How do NMN and exosomes differ?

Exosomes and NMN are both important molecules of living cells. Currently, exosome therapy and NMN supplementation therapy, aimed at treating certain diseases and improving health, are receiving significant attention. So, how do NMN and exosomes differ?

1. What is NMN? What is an exosome?

1.1 What is NMN?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a compound found in every cell in your body. NAD+ acts as a coenzyme, a compound necessary for the function of proteins called enzymes. NAD+ is involved in important processes such as energy metabolism, gene expression, and regulation of mitochondrial activity.

NMN offers several key health benefits, including:

• Enhancing NAD+ levels

Some limited studies suggest that NMN supplementation may help increase NAD+ levels in certain groups of people. A recent study involving 30 healthy adults showed that taking 250 milligrams (mg) of NMN daily for 12 weeks significantly increased NAD+ levels in the blood compared to a placebo. However, both the NMN supplement and the placebo were manufactured by the company sponsoring the research, which could influence the results.

Another recent study investigated the effects of daily NMN supplementation in 80 healthy middle-aged adults at doses of 300 mg, 600 mg, or 900 mg over two months. Researchers found that the NAD+ levels in participants’ blood significantly increased, with the highest NAD+ levels observed in the group taking 600 mg and 900 mg of NMN daily.

NMN has also been shown to increase NAD+ levels in older, overweight adults.
While more research is needed, these findings suggest that NMN supplements may be an effective way to increase NAD+ levels in healthy individuals.

• Improving General Health and Athletic Performance

Since NAD+ is involved in many important processes, such as energy production, a decline in NAD+ can negatively affect your mood and ability to maintain physical activity. Increasing NAD+ levels through NMN supplementation may help enhance physical performance, energy, and more.

Similar research has investigated the effects of NMN supplementation in 80 healthy middle-aged adults, measuring the participants’ physical performance using a six-minute walk test. The walking distance of participants was significantly higher in the 300 mg, 600 mg, and 900 mg groups compared to the placebo group on both day 30 and day 60. The longest walking distance was measured in the 600 mg and 900 mg groups. Additionally, the NMN group reported significantly better overall health compared to the placebo group.

Moreover, a study on 48 trained middle-aged and young runners found that those supplemented with 600 or 1,200 mg of NMN daily for six weeks improved their muscle strength and endurance compared to the control group. Researchers suggest that the improvement in runners taking NMN may be due to enhanced oxygen utilization by skeletal muscles.

Another recent study involving 65 men aged 65 and older showed that those supplemented with 250 mg of NMN for six to twelve weeks experienced significant improvements in walking speed and grip strength compared to those taking a placebo. However, this study was funded by the NMN supplement manufacturer, which may affect the study’s results.

Although these findings are very encouraging, larger studies are needed to fully understand how NMN may impact physical performance and overall health.

• Enhancing the Body’s Metabolism

Increasing NAD+ levels through NMN supplementation can improve several aspects of metabolic health, including the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that transports blood sugar into cells for energy use.

A small study involving 25 postmenopausal women with prediabetes, overweight, or obesity showed that treatment with 250 mg of NMN daily for ten weeks improved insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and insulin sensitivity compared to a placebo.

Some evidence also suggests that intravenous (IV) NMN treatment may help reduce triglyceride levels, but research in humans on the effects of NMN on blood lipids, blood sugar, and insulin levels is still limited.

• Potential to Lengthen Telomeres

NMN supplementation may help lengthen telomeres. Telomeres are protective “caps” found at the ends of DNA strands. Shortening of telomeres plays a central role in the aging process.

A study involving both prematurely aging mice and eight individuals aged 45 to 60 found that NMN supplementation over 30 days significantly increased telomere length in both the mice and the participants.

Although NMN supplementation may provide anti-aging effects due to its impact on telomere length, more research in humans is needed.

1.2 What is an Exosome?

Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles with a diameter of approximately 40–160 nm, released from cells through the endosomal pathway. The diverse components of exosomes, in the form of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, not only reflect their cellular origin but also provide them with potential therapeutic functions, similar to the cells from which they originate, and can be harnessed for cell-free therapies. As a result, the therapeutic applications of exosomes derived from stem cells have been explored preclinically.

Exosome therapy is a versatile, targeted treatment method for conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal injuries. Genetic disorders, chronic diseases, and degeneration, along with the natural aging process, can inhibit cellular communication. Exosome therapy enhances communication channels between cells to stimulate the healing process.

2. How do NMN and Exosomes Differ?

Exosomes and NMN differ in terms of origin, mechanism of action, and method of treatment.

NMN is utilized by our bodies to synthesize NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ is present in every cell in our body and may be the most crucial molecule for extending lifespan and combating aging. It helps the body convert energy from food into usable energy by activating special proteins known as sirtuins. Sirtuins require NAD+ to regulate cellular health, turn on and off anti-aging genes, and manage our metabolism.

NMN occurs naturally in the body and can be found in certain foods such as cabbage, broccoli, avocados, and beef. It can also be taken as a supplement. NMN supplements are typically divided into multiple doses. For example, a 300 mg dose of NMN can be split into two separate doses, while a 1,000 mg dose can be divided into four separate doses. NMN is available in capsule, powder, and liquid forms and can be taken with or without food.

In contrast, exosome therapy is widely used in the fields of aesthetics and surgery. Exosomes derived from stem cells (e.g., embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, and endothelial stem cells) have the potential to treat various conditions encountered in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cosmetic surgery, general surgery, thoracic surgery, urology, head and neck surgery, ophthalmology, and obstetrics.

Depending on whether the exosomes are artificially modified, they are classified into natural and artificial exosomes. Based on their species of origin, exosomes can be categorized as animal-derived or plant-derived. Currently, exosomes are primarily classified according to the type of stem cells from which they originate. Almost all types of human cells can produce exosomes, such as macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), platelets, stem cells, and even tumor cells.

Exosomes can be found in all body fluids, including blood, saliva, urine, plasma, tears, semen, amniotic fluid, and even breast milk.

3. Considerations When Using NMN and Exosomes

After understanding how NMN and exosomes differ, we can see that although their mechanisms and effects are different, both exosomes and NMN are important components of living cells. Therapies utilizing NMN and exosomes in disease treatment can yield certain benefits. Therefore, if you are experiencing some health issues, it’s essential to explore appropriate solutions for early treatment. Be proactive in caring for your health to live a healthy, alert, and long life. You may consider exosome therapy and NMN supplementation to improve health, prevent aging, and enhance longevity.

When using NMN and exosomes, you should keep the following points in mind:

3.1 Using NMN

• Dosage: Use the recommended dosage from the manufacturer or a healthcare professional. Human studies have used NMN supplementation dosages ranging from 250 mg to over 1,250 mg.
• Timing: It is advisable to take NMN in the morning to support energy levels throughout the day.
• Drug Interactions: NMN is not known to interact with any specific medications. However, supplements containing NMN may also include other ingredients, such as herbs, that could interact with common medications. If you are taking one or more medications, you should consult your doctor before using NMN.

3.2 Using Exosomes

• Exosome source: Ensure that the exosomes you use come from a reputable source and have been quality-tested.
• Indications for Use: Exosomes are typically used in cell therapies or aesthetic procedures. Consult a specialist to determine whether it is suitable for you.
• Side Effects: Some individuals may experience side effects, so monitor your body and report any unusual signs to your doctor.
• Usage Process: Follow the instructions and recommendations provided by your doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The above article has helped you understand how NMN and exosomes differ, as well as the benefits of exosomes and NMN in disease treatment, prevention, and slowing the aging process. Therefore, if you are experiencing health issues or want to improve and prevent aging conditions and enhance longevity, be proactive in exploring effective and safe treatment methods for your body starting now.

References:health.com, nature.com, nmn.com, bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com, sciencedirect.com