As people age, chronic low-grade inflammation becomes a widespread phenomenon and is directly tied to many degenerative disorders such as coronary artery disease, insulin resistance, and Parkinson’s. This inflammation is typically assessed through key inflammatory indicators in the blood, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and C-reactive protein.

Researchers have been actively investigating to suppress these markers and improve health outcomes in older adults. One compound attracting growing interest is nicotinamide riboside precursor. NMN serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a vital molecule for mitochondrial function and tissue homeostasis.

Studies in both animal models and early human trials suggest that NMN supplementation may help decrease levels of these inflammatory markers. In mouse studies, older mice administered NMN demonstrated marked reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α, compared to placebo groups. These animals also showed enhanced insulin sensitivity and less organ degeneration.

In small pilot trials, participants who took NMN daily for a few months reported modest but noticeable decreases in C-reactive protein and other inflammation-related proteins. The proposed mechanism is that NMN helps restore declining NAD+ levels that occur with aging. Restored NAD+ levels activate the activity of NAD+-dependent deacetylases, a class of proteins essential for controlling cellular health and suppressing immune overactivation.

By activating these biological mechanisms, NMN may dampen the overactive immune response commonly observed in aging. While the results are compelling, it is essential to recognize that the majority of existing research have been small-scale or conducted solely in animals. comprehensive longitudinal investigations are urgently needed to confirm these effects and to determine the optimal dosage and long-term tolerability.

Nonetheless, read the growing body of research suggests that NMN could become a potent intervention to help older adults lower systemic inflammatory burden and significantly boost their healthspan as they age.