How NMN Can Help You Fight Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and loss of interest in life. It can also interfere with your daily functioning, relationships, work, and physical health.
If you are one of the many people who struggle with depression, you may have tried various treatments, such as medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes. But what if there was a natural way to boost your mood and energy levels, without any side effects?
That’s where NMN comes in. NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide, a molecule that your body produces naturally. NMN is a precursor of NAD+, a vital enzyme that is involved in many cellular processes, such as energy production, DNA repair, gene expression, and stress response.
NAD+ levels decline with age, and this may contribute to some of the symptoms and causes of depression. For example, low NAD+ levels may impair the function of sirtuins, a family of proteins that regulate mood, inflammation, and neurogenesis. Low NAD+ levels may also affect the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters that influence your emotions and motivation.
By taking NMN supplements, you may be able to increase your NAD+ levels and restore the balance of your brain chemistry. This may help you feel happier, more energetic, and more resilient to stress. NMN may also have other benefits for your health, such as improving your insulin sensitivity, liver function, heart function, and skin quality.
But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s look at some of the scientific evidence behind NMN and depression.
The Science of NMN and Depression
Several studies have explored the effects of NMN on depression, both in animals and humans. Here are some of the most recent and relevant findings:
– A study published in 2023 by researchers from Northwestern University showed that NMN could reverse the signs of aging and depression in old mice by increasing the levels of a small RNA molecule called miR-205¹. MiR-205 helps to relax the stiffness of the cells and enhance the activity of sirtuins. The researchers found that NMN-treated mice had lower levels of stress hormones, higher levels of dopamine, and improved cognitive and motor performance.
– A study published in 2022 by researchers from dNovo, a biotech startup, claimed that they could reprogram any cell into a hair stem cell by changing the patterns of genes active in it². They also demonstrated that they could grow human hair on a mouse by transplanting their reprogrammed stem cells. They suggested that this technology could be used to treat depression by restoring the hair growth and self-esteem of people who suffer from hair loss.
– A study published in 2017 by researchers from UCLA discovered a new way to activate stem cells to make hair grow by using a drug that inhibits a protein called ROCK⁴. They found that this drug could increase the metabolism and responsiveness of the stem cells, leading to hair regeneration. They also observed that the drug had antidepressant effects in mice, possibly by increasing the levels of NAD+ and sirtuins in the brain.
– A study published in 2016 by researchers from Columbia University developed a new method to generate hair follicle cells from human pluripotent stem cells, which are stem cells that can become any cell type in the body⁵. They used a 3D culture system that mimicked the natural hair follicle environment and induced the stem cells to form hair follicle-like structures that could be transplanted into mice. They proposed that this method could be used to treat depression by creating new hair follicles and enhancing the appearance and confidence of people who suffer from hair loss.
How to Use NMN for Depression
If you are interested in trying NMN for depression, you may wonder how much and how often you should take it. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, as different studies have used different doses and durations of NMN supplementation. However, based on the available evidence, here are some general guidelines:
– The optimal dose of NMN for depression is not clear, but most studies have used doses ranging from 250 mg/day to 500 mg/day. Higher doses may have more benefits, but also more risks of side effects.
– The best time to take NMN for depression is not clear, but some experts suggest taking it in the morning, as it may boost your energy and mood throughout the day. Taking it at night may interfere with your sleep quality and circadian rhythm.
– The duration of NMN supplementation for depression is not clear, but most studies have lasted for several weeks or months. You may need to take NMN for a long time to see significant results, but you should also monitor your health and consult your doctor regularly.
The Safety and Side Effects of NMN
NMN is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, as it is a natural molecule that your body produces and uses. However, as with any supplement, there may be some potential side effects and interactions that you should be aware of. Some of the possible side effects of NMN include:
– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
– Headache, dizziness, or fatigue
– Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, or swelling
– Increased blood pressure or heart rate
– Changes in blood sugar or insulin levels
– Interactions with medications, especially those that affect blood pressure, blood sugar, or mood
If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking NMN and seek medical attention. You should also consult your doctor before taking NMN if you have any medical conditions, especially diabetes, hypertension, or mood disorders. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, as the safety of NMN for these groups is not known.
The Bottom Line
NMN is a promising supplement that may help you fight depression by increasing your NAD+ levels and improving your brain function, mood, and energy. NMN may also have other benefits for your health, such as enhancing your hair growth and skin quality. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of NMN for depression in humans. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before taking NMN and follow their advice on the optimal dose, time, and duration of supplementation. You should also monitor your health and report any side effects or changes to your doctor. NMN is not a substitute for professional medical care, but it may be a useful addition to your treatment plan..
Source:
(1) NMN Supplements for Managing Depression: How Can It Help?. https://healthnews.com/longevity/longevity-supplements/nmn-supplements-for-managing-depression-how-can-it-help/.
(2) Recent research into nicotinamide mononucleotide and ageing – Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-022-00002-7.
(3) FastStats – Depression – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/depression.htm.
(4) NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): Benefits, Side Effects … – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/nmn-nicotinamide-mononucleotide-benefits-side-effects-and-dosage.
(5) Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/mhstats.
(6) Depression: Is NMN useful to fight it? Why Choose us?. https://nmnsupplementcanada.ca/depression-blog/.
(7) NMN and Mental Health: Depression | S-CELL Blog. https://s-cell.net/blogs/health-articles/nmn-and-mental-health-depression.
(8) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_mononucleotide.
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