Ageing or aging, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, is progressive physiological change in an organism that leads to senescence, or decline of biological functions and the ability of the organism to adapt to metabolic stress. This occurs in cells, organs or the total organism with the passage of time.
Although this sounds irrevocable and unrelenting, there is progress in the science combating it. Two remarkable compounds, namely, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and Resveratrol have shown promising results in slowing down this process but also with improving general well-being.
The next paragraphs are dedicated to briefly exploring the science behind these two compounds and discussing about how they can help us age healthier.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide better known as NMN is a natural molecule that is found in a number of commonly consumed foods, such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Avocados and many more. NMN plays and essential role in the production of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), an essential enzyme that fuels the metabolic processes of our cells.
By the time we reach middle age the NAD+ levels in our body drop to half compared to our youth this in turn leads to a decreased cellular energy production and to a steady loss of function in organs and the body as a whole. The decline of NAD+ production has been associated with numerous afflictions associated with age such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.
Supplementing NMN can contribute to NAD+ levels in the body improving cellular energy levels and improving general health. Recent studies in mice have shown to prolong life expectancy, cognitive function and physical endurance. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the effects of NMN on humans but the theoretical benefits of this compound are promising.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound found in different plants such as red apples, blueberries, plums, red grapes and red wine. It is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
One of the fascinating effects of Resveratrol is the potential to activate Sirutuin-1 (SIRT-1), a special protein family that modulate cellular response to oxidative, metabolic and inflammatory stressors. Studies have linked them with prolonging life expectancy in different organisms from yeast to worms and flies.
In studies done on mice, it has been demonstrated again that it improves cardiovascular health, increases sensibility to insulin and prolongs life expectancy. Although human studies are limited there is more and more evidence that suggests that supplementing with Resveratrol could yield similar results in humans.
Recent studies suggest that an association between NMN and Resveratrol could have a synergistic effect, each compound enhancing the benefits the other offers. While NMN stimulates NAD+ levels and cellular energy levels, Resveratrol activates SIRT-1 proteins that need NAD+ to function. By combining the two compounds we could amplify any individual potential effects and thus improve general well being and longevity.
[1] Nature [2] Cell [3] Journals of Gerontology
