Are there any connections between NMN and cancer?Updated 8 months ago
NMN is generally considered safe for consumption and has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits. Several animal and clinical studies have reported beneficial effects of NMN on age-related diseases and metabolic disorders, and clinical trials have not reported significant adverse effects.
Studies suggest that NMN and other NAD+ precursors may prevent the growth of cancer cells and do not increase the risk for cancer. When cancer cells are already present, the picture is less clear. While one study showed an increase in cancer prevalence and metastases in an animal model, several others showed that NAD+ precursors may reduce cancer progression or do not affect it. In terms of its potential effects on cancer in humans, further research is needed as most studies were conducted in cell cultures or animal models.
Thus, as with any supplement or medication, consult with a healthcare professional before taking NMN, particularly if you have a history of cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Please read here for a more detailed scientific point of view:
It is important to note that if you already have cancer, any substance that is necessary for proper cell function (as well as vitamins and minerals in general) could theoretically accelerate cancer growth. Substances that are good for normal healthy cells could also be good for growth-hungry cancer cells. We need more scientific evidences of how the substances work in healthy cells and cancer cells.
For example, folic acid shows cancer-promoting properties in certain cancer cells. However, adequate folic acid intake is essential and has an anti-cancer effect because we need it to maintain DNA.
NMN, as a precursor of NAD+, also aims to reduce DNA damage. DNA damage is one of the main processes of ageing. Since DNA mutations are an important factor in cancer development, NMN could reduce the risk of cancer. It even shows positive properties in cancer therapy. In addition, other studies have shown that NMN improves the function of cancer-fighting immune cells (increased activity of natural killer cells).
In general, we can conclude that ageing is a major risk factor for many types of cancer. NMN and other precursors offer promising strategies to improve health and reduce comorbidities.
How did this topic come up in the first place?
In one particular study, scientists injected human cancer cells into the hearts of rats and then studied metastasis to the brain, which is not really an experiment relevant to humans. They also used a high dose of 200 mg/kg.
However, Hundreds of Thousands of people have taken NMN in reasonable doses (usually 125 mg to 1 g) over the years without problems, and its safety has been confirmed by scientific studies.
As always, we cannot give medical advice and strongly advise people who have a known disease such as cancer, or have had cancer in the past, not to take supplements without their doctor's approval.
Scientific evidences on NMN, NAD+ precursors and cancer: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/qm/d0qm00897d
https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(20)30554-4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929077/
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030518-055905
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aad8242
https://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/28/8/2337