If you take NMN to fight aging, the FDA’s recent decision may ruin your day

The Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as a supplement.

NMN, which only became available in the United States during the past few years, has gotten a lot of attention from researchers seeking new ways to fight aging. But in October, the FDA notified NMN manufacturers that the molecule can no longer be marketed as part of dietary supplements.

The FDA has not explained its reasons for the ban, but an article in Lifespan.io reports the action may has stemmed from the fact that at least one drug developer, Metro International Biotech, has developed a proprietary version of ß-NMN called MIB-626 and asked the FDA to approve its investigation as an investigational new drug (IND).

The FDA’s action comes as more people actively search for ways to reduce the impact of aging and extend their healthspans.

NMN has attracted a lot of attention because it is a naturally occurring molecule and a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is a coenzyme vital to metabolism. As you age, your NMN levels decline, resulting in your body producing less NAD+, which may contribute to age-related health conditions like cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

A report by The Edge suggests there is growing evidence that NMN may be key to increasing NAD+ levels in humans. And several recent cell and animal studies suggest that boosting NMN levels can alleviate or even reverse age-related conditions by stimulating NAD+ metabolism. The preliminary findings are certainly exciting. NMN:

·       Impacts aging: It appears to delay the progression of age-related diseases.

·       Increases longevity: It produces NAD+ that improves mitochondrial and stem cell function. 

·       Diminishes age-related weight gain: It enhances energy metabolism and physical activity.

·       Improves insulin levels: It increases muscle insulin sensitivity.

·       Improves brain health: It improves brain blood vessel dilation.

·       Improves cardiac health: It induces improvements in both cardiac and extracardiac metabolic function and energy metabolism.

Anyone who is enthused by the preliminary research must be disappointed about the FDA’s decision. However, it’s not clear how that decision will impact access to NMN supplements, which are still available. Under one scenario, it is possible NMN would be available only through a doctor’s prescription.  

We recognize that drug developers’ intellectual property deserves to be protected, but also believe consumers have the right to access safe products that studies suggest may be promising weapons in the war on aging. We hope the government’s action reflects the public’s rights at least as much as those of a private company.