What is NMN? A practical guide to NMN supplements, NMN benefits and buying NMN supplements in the UK
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring molecule and a direct precursor to NAD⁺ - a coenzyme central to cellular energy, DNA repair and many processes that decline with age.
Why NMN matters
Cells use NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in hundreds of critical processes from turning food into usable energy to activating repair enzymes called sirtuins.
As we age, NAD⁺ levels fall. NMN is one of the small building blocks the body can convert into NAD⁺. Supplementing with NMN aims to restore NAD⁺ availability so cells can work more efficiently. This biological rationale is supported by emerging human data.
Type:
Liposomal NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
What NMN clinical trials say
1. NMN Increases NAD⁺
Multiple randomised human trials show oral NMN raises blood/plasma NAD⁺ or related metabolites after supplementation (typical tested doses: ~125–1,250 mg/day). These increases are the most consistent finding across trials.
2. Metabolic and Muscle Effects
A 10-week randomised, double-blind trial in post-menopausal women with prediabetes reported improved muscle insulin sensitivity and muscle gene-expression changes after NMN. Other trials have reported improvements or favourable signals in glucose metabolism, muscle strength and markers of metabolic health.
3. Vascular and Cardiometabolic Markers.
Some randomised trials reported reduced arterial stiffness, modest reductions in diastolic blood pressure, and improvements in lipid markers in middle-aged or overweight adults after NMN supplementation. Results vary by dose, population and study length, so these are promising findings that need confirmation in larger, longer trials.
NMN Supplements - Key trial papers & reports for further research
Yoshino et al., randomised trial: NMN improved muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic postmenopausal women.
Igarashi et al., 12-week trial: 250 mg/day NMN in older men — increased NAD⁺ and exploratory improvements in physical performance.
Fukamizu et al., safety study: single 1,250 mg dose once daily for up to 4 weeks — well tolerated.
Yi et al. systematic/clinical report and aggregated trial data (open-access): efficacy and safety across multiple dosing regimens.
Frontiers / Okabe et al., placebo-controlled study showing increases in whole-blood NAD⁺ after 250 mg/day.
What NMN benefits you might experience
Potential benefits (evidence varying by study):
- Improved muscle insulin sensitivity
- Improved muscle gene expression
- Improved physical performance
- Reduced arterial stiffness
- Small favourable changes in blood pressure and lipids in certain groups
What does NMN do in the body?
When you take NMN, it helps rebuild the cellular supply of NAD⁺, a molecule that powers energy production and activates repair enzymes called sirtuins and PARPs. More NAD⁺ in free systemic circulation can make mitochondria work more efficiently, support DNA repair and improve metabolic signalling. In human trials this has translated into promising improvements in muscle insulin sensitivity, vascular function and physical performance for some people.
Results vary by person and formulation, which is why lipolife® use liposomal delivery and offer the NMN + Resveratrol combination for synergistic benefits.
Absorption and Transport
NMN (or its small metabolites) passes into circulation and is delivered to organs and tissues that need NAD⁺. Some tissues take NMN up directly; some convert NMN into related molecules before uptake.
After a few hours of supplementing with liposomal NMN, the bloodstream has higher levels of NMN/NAD⁺ precursors, so muscle and liver cells can draw on that extra supply.
The Salvage Pathway
Inside cells, enzymes convert NMN into NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) - a vital cofactor used in energy production and cellular repair. The enzyme family that performs the key step is known as NMNAT (NMN adenylyltransferase).
Muscle cells use NMN to rebuild their intracellular NAD⁺ pool that tends to decline with age.
Redox Reactions
NAD⁺ shuttles electrons in metabolic pathways (glycolysis, the TCA cycle and the electron transport chain). That transfer of electrons is how cells make ATP, the energy currency. More available NAD⁺ can help mitochondria run more efficiently.
During a workout, better mitochondrial function means cells can generate energy more smoothly which means you may notice improved stamina or experience faster recovery.
Cellular “Repair” Proteins
Sirtuins (SIRT1, SIRT3, etc.) are enzymes that depend on NAD⁺. When sirtuins are active they help regulate metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, stress resistance and gene expression patterns associated with healthy ageing.
Raising NAD⁺ supports this sirtuin activity.
In a middle-aged person, increased sirtuin activity can improve how well cells respond to metabolic stress such as supporting better glucose handling after a meal.
PARP Enzymes
PARP enzymes use NAD⁺ to repair damaged DNA. NAD⁺ is also consumed by signalling enzymes. That means NAD⁺ supports both the routine maintenance of the genome and controlled stress responses.
For example, after mild cellular damage from exercise or environmental stress, higher NAD⁺ availability helps repair systems work efficiently so tissues recover faster.
Anti-Ageing
Through improved mitochondrial energy, enhanced sirtuin activity and better DNA/repair signalling, cells and tissues can function closer to younger states.
Examples seen in various trials include improved insulin sensitivity in muscle, reduced arterial stiffness and modest improvements in markers of metabolic health.
NMN Frequently Asked Questions
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a molecule naturally found in the body that helps produce NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a compound essential for cellular energy and repair.
As we age, NAD⁺ levels decline, leading to reduced energy, slower metabolism and weaker cellular repair.
Taking an NMN supplement helps restore NAD⁺ levels, supporting energy production, DNA repair and mitochondrial health all vital for healthy ageing and optimal performance.
Clinical studies have shown several potential NMN benefits, including:
- Increased NAD⁺ levels in blood and tissues
- Improved muscle energy and recovery
- Better insulin sensitivity and metabolism
- Enhanced vascular (blood vessel) function
- Support for cognitive and cellular health
While research is ongoing, NMN supplementation is proving itself to be one of the most promising ways to support healthy ageing at the cellular level.
Standard NMN can degrade during digestion, limiting how much is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Liposomal NMN encapsulates NMN in microscopic lipid bubbles (liposomes), protecting it through the digestive tract and improving bioavailability.
lipolife Liposomal NMN and Liposomal NMN & Resveratrol are formulated for superior absorption and cellular delivery compared to regular NMN powders or capsules.
Clinical trials typically use 250 mg to 500 mg daily, though some studies test higher doses.
The ideal NMN dosage can depend on age, body weight and individual health goals.
Start with the recommended serving on your product label and consult a healthcare professional for more personalised advice.
NMN isn’t an “anti-ageing pill.” Research shows it may support healthy ageing by improving cellular energy, mitochondrial function and DNA repair.
Higher NAD⁺ levels are linked with improved vitality and resilience, which can make you feel more energetic and focused as you age.
How should I take NMN?
Introducing the NMN Turbo Morning Smoothie from lipolife® - built for morning energy, metabolic support and antioxidant protection.
This lipolife® smoothie will boost NAD⁺ levels, support mitochondrial energy and protect cells from oxidative stress all while tasting like a creamy berry shake.
You will need:
- 70g of frozen blueberries
- 70g of strawberries or raspberries
- 1/2 a banana
- A handful of spinach or kale
- 70ml coconut water
- 70ml unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp almond or cashew butter
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- A squeeze of lemon juice
And of course our hero ingredient, a shot or two of lipolife® NMN (or lipolife® NMN & Resveratrol.)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender in the order listed, minus the NMN.
- Blend until creamy and smooth (30-45 seconds).
- Add your hero shot of lipolife® NMN
- Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately for best nutrient retention.
When to drink it
- Morning: Kickstarts metabolism and energy for the day.
- Post-workout: Supports recovery, energy replenishment and cellular repair.
- Mid-afternoon: A clean energy lift without caffeine.
