NMN Supplement Shifts Skeptic to Believer
Personal Journey Reveals Unexpected Health Gains
After initial skepticism, a second trial of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) yielded surprising personal results, transforming one writer’s view on the popular longevity supplement.
The Science of Cellular Energy
NMN, a precursor to the vital coenzyme NAD+, plays a crucial role in cellular energy, DNA repair, and antioxidant defense. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, but compounds like NMN are believed to help replenish them. NMN and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are both naturally occurring molecules that act as precursors to NAD+,”
explained naturopathic doctor and longevity expert, Sogol Ash. NAD+ is essential for hundreds of bodily processes, and while the body produces it, supplementation with precursors bypasses absorption issues inherent with NAD+ itself.
The purported benefits of NMN range from increased energy and improved cognitive function to better metabolic health and enhanced skin appearance. Dr. Ash suggests that for individuals in their 30s and 40s, boosting NAD+ could significantly improve sleep quality, mental clarity, mood stability, and overall vitality.
Revisiting NMN with Journaled Results
Initially trying NMN at age 41 without noticeable effects, the author decided to re-evaluate the supplement four years later. Committing to a daily 900mg dose, journaling progress became key to observing changes. Within approximately 90 days, significant improvements began to emerge.
Physical recovery after workouts, including weightlifting, yoga, and rock climbing, became notably faster. Despite increasing exercise intensity, the usual soreness diminished more quickly. This observation was particularly striking as no other lifestyle factors had changed.
Many people notice a boost in energy and mental clarity soon after starting,”
Dr. Ash noted regarding NMN’s effects, adding that these benefits can manifest both rapidly and over the long term. It’s a strong addition to a broader longevity or performance routine, but the most telling sign is often how you actually feel day to day.
Consistency, she emphasized, is crucial for experiencing NMN’s benefits over time.
Visible and Subtle Transformations
Beyond physical recovery, the author experienced a perceived improvement in skin appearance. A friend remarked on whether the author had undergone cosmetic treatments, noticing reduced fine lines around the eyes and forehead, despite an unchanged skincare regimen.
Perhaps the most impactful change was the significant improvement in persistent eczema. After struggling with severe eczema triggered by anxiety and allergies, and managing it with diet and diligent moisturizing, the author experienced a dramatic reduction in itching and associated rashes. If it seems like a small thing, let me tell you—this is huge.
Dr. Ash’s observations align with these personal findings. She shared that patients commonly report sustained energy, sharper focus, improved sleep, and quicker recovery from stress or exercise. NAD+ can help reduce inflammation too, which is linked to many chronic health and aging concerns,”
she stated.
Navigating Regulatory Hurdles
The sale of NMN as a dietary supplement faced regulatory challenges when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled in 2022 that it could not be sold as such, due to a company pursuing NMN as a drug. This ruling led some retailers to remove NMN products. However, following a lawsuit by the Natural Products Association challenging the FDA’s stance, enforcement was paused. Consequently, NMN supplements remain legally available from manufacturers and retailers, provided they adhere to supplement regulations.
While research on NMN is ongoing, and individual results can vary, this personal experience points to tangible benefits. The author now advocates for considering NMN, citing improved recovery times, increased energy, enhanced skin health, and a significant reduction in eczema symptoms as compelling evidence of its efficacy.
