Side Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
Safety Profile of NMN
- NMN is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme involved in over 400 enzymatic reactions in the body that helps convert nutrients into energy, create cholesterol and fats, repair DNA, and exert antioxidant effects 1, 2
- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an upper intake level (UL) for nicotinamide (a related compound) at 12.5 mg/kg body weight/day or approximately 900 mg/day for adults 1, 3
Potential Side Effects
- Unlike nicotinic acid (another form of niacin), NMN does not typically cause flushing, which is a common side effect seen with nicotinic acid supplementation 1, 3
- Gastrointestinal effects may occur with NMN supplementation, including nausea 4, vomiting 4, diarrhea 1, and anorexia 4
Drug Interactions
- While specific data on NMN drug interactions is limited, caution should be exercised with medications that interact with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, as other NAD+ precursors have shown interactions 4
- Particular attention should be paid when combining NMN with medications for diabetes (due to potential effects on insulin levels) 4
Special Populations
- There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety of NMN supplementation during pregnancy and lactation 1, 3
- The safety profile in individuals with liver or kidney disease has not been well established, and these populations may be at higher risk for adverse effects due to altered metabolism or excretion 4