What is NMN? A Complete Guide to Science, NAD+, and Regulations in Norway (2026)
Interest in NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has exploded in recent years, largely thanks to groundbreaking research into cellular aging. But what exactly is this molecule, and why has it become the center of modern bioscience?
1. What is NMN?
NMN stands for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide . It is a nucleotide that occurs naturally in all life forms, including the human body. At a molecular level, it is made up of a nicotinamide group, a ribose, and a phosphate group.
In nature, NMN is found in small amounts in foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers and avocados. However, the amounts in food are so microscopic that one would have to eat tens of kilograms daily to match the doses used in modern research. NMN functions as the direct precursor to the vital coenzyme NAD+ .
2. Why is NAD+ so important for the body?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is one of the most important molecules in your body, after water. Without NAD+, life would grind to a halt in seconds. The molecule has two critical roles in our cells:
- Energy production (ATP): It acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondria, which converts nutrients from food into chemical energy the cells can use.
- DNA Repair and Sirtuins: It activates a group of proteins called sirtuins (often called "survival genes"). These repair damaged DNA and protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
The challenge: The body's natural production of NAD+ drops dramatically as we age. By age 50, most of us have about half the NAD+ we had in our 20s, which is linked to reduced energy levels and cellular decline.
3. What does the science say? (Research and Dr. David Sinclair)
Much of the modern interest in NMN began at Harvard Medical School , led by Professor Dr. David Sinclair. His research has shown that increasing NAD+ levels via NMN can potentially support the body's natural repair mechanisms.
Key research includes:
- Cell Metabolism (2016) : This study by Mills et al. documented how NMN is rapidly absorbed from the gut and converted to NAD+ in various mammalian tissues.
- Science (2021) : A clinical study by Yoshino et al. found that NMN supplementation increased muscle insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in women.
- Endurance: A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed signs of improved oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in athletes who consumed the molecule.
Important clarification: These studies deal with the molecule NMN in general. The results are not directly related to Live Longer's specific products, but rather shed light on the general mechanisms in the body.
4. NMN vs NR: A technical comparison
A common question is whether to choose NMN or NR (Nicotinamide Riboside). Both are precursors to NAD+, but they have different chemical pathways into cells.
| Property | NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) | NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical structure | Contains a phosphate group. | Missing phosphate group. |
| Conversion | The last step before NAD+. A direct precursor. | Must first be converted to NMN inside the cell. |
| Molecular size | Larger molecule than NR. | Smaller molecule than NMN. |
| Focus in research | A lot of focus on DNA repair and muscle strength. | A lot of focus on general NAD values in the bloodstream. |
5. Legal status: Why "chemical" and not dietary supplement?
In Norway and the EU, it is important to be aware of the legal status of NMN. As of today, NMN is classified as a "Novel Food" by EFSA and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
This means that the molecule has no documented history as a food product prior to 1997, and requires an extensive approval process before it can be sold as a dietary supplement for human consumption. Therefore, NMN is sold at Live Longer exclusively as a chemical .
- The product is not approved as a food, dietary supplement or medicine.
- We encourage all our customers to consult with medical personnel before use (This applies to all supplements).
6. Dosage and stability in scientific trials
In human clinical trials, dosages have often ranged from 250 mg to 1000 mg daily . To maintain maximum purity and stability over time, NMN should be stored in a dry, dark, and cool place. Many people choose to store the product in the refrigerator to ensure that the molecule does not degrade.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is NMN safe?
A large clinical study published in Frontiers in Aging (Yi et al., 2023) showed that doses of 300, 600, and 900 mg daily were safe and well tolerated in adults over a 60-day period. Other research suggests that NMN is safe in doses up to 1250 mg daily.
Why choose NMN from Live Longer?
When purchasing NMN, purity is crucial. We offer NMN with a guaranteed purity of 99.9%, verified via third-party lab testing. We also ship all items from our warehouse in Norway for fast delivery.
How quickly do NAD+ levels increase?
Laboratory experiments show that NAD+ levels in the blood can rise relatively quickly after ingestion, but the long-term cellular processes associated with DNA repair are often studied over several months.
Ready to explore NMN?
We offer both high-quality capsules and pure powder.
See our NMN capsules here See our NMN powder here
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