NMN and nicotinamide riboside: Longevity sold faster than it is studied

What it is

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are precursors of NAD+, a molecule involved in cell metabolism that declines with age. They are sold as capsules and powders with "anti-ageing" and "longevity" slogans. They have no authorised EU health claims.

Here the most important thing is to separate what has been measured from what is promised: they have been shown to raise blood NAD+, but whether that translates into human health benefits is not proven. In addition, the regulatory status of each product as a novel food in the EU must be checked before offering it.

What is known

They are converted in the body into NAD+, an essential coenzyme:

In people, they raise blood NAD+ levels.
Clinical benefits (energy, ageing, performance) are not proven in humans.
Studies are small and long-term safety data are limited.

At the counter

When to recommend it

An informed person who already takes them: review their medication
Only products whose food status has been checked in the EU
Without promising anything related to age

When not to

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data
Minors
Products of uncertain origin or with "rejuvenation" promises

What to say at the counter. When they ask for them "to rejuvenate", be clear: there is no evidence in people that they do. And before offering them, check that the product is authorised as a food or supplement in the EU: not all those sold online are.

Warnings

Important Do not say they slow ageing, rejuvenate or extend life: there is no proof in people and it is a statement that cannot be made on a supplement.
Important REGULATORY STATUS: before offering a product, check that its ingredient is authorised as a supplement or novel food in the EU; it is not the same for NMN and NR.
Caution No authorised health claim. Human studies are small and short-term.
Worth knowing Many online products have no controls; prefer manufacturers with quality testing.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed by mouth and converted to NAD+ inside cells.
Distribution: Distributed through tissues.
Metabolism: Converted to NAD+ and its derivatives.
Elimination: Metabolites in urine.

What is measured and what is promised

Aspect	What has been measured	What is promised
Blood NAD+ levels	Rise in human studies	Presented as proof of benefit
Clinical benefit	Not proven in people	Rejuvenate, more energy, live longer
Long-term safety	Limited data	"No risks"
Authorisation	Depends on each ingredient in the EU	Taken for granted

A marker going up does not mean the person is better off.

Self-assessment

Three questions. When you check your answers you will see the explanation for each one.

Someone asks for NMN "to rejuvenate". What do you answer? That science says so That there is no evidence in people that it does That it rejuvenates
Before offering an NMN or NR product, what do you check? Nothing The colour of the pack That its ingredient is authorised in the EU
Do they have an authorised EU health claim? Only for older people No Yes

Training content. It does not replace the summary of product characteristics or clinical judgement.

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