know everything. But they protect the chromosomes, they protect stem cells from being lost, they protect cells from senescing.” 

Usually, sirtuins are activated by sugar/amino acid restriction, which is one reason diet and exercise are linked to healthier aging. However, calorie restriction impacts the body differently than we initially thought. “The interesting thing about calorie restriction is that we used to think the body was in some way slowing down, maybe in the number of heartbeats or production of free radicals,” Sinclair said in an interview. “But it turns out that’s wrong….When we’re calorie restricting, what we’re really doing is telling the body that now is not the time to go forth and multiply. It’s time to conserve your resources, repair things better, fight free radicals, and repair broken DNA.” Increased NAD can mimic this process without enduring calorie restriction, which, in Sinclair’s experiments, led to leaner body mass and higher energy. 

Why is NAD essential for anti-aging science?

While humans have cracked the code to extend life past our forties, and we’ve become masters at finding anti-aging techniques that reduce or alleviate symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles, we’re still learning about the biology around aging. Sinclair’s work focuses on the root cause of aging: cellular damage. Our cells are hard at work from the moment of our conception, constantly protecting themselves from harm while doing their job of multiplying to keep us alive. For the first two decades of our lives, our cells do a fantastic job at repairing themselves while continuing to function healthily. After that, this process of self-healing slows down, leaving our cells more vulnerable to damage, which leads to chronic illness, decreased mobility, a weakened immune system, and other signs of aging. 

As Sinclair found out, NAD levels also reduce significantly as we get older — by the time we turn 40, we have about half as much of the compound as when we were born, making it even harder for our cells to bounce back from damage. The Harvard lab that Sinclair leads compares our DNA to the digital information on a CD, with aging equivalent to scratches that cause the disc to glitch. Their research claims to be finding a polish for such scratches, a scientific balm to reset a cell’s epigenetic status, thus holistically improving health and assisting with wound healing while helping the body ward off ailments and illnesses caused by age. 

How do NMNH supplements work?

Further research by Sinclair’s team suggests that ingesting a compound the body uses to make NAD called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) can successfully increase NAD levels and provide metabolic support for our cells. Increased NAD levels from NMN supplements make DNA repair more efficient, helping with overall body recovery, cellular rejuvenation, brain power, sleep, and skin health. 

Are there risks? 

NMN supplements are considered generally safe and there have been no major side effects reported in humans. However, there is limited data on the long term effects as the science is so new. Forbes reported a small study done in 2021 where “30 participants taking either 250 milligrams of NMN or a placebo daily for 12 weeks and concluded that NMN users may experience mild side effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and upper respiratory health issues.” Those considering the supplements should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s right for them. 

What are the benefits of NMN supplements? 

Unlike most anti-aging supplements and routines that treat the symptoms of aging, NMN gets under the hood of the car, targeting aging at the molecular level. By focusing on longevity science, NMN enhances our quality of life by making our cells perform at an optimal level. Other benefits of NMN supplementation include enhanced metabolic function, improved blood sugar regulation, enhanced memory and cognitive abilities, increased natural energy, and improved cellular resistance to damage. NMN supplements are the future of longevity, providing a holistic way to age healthily inside and out.

Check out Dr. Barrett’s very own formulated NMNH here! 

If you’re curious about cosmetic surgery or NMN supplements, Barrett Beverly Hills offers in-person and virtual consultations for potential patients. Our practice sets the standard for natural-looking results with a holistic approach to effectively minimize post-surgical downtime and scarring. For more information about us, call (310) 398-2648 or complete a virtual consultation form. Keep up with us on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Realself, and YouTube, and subscribe to our blog for updates. We look forward to guiding you on your journey!