Nicotinamide mononucleotide, a direct building block the body uses to make NAD+.
Why it’s used: Studied for its role in maintaining NAD+ levels as we age.
NMN, short for nicotinamide mononucleotide, is a molecule the body makes from vitamin B3. It is one of the last steps before NAD+, the coenzyme every cell uses to produce energy and maintain itself. Because NAD+ levels tend to fall with age, NMN has become one of the most researched compounds in healthy-ageing science.
Tiny amounts of NMN occur naturally in foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, edamame and avocado, but far below the amounts in supplements. Supplement NMN is usually made by enzymatic processes or chemical synthesis, and you will see it labelled as NMN, beta-NMN or beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide, sometimes with a purity percentage.
NMN is classed as a novel food in the UK and EU, meaning it needs formal authorisation. In 2026 EFSA published a positive safety opinion on one form of beta-NMN, and authorisation decisions are ongoing. Human trials so far have been fairly short, typically weeks to a few months, and they show NMN raises blood NAD+ levels; researchers are still investigating what that means for health.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials with 412 middle-aged and older participants. NMN improved gait speed (SMD 0.34) and ALT (SMD -0.29), and lower doses had the most effect on insulin resistance.
Randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 80 healthy middle-aged adults. NMN raised blood NAD and six-minute walking distance at every dose, was well tolerated, and worked best at 600 mg a day; HOMA-IR did not change.
Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial using the hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp. Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and muscle insulin signalling increased after NMN but did not change after placebo.
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NMN is classed as a novel food, which needs authorisation before it can be sold as food. It is not yet on the GB list of authorised novel foods. In 2026 EFSA published a positive safety opinion for one NMN ingredient, and regulators are still reviewing it.
Both are vitamin B3 forms that the body turns into NAD+. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is converted into NMN first, then NMN becomes NAD+. NR chloride already has EU and GB novel food authorisation, while NMN is still going through the process.
A 2026 review of ten randomised trials found short-term NMN did not raise side effects or liver markers compared with placebo. EFSA judged 300 mg a day safe for adults. Long-term safety is less studied, and it is not advised in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Videos from doctors, research scientists and registered dietitians, for general education. They are independent of Nutra Formulations, do not refer to our products and are not medical advice for you.
AMA #12: Thoughts on Longevity Supplements (Resveratrol, NR, NMN) and How to Improve Memory
Dr Andrew Huberman, PhD, neuroscience (Stanford professor) · Andrew Huberman on YouTube
NMN: the What, Why and When with Ageing
Dr Eleanor Sheekey, PhD, biochemistry (Cambridge) · The Sheekey Science Show on YouTube
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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