New research shows that a combination of two substances can reduce the effects of old age on muscles and bones. Scientists studied the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and apigenin in older mice. NMN is a substance that helps to replenish an important coenzyme, NAD+. Apigenin inhibits the loss of NAD+, thereby enhancing the effect.
NAD+ plays a crucial role in energy production and the proper functioning of cells. As we get older, the amount of NAD+ in our bodies decreases, which causes less energy and a poorer cell repair capacity. By combining NMN with apigenin, the muscles of older mice became stronger and the bone structure also recovered.
In the study, muscle inflammation decreased and the production of ATP, the energy molecule for cells, improved. The mice became more active and their movements became smoother. The composition of the gut bacteria also improved, which can have a positive effect on the health of the entire body.
Although these results are promising, it is important to emphasise that this research has so far only been carried out in mice. Future studies must determine whether a similar treatment is also safe and effective in humans. The restoration of NAD+ could well prove to be an important step in supporting healthy ageing.
Source: Josh Conway
