Yes, you read that correctly. I recently made the choice to halt my favorite biohacking supplement Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN). It might seem ironic coming from a wellness advocate like me who has constantly preached about the transformative benefits of NMN. The headlines you’ve likely seen recently are, “FDA considering regulations on NMN”, which have made many of us question our commitment to this supplement. But here’s the kicker – my decision to stop taking NMN doesn’t mean what you think it does. Let’s unravel the mystery together.
What is NMN?
For the uninitiated, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a nucleotide derived from ribose and nicotinamide. It’s critical in the production of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a crucial coenzyme found in every cell of our body. NAD+ is vital for numerous essential biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and even the lengthening of telomeres, the protective end caps of our DNA[1].
My NMN Journey
My love of NMN began at the beginning of 2023, when I began hearing more and more about this supplement from the likes of Andrew Huberman and David Sinclair. That’s when NMN came into my life. I read countless studies, like the one from Washington University School of Medicine, stating that NMN can offset the physical decline associated with aging[2]. It was like I had stumbled upon the fountain of youth.
I was skeptical but hopeful. I decided to buy my first bottle from Renue By Science as recommended by Andrew Huberman himself. Once I started taking NMN, I felt a profound difference. The mid-afternoon energy crashes were replaced with consistent vitality throughout the day. My cardio workouts became more intense and longer. My muscles recovered faster from strenuous exercise. I felt, in many ways, rejuvenated. NMN became a catalyst for my wellness journey. I was, undoubtedly, on Team NMN.
The FDA’s Current Stance
Recently, there have been whispers that the FDA is contemplating regulating NMN, potentially even making it a prescription-only supplement. This news has triggered a tsunami of skepticism amongst many NMN users, and rightly so. There’s a fear of losing access to a supplement that has transformed many lives, including mine. This announcement was what initially led me to halt my NMN supplementation. However, it also forced me to take a step back and assess my wellness journey holistically.
Why I Stopped…
Let me be real with you. I only stopped this supplement for a total of 2 weeks. And I’ll explain why.
In the wake of the news about potential FDA regulations, I won’t stop taking NMN indefinitely. In fact, I’m going to continue my use and stock up on as much as I can.
The reason I stopped for 2 weeks was to understand the impact it had on my well-being and whether its benefits were as pronounced as I believed them to be. Essentially, I was seeking clarity – clarity about my health, my body’s resilience, and the true impact of NMN.
You might think, given the title of this blog, that my experiment proved NMN’s effects to be exaggerated. Well, you’d be wrong. The opposite happened. Once I stopped, I realized how much of a difference NMN made in my life. My energy levels dropped, my workouts became more strenuous, and I found myself longing for the vitality I’d previously experienced.
Thus, I stand in defiance of the FDA’s potential decision. I’m choosing not to be a sheep that follows the herd but rather a well-informed individual who bases his decisions on personal experiences and comprehensive research.
I encourage you to do the same and consider beginning your NMN supplementation, hopefully, as a testament to those who are questioning whether they should do the same. Our bodies are different, our experiences unique, but NMN has undoubtedly transformed my well-being and I am confident it can do the same for many others.
The Future of NMN
The FDA’s decision is yet to be final, but regardless of the outcome, I’m hopeful for the future of NMN. It’s sparked a dialogue about biohacking and how we can take control of our well-being, and that in itself is a positive outcome.
Should the FDA decide to regulate NMN and make it prescription-only, it’ll be a testament to its effectiveness rather than a reason to abandon it. After all, regulation often means recognition of a substance’s profound impact on health.
I won’t stop taking NMN, and my journey with it is far from over. As a devoted wellness advocate, I will continue to explore and experiment. Our journey to health and longevity is a long one, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be an extraordinary one.
Closing Thoughts
P.S. If you’re thinking about picking up some NMN for yourself, Renue By Science is the brand recommended by Andrew Huberman, and also happens to be extremely affordable at $15/month at the time of writing this. You can use my Renue By Science coupon code “INTELLIGENT” for 10% off any purchase.
AND, before you freak out at the $99 price tag of a tub of the Renue By Science NMN, let’s do some simple math to break down the real monthly cost. The tub contains 200 servings for $99 which would make each serving $0.49. So… 30 servings in a month is $14.85/month. I can’t tell you how many people come to me saying “It’s $100 a month! No way I’m buying that!”. It’s very important to read labels and break down the real monthly cost yourself. At $14.85 a month BEFORE my discount code, I think most people can afford it. So it’s worth at least trying once.
References
- Verdin, E. (2015). NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208–1213. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aac4854
- Mills, K. F., Yoshida, S., Stein, L. R., Grozio, A., Kubota, S., Sasaki, Y., Redpath, P., Migaud, M. E., Apte, R. S., Uchida, K., Yoshino, J., & Imai, S. I. (2016). Long-Term Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Mitigates Age-Associated Physiological Decline in Mice. Cell Metabolism, 24(6), 795–806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2016.09.013
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is NMN banned by FDA?
The FDA has not banned NMN. There have been discussions about potential regulation, but no ban has been implemented. For the most current information, please check the FDA’s official website or other credible sources.
What is the risk of taking NMN?
NMN is generally considered safe, with few reported side effects. However, every individual is unique, and reactions can vary. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Is NMN just vitamin B3?
NMN is a derivative of vitamin B3, but they are not the same. NMN is converted in the body into NAD+, a coenzyme involved in many vital biological processes.
Is it safe to take NMN daily?
Most studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it is safe to take NMN daily. However, as with any supplement, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions or side effects.
Why did Amazon stop selling NMN?
Amazon was ordered by the FDA to halt sales for NMN due to lack of human trials and its current status being reviewed by the FDA for prescription-only use.
Is NMN toxic to the liver?
No studies available indicate that NMN is toxic to the liver. In fact, some research suggests that NMN could potentially support liver function. However, more comprehensive studies are needed.
Can NMN damage kidneys?
There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that NMN can damage kidneys. As always, individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before starting NMN or any other supplement.
Does NMN affect the heart?
Preliminary studies indicate NMN may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, but more research is needed to establish its long-term impact. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have heart concerns.
Is it worth taking NMN supplement?
Many users report benefits from taking NMN, such as increased energy and improved overall health. However, individual experiences vary, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it’s right for you.
Which is better NMN or resveratrol?
Both NMN and resveratrol have been shown to have potential health benefits. NMN is often praised for its role in energy metabolism, while resveratrol is known for its antioxidant properties. The choice between the two depends on individual health goals and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is NMN legal in the US?
Yes, NMN is legal in the US and can be purchased as a dietary supplement.
What is the best form of NMN to take?
NMN is typically taken orally as a pill or powder. The “best” form often comes down to personal preference and convenience.
Its $100 per month now.
Your math is wildly incorrect. Renue By Science and their NMN is $99.05 for 200 servings WITHOUT using my discount code. Which makes each serving $0.49. Multiply $0.49 by 30 for 30 days in a month and the total cost per month is $15.00.
I am getting it from Genex Formulations 225 mg for $30 a month.
That is half the dose and twice the price as Renue By Science. I would consider switching to Renue.
Something I have noticed on NMN is that my heart rate when exercising is higher than when exercising without NMN. Have you experienced this?
I haven’t noticed that no. Unlikely to be related to NMN! Unless you’re just working harder with it than without it, which would make sense.