As we grow older, several chemical processes naturally occur in our cells, including oxidation, glycation and methylation.
In essence, your body struggles to create new, healthy cells to maintain its functions and tissues so it will age over time (and eventually die).
That said, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is renowned in the anti-ageing world as a supplement that can restore functional proteins and DNA in your cells.
How? Well, it is a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), which activates a group of enzymes called sirtuins. Sirtuins are nicknamed “longevity genes” and can help reverse DNA damage and reduce inflammation.
In other words, if you manage to boost your body’s NAD+ levels through supplementing with NMN, you can effectively slow down the ageing clock.
However, there are studies to suggest that NMN supplementation may work best when combined with methylation support. Let’s explore this further.
What is Methylation?
First things first, methylation is a fundamental biochemical process where one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms transfer from one molecule to another (called CH3). It’s a process that counts towards some of your body’s most important functions, such as:
- Creating free-radical antioxidants
- Cell division
- Cellular energy production
- Metabolism
- DNA expression
In fact, your body has a “methyl pool” that always has CH3 groups swimming in it. Then when transfers need to be made for biochemical processes, CH3 is withdrawn.
Having said that, there needs to be enough methyl groups stored in the pool for this process to work.
Why Support Methylation When Supplementing with NMN
The truth is, you need to have enough NAD+ and methylation support in your body for health, energy and longevity.
As well as neutralising hormones, managing neurotransmitters and playing a key role in energy production and immune function, methylation is crucial for anti-ageing effects.
To compensate for a methylation defect in the body and reduce the signs of ageing, there are a few steps you can take.
How to Support Methylation When Supplementing with NMN
A simple way to restore healthy methylation is taking methyl donor supplements. These can come in the form of:
- 400 mcg of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)
- 1,000 mcg of Methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12)
- 500 mg of Trimethylglycine (TMG)
- 5 mg of Niacinamide
You can also take 5 mg of Riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is a coenzyme precursor that is required for the metabolism of vitamin B6, B3 and folate. Fundamentally, you need Riboflavin for healthy methylation function.
Although, there are some other things you can do to maintain methylation. After all, longevity also depends on genetics, exercise, diet and disease prevention.
- Eat a plant-based, balanced diet with lots of green leafy vegetables that are rich in folate
- Don’t overeat or avoid red meat
- Include methylation superfoods such as spinach, eggs, mushrooms and beets
- Balance methylation with foods rich in polyphenols such as turmeric, rosemary, cabbage and green tea
- Maintain good gut health
- Take polyphenol supplements that have methylation benefits such as curcumin, rosmarinic acid, lutein and sulforaphane
Also, to encourage NAD+ healthy methylation, you should limit your coffee intake, avoid energy drinks, reduce your alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
The Takeaway
NMN may be a front-running anti-ageing supplement because of its ability to convert to NAD+, which is a key component that activates sirtuins (dubbed the “longevity genes”).
However, you’re likely to feel and see more results when you combine it with healthy methyl support.
