Andrew Huberman on NMN: A Science-Backed Breakdown
Key takeaways:
- NMN supplements boost NAD+ levels, therefore, they are widely used to slow the aging process in the body and extend lifespan.
- Famous neuroscientist Andrew Huberman takes NMN supplements personally but advises to remain cautious due to the lack of human clinical trials before using them.
- Despite potential risks, NMN can’t be ruled out as unsafe, and if concerns bother users, they might find alternative supplements with similar outcomes.
Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman hosts a Huberman Lab podcast that has amassed millions of subscribers, making Huberman one of the best-known names on health topics.
As a scientist, he is trusted for backing his statements with scientific evidence, making his supplement for health benefits recommendations renowned and distinguished around the globe.
In this article, we will examine Huberman’s stance on a particular supplement that has gained significant attention in the biohacking community, namely, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN).
NMN is praised for its potential to unlock longevity with improved energy metabolism and cellular function, including enhanced blood glucose tolerance and inflammation suppression to get improved inflammatory markers (1).
Who is Andrew Huberman?
As a professor of neuroscience at Stanford University, Andrew Huberman focuses on cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and human performance in his academic study.
He uses the Huberman Lab podcast to simplify complex scientific data and research to make it convertible into efficient and understandable mental and physical health benefits and wellness strategies for the listeners.
If you follow the Huberman Lab podcast or the podcaster closely, you can find insight from supplements to forms of exercise that might be detrimental to longevity goals.
Recently, he got into a heated exchange with Bryan Johnson over a poor leg press form, sparking a lasting controversy in the fitness community.
Huberman’s keen interest is to extend lifespan and improve physical health through stress resilience and improved cognitive function. That’s why he might seem harshly critical of some exercises or longevity supplements that might not extend lifespan as promised.
Since his takes on supplements are based on peer-reviewed studies, his recommendations influence not only biohackers and those who want to live healthier lives but also professional athletes.
What is NMN & Why is it Popular?
NMN is a molecule that our bodies make naturally. It is heavily related to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, a crucial coenzyme that declines with age, leading the whole body into an aging process since this coenzyme can be found in all cells of the body.
High NAD+ levels are essential for such vital functions as mental and physical energy production, DNA repair, and cellular health. By supplementing with additional NMN exceeding declining natural levels in the body, individuals aim to boost NAD+ levels.
It is widely believed that increased NAD+ levels by NMN that have sirtuin-related pathways to better age-related health benefits can potentially slow aging and improve metabolism, along with inflammatory markers showing weaker inflammations.
NMN has gained attention specifically for its promising health benefits that could extend lifespan or improve overall performance, such as the following:
- Increased energy production by supporting mitochondrial function (2).
- Enhanced cognitive function through improved neural efficiency (3).
- Anti-aging properties by promoting DNA repair and cellular resilience (4).
- Improved sleep and physical performance, making it appealing to athletes and fitness enthusiasts (5).
- Enhanced glucose tolerance to optimize blood glucose in case of diabetes (6).
Andrew Huberman’s Opinion on NMN
In the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Huberman admitted that he takes a pretty high dose of sublingual NMN, meaning he takes it under his tongue to dissolve instead of chewing it.
According to him, high NAD+ levels are essential to life since, with decreased NAD+ levels, a body cannot regenerate itself as much. NAD+ cannot go straight to the cells when consumed. Therefore, sublingual NMN can be used to go to the cells and eventually boost NAD+ levels.
The most distinct outcome that Huberman reported was that he felt more energized with higher NAD+ levels and that his energy decreased during periods when he stopped taking the supplement.
However, he always makes an effort to emphasize that his experience is entirely subjective.
Huberman remains cautious about recommending these supplements to boost NAD+ levels because they have incomplete long-term human data. As it pertains to the potential to extend lifespan, promising conclusions were indicated by some clinical trials with mice, not with men.
Although several studies support NMN’s effectiveness in increasing NAD+ levels, improving mitochondrial function, normalizing blood glucose, and enhancing endurance, researchers unsurprisingly argue that more long-term clinical trials are needed before definitive claims regarding the supplement’s safety and effectiveness can be made.
That is part of the reason why the FDA excluded NMN from legal dietary supplements until more data is available. Therefore, Huberman often highlights nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a potential alternative for boosting NAD+ levels to extend lifespan.
Should You Take NMN?
Huberman advocates for a cautious approach regarding longevity supplements that lack data on human trials.
However, he takes the NMN daily to increase his NAD+ levels, so at least in part, he is a personalized recommendation.
Without a strict answer, the decision ultimately depends on your preferences after evaluating risks and health benefits.
Who Might Benefit from NMN?
NMN could be beneficial for:
- Aging individuals looking to counteract NAD+ levels decline and inflammatory markers showing concerning threats.
- Athletes aiming to enhance endurance and recovery.
- Healthier cognitive function seekers who want to support brain cognitive function and neuroprotection.
- Diabetes-prone individuals who want to keep healthy blood glucose levels.
For those looking for NMN supplements, check out the best NMN supplement options here.
Potential Side Effects & Risks
While NMN is generally well-tolerated, potential risks include:
- Impact on liver and kidneys (especially at high doses).
- Unknown long-term effects, as more research is needed.
- Possible regulatory concerns, as NMN was recently under FDA radar.
If you are considering NMN, consult a healthcare professional first and explore alternative longevity supplements like Pure Resveratrol to boost your NAD+ levels.
Conclusion
NMN is popular for its promise to reduce the pace at which our bodies age by boosting NAD+ levels and normalizing blood glucose, so it is not going anywhere despite regulatory concerns. However, Dr. Andrew Huberman advises to remain cautious regarding longevity supplements that might lack scientific data on human trials.
On the other hand, he takes sublingual NMN in pretty high doses, leaving those who want straight answers wondering whether they should take NMN to preserve their youth.
After taking into account potential risks, one should not be afraid of trying NMN if the dosage and purpose are reasonably weighted. Be aware that NMN is just one option among many that can be used as an alternative to boost NAD+ levels to stay younger for a longer while.