Can I Take NMN with Coffee? Mixing NMN with Coffee: What You Need to Know

With growing demands for effective anti-aging solutions to improve health, increase energy, and improve cognition, people have turned to two sources may help: NMN and coffee. Some prefer to take one over the other while others find combining them convenient and possibly more effective. 

This article examines whether taking NMN with coffee is beneficial or harmful to health.

What is NMN?

NMN is short for nicotinamide mononucleotide. It’s a naturally occurring molecule found in all living cells. 

Chemical Composition and Function

NMN plays a significant role in producing NAD+, a coenzyme essential for various cellular processes including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular communication.  As a precursor to NAD+, NMN enters the cell and gets directly converted to NAD+, increasing cellular NAD+ levels.

As we age, our NAD+ levels decline, potentially contributing to age-related health issues. Thus, taking NMN supplements helps replenish NAD+ levels, promote cellular health, and slow down aging [1]. 

Chemically, NMN is a ribonucleotide composed of a ribose sugar molecule attached to a nicotinamide group and a phosphate group. NAD+ acts as an electron carrier, facilitating energy transfer within cells and fueling vital processes.

Health Benefits

While comprehensive research on NMN is still ongoing, some promising findings from clinical trials suggest NMN benefits:

1. Anti-aging Properties

A randomized, double-blind study on middle-aged human adults confirmed that participants who took 600 mg and 900 mg NMN supplements showed an increase in NAD blood concentration [1]. This suggests that optimizing NAD levels through NMN supplementation may support healthy aging by enhancing DNA repair, potentially extending lifespan.

2. Energy metabolism

By boosting NAD+ levels, NMN may improve mitochondrial function, the powerhouses of cells where energy is produced. This could lead to increased energy production and reduced fatigue. NMN has been shown to increase physical endurance in old mice by activating SIRT1 in endothelial cells. This leads to ameliorating the loss of endothelial NAD and SIRT1 activity and augmenting exercise capacity [2].

Additionally, NMN supplementation is linked to enhancing aerobic capacity in humans during exercise training. This is likely due to improved oxygen utilization in skeletal muscles [3]

According to research, NMN can combat age-induced weight gain by increasing whole-body energy expenditure [3]. Such metabolic effects are especially beneficial for restoring vitality through exercise and physical activities.

3. Cellular repair and protection

As people age, cellular wear and tear accumulates. DNA damage from environmental factors and natural cellular processes can lead to mutations and malfunctions. NMN's potential to increase NAD+ levels could activate enzymes involved in DNA repair mechanisms. These enzymes work tirelessly to identify and mend damaged DNA strands, helping to maintain cellular integrity and potentially reduce the risk of age-related diseases [4].

Additionally, cellular respiration naturally produces byproducts called free radicals, which can damage cells. NMN might contribute to the body's antioxidant defenses by promoting the production of molecules that neutralize these harmful free radicals, offering protection from oxidative stress and its damaging effects.

Recommended Dosage and Administration

Safety is as important as efficacy. Thus, it’s advisable to maintain a safe dosage range that still produces positive results. A recent study showed that a single dose ranging from 100-500 mg taken orally does not adversely affect sleep quality [5]. Interestingly, the researchers administered only 125 mg NMN capsules once daily before breakfast. Yet, they effectively and safely boosted NAD biosynthesis among their middle-aged participants.

While the highest NMN dosage safely tested on humans was 1200 mg daily, you won’t need that much to see your desired results [6]. In fact, a single NMN dose of 250 mg daily has already yielded a significant increase in NAD and metabolite concentrations among elderly men [7]. 

Possible Side Effects

NMN is generally safe. Documented side effects like headaches, dizziness, and nausea only occur with nicotinamide administration, which is a molecule different from NMN [9].

Can I Take NMN with Coffee?

While NMN and coffee are both effective in positively influencing health and improving age-related energy decline, no studies have yet recommended combining these two. However, since coffee contains trigonelline, which is also a potent precursor to NAD+, it can potentially further boost NAD+ levels along with NMN [10].

Absorption and Bioavailability of NMN and Coffee

When consumed, NMN is absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly converted to NAD+ within cells, enhancing energy metabolism. However, the bioavailability of NMN can vary based on factors such as dosage, formulation, and individual metabolic differences.

Coffee contains caffeine and tannins. Caffeine, in particular, boosts the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. However, it reduces those of the other nutrients like iron [11]. No studies have been conducted to prove whether coffee interferes with the absorption and bioavailability of NMN. 

Synergistic Effects

The effect of coffee on NMN absorption may deter you from mixing up the two. Still, there's a possibility of their combined benefits:

1. Potential combined benefits for energy and metabolism

Both NMN and coffee may promote energy metabolism through different mechanisms.  NMN by increasing NAD+ levels, and coffee by stimulating the central nervous system. Combining them could offer a stronger energy boost, which may increase your vitality [12].

2. Enhanced cognitive function and alertness

Coffee enhances alertness and focus due to its caffeine content [13]. NMN has been reported to rescue memory deficits, improve cognitive performance, and enhance neurovascular function in aged animals [14]. These findings are mirrored and anecdotally reported by human users.

Antagonistic Effects

NMN with coffee may sound like a good idea, but there is a potential drawback of combining NMN and coffee:

1. Possible reduction in the efficacy of NMN

As mentioned earlier, coffee's components might reduce NMN absorption, potentially diminishing its benefits.

2. Increased risk of side effects

Coffee in large amounts can cause intoxication. This may lead to side effects like nervousness, headaches, and gastrointestinal disorders [8]. Combining them with NMN may exacerbate these symptoms.

Tips for Optimizing Results of Combined NMN and Coffee Intake

If you choose to combine NMN and coffee, here are some tips for optimizing results:

1. Timing of intake

Consider taking NMN with your coffee in the morning to further improve energy and cognitive function.

2. Dosage adjustments

If you experience side effects when combining NMN and coffee, lower your NMN dosage or take them at separate times altogether [5] [6] [7].

3. Consider personal health conditions

Before starting any supplementation, talk to your doctor or health practitioner. This prevents you from having adverse reactions or aggravating existing health conditions.

4. Adjusting to caffeine sensitivity

If you're sensitive to caffeine, opt for decaf coffee or a lower dose of regular coffee when combining it with NMN.

Conclusion

While NMN has proven benefits, its effectiveness and interaction with coffee may still be debatable.  You need to put safety first by doing your research and taking dosage precautions.  If you still ask "Can I take NMN with coffee?", your health profile and prior caffeine reactions should determine whether you take it with coffee. Understanding their efficacy and side effects will yield the desired results minus the risks.

Alternatively, if you’re taking NMN for the first time, capsule supplements can offer just the right dose you’ll need daily. 

Verso’s Cell Being goes well with your breakfast routine and caffeine fix if timed correctly.

 

Author: Eloisa Viloria

Eloisa is a seasoned SEO specialist and content writer with a deep passion for health and wellness. With many years of experience in the digital marketing field, Eloisa has honed her skills in creating compelling, informative, and SEO-optimized content that drives traffic and engages readers.

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