The short answer is no. There's no direct link in the research suggesting that NMN supplementation increases testosterone production. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is best known for the research showing its potential to support cellular health and, by extension, longevity.
That being said, NMN's role as a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ precursor might indirectly help with healthy hormonal regulation.
Link Between NMN and Testosterone Production
NMN's role in supporting cellular functions might affect hormone regulation, but it’s not a direct influence like some pharmaceutical interventions. NMN supplementation's central role is to support NAD+ levels in the cells [1]. In theory, the improved metabolic processes with higher levels of NAD+ could create a healthier internal environment.
One study conducted on mice observed that low NAD+ levels can cause problems with sperm production (smaller testes and smaller sperm count). Even though NAD+ is important for healthy sperm, the study found that low NAD+ levels didn't change testosterone levels [2].
For NMN, which helps boost NAD+, this means it could help keep sperm production healthy, but it’s not likely to directly increase testosterone. NMN might support overall reproductive health by maintaining good NAD+ levels, but it’s not a way to boost testosterone.
In this context, better cellular functioning reduces oxidative stress, and improved energy levels could lead to balanced hormone production, including testosterone. However, NMN supplements do not guarantee an outcome.
Does NMN Increase Testosterone?
The short answer is no. There isn’t much research to support the idea that NMN increases testosterone levels.
If we want to be optimistic about this, something could be said about improving overall cellular health and energy metabolism with NMN supplementation for a favorable environment for hormone production, including testosterone. However, these effects are likely subtle and indirect, requiring more research for conclusive evidence.
What about NAD, does NAD Help Increase Testosterone?
Like NMN, NAD+ isn’t directly associated with increased testosterone levels. Murine model studies have shown that NAD⁺ plays a role in overall metabolic health, which could indirectly support hormone balance, including testosterone [2].
Does NMN Increase Estrogen?
NMN or NR supplements might indirectly impact our estrogen levels, by supporting cellular and metabolic health. There is a study from Glycative Stress Research that saw an improvement in hormonal health which includes testerone and estrogen levels. [3]
The main goal of taking NMN supplementation is to boost NAD, which helps maintain cellular health.
In theory, this creates a healthier internal environment that could lead to supported hormone regulation, but it shouldn't be the primary answer to increasing testosterone production.
If you're concerned about your testosterone levels, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Resources:
- Shade, C. (2020). The science behind NMN–A stable, reliable NAD+ activator and anti-aging molecule. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 19(1), 12.
- Meyer-Ficca, M. L., Zwerdling, A. E., Swanson, C. A., Tucker, A. G., Lopez, S. A., Wandersee, M. K., ... & Meyer, R. G. (2022). Low NAD+ levels are associated with a decline of spermatogenesis in transgenic ANDY and aging mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 896356.
-
Touka Stress. “Research on NMN and Its Potential Effects.” Journal of Touka Stress Studies, vol. 16, 2022, www.toukastress.jp/webj/article/2022/GS22-16.pdf.
