NMN supplements show no significant cardiorespiratory or cognitive benefit in Japanese trial

Japanese researchers published results of a 42-day open-label study of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements in the journal Nutrients. According to the authors, neither the three-component nor the eight-component formula showed statistically significant advantages over placebo in cardiorespiratory or cognitive measures. The study was conducted by specialists from the Abe Yoan Aging Research Institute and Nippon Medical School Hospital, and was funded by Abe Yoando Pharma.

What the study found

The trial enrolled healthy volunteers aged 45 to 65. Participants drank a 50-ml beverage every morning for 42 days: a placebo, a three-component formula (NMN, D-beta-hydroxybutyrate and ginsenosides), or an eight-component formula that also contained berberine, PQQ, CoQ10, trans-resveratrol and spermidine. The primary aim was to assess exercise tests, including oxygen consumption, ventilation and achieved power, as well as cognitive function.

The authors reported no significant differences between groups in exercise testing. They wrote that the direction of changes was mixed and did not favour the expanded combination. Memory and overall cognitive index scores rose in the NMN groups and fell slightly in the placebo group, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. The authors described these changes as encouraging but not conclusive, and noted that the open-label design may have influenced the results.

Biological age: what was found and what is not proven

In an exploratory part of the study, the researchers recorded decreases in functional age and in biological age measured by the DNAm PhenoAge epigenetic clock. In the eight-component formula group, the calculated functional age reduction was 2.79 years, compared with 0.63 years in the placebo group. A separate uncontrolled molecular pilot showed a PhenoAge reduction of approximately 4.1 years relative to chronological age.

The researchers themselves stressed that these data do not indicate a reversal of biological aging or an improvement in healthspan. They also noted that the results do not prove the effect of individual ingredients or any synergy between them.

What the authors say about further research

According to the authors, the study generates hypotheses but does not provide clinical confirmation. For future work they listed requirements: documented concealed randomisation, blinded outcome assessment, pre-specified primary endpoints, control of multiple comparisons, verified product composition specifications, and longer safety follow-up. Questions on cellular senescence, NAD+ biology and the design of rigorous longevity studies will also be discussed at the Nutra Healthspan Summit 2026.