Shock NAD results after 11-month NMN trial | What did it do for us and will we keep taking it?

Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from the Video

Supplementation with NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

• Taken daily by Claire Johnston and her elderly parents for 11 months, starting at 500 mg/day and later reduced to 250 mg/day.
• Initially combined with trimethylglycine (TMG) and berberine to potentially optimize NMN’s conversion to NAD.
• Reported benefits included:
  • Increased energy
  • Improved concentration and productivity
  • Better sleep quality
  • Reduced arthritis pain
  • Improved prostate symptoms
  • Weight loss without strict dieting

NAD and Its Role

NAD is a critical co-enzyme in cells that:

• Fuels mitochondria (the cellular powerhouses)
• Supports over 300 cellular functions, including DNA repair and epigenetic regulation via sirtuins (known as “longevity genes”)
• Declines with age, and boosting NAD is theorized to improve cell function and reduce aging effects

Scientific Context

• Most compelling evidence for NMN benefits comes from animal studies (mice and rats), showing:
  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Better cognitive and physical performance
  • Increased capillary density
• Human studies have been less conclusive; exercise and diet alone may maintain healthy NAD levels.
• NMN is currently under FDA review in the US and is not widely approved as a dietary supplement there.

Blood Test Monitoring

• NAD levels were tested three times during the trial with varying results, likely influenced by testing methods and sample handling.
• Claire’s mother had consistently higher NAD levels, possibly due to regular vitamin B12 injections.
• Despite fluctuations in lab results, subjective health improvements were consistent.

Diet and Exercise

The most proven ways to maintain or increase NAD levels currently include:

• Eating a nutritious, whole-food-based diet low in sugar and processed foods
• Combining aerobic exercise with strength training to build muscle

Personalized Approach

• Dosage and frequency of NMN supplementation should be individualized.
• Claire emphasizes self-experimentation to find the minimal effective dose.
• She does not recommend NMN universally due to limited human evidence and ongoing research.

Additional Notes

• Claire and her family’s decision to continue NMN is based on personal experience rather than conclusive science.
• Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences and strategies for healthy aging.

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Presenters and Sources Mentioned

• Claire Johnston – Journalist and main presenter, conducting the NMN trial with her parents.
• Dr. Elena Saranova – Neuroscientist and founder of NMN Bio, advocate for NMN supplementation.
• Dr. David Sinclair – Harvard Medical School professor, referenced for NAD research.
• Dr. Brad Stanfield – New Zealand-based physician, provided a critical perspective on human NMN studies.