The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-dependent trial
Published 2022
Study Design
- Population
- 80 healthy middle-aged adults
- Design
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent trial
- Dosage
- 300 mg/day, 600 mg/day, or 900 mg/day NMN
- Duration
- 60 days
Citation
Geroscience (2022).
Authors: Xu X., Zhou X., Song Q., Zhu X., Yang J.
Affiliation: AbinoNutra Ltd, Pune, India / collaborating institutions
Plain takeaway
In healthy middle-aged adults, daily NMN supplementation at 300–900 mg/day was safe and increased blood NAD+ levels and walking performance over 60 days; longer studies are needed.
Study context
Hypothesis: Daily oral supplementation with NMN will safely increase blood NAD+ levels and improve physical performance in healthy middle-aged adults compared to placebo.
Objective: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and dose-dependent changes in NAD+ concentration and physical functional performance (6-minute walking distance, biological age, SF-36) of 300, 600, or 900 mg/day NMN versus placebo over 60 days.
Abstract
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-dependent clinical trial in 80 healthy middle-aged adults found that NMN supplementation at 300 mg/day, 600 mg/day, or 900 mg/day for 60 days was safe and well tolerated, produced dose-dependent increases in blood NAD+ concentrations, improved 6-minute walking distance, and prevented the rise in biological age seen in placebo, though no effect on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was observed.
Methods & Controls
Participants were randomized to placebo or one of three NMN doses (300/600/900 mg/day) for 60 days. Blood NAD+ concentrations were measured at baseline, day 30, and day 60; 6-minute walking test, biological age (via Aging.Ai calculator), SF-36 quality of life, and HOMA-IR were assessed.
Controls: Matching placebo (once daily) with identical appearance; participants and investigators blinded.
Key outcomes
- Significant dose-dependent increase in blood NAD+ concentrations at day 30 and day 60 versus placebo (p ≤ 0.001)
- 6-minute walking test distance significantly greater in all NMN groups versus placebo at both time points (p < 0.01)
- Biological age remained unchanged in NMN groups but increased in the placebo group by day 60 (p < 0.05)
- No statistically significant effect on HOMA-IR compared to placebo
Summary & Interpretation
This human trial shows that NMN can safely raise systemic NAD+ and improve physical performance in healthy adults, reinforcing preclinical findings. However, the trial was short, and effects on clinical endpoints (insulin resistance, aging-related disease) remain unproven—larger, longer, and clinical-population trials are warranted.