Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) intake increases plasma NMN and insulin levels in healthy subjects

Abstract

Introduction: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a coenzyme of the NAD⁺-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). An increase in NAD⁺ concentration induces SIRT1 activation that results in various health benefits. Since nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor of NAD⁺, NMN ingestion is expected to have multiple health benefits such as alleviation of aging, lifestyle-related and neurodegenerative diseases, through the activation of SIRT1. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of daily NMN ingestion on plasma levels of NMN and NAD⁺.

Methods: Healthy volunteers received 250 mg of NMN once a day in the morning (n = 11) for 12 weeks, and the plasma concentrations of NMN and NAD⁺ were measured monthly. Physiological and laboratory tests were performed within 2 h after lunch (at 2 pm) before and during NMN administration.

Results: Oral administration of NMN increased the plasma concentrations of NMN and NAD⁺, and the postprandial serum insulin levels. The elevation levels of NMN and insulin varied widely among individuals. No adverse symptoms were observed in the participants.

Conclusions: Oral administration of NMN elevates plasma levels of NMN and NAD⁺, and postprandial serum insulin levels.

Keywords: Insulin; NAD; NMN.