Those looking to support healthy aging and optimize cellular function might use a combination of NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and TMG (trimethylglycine) supplements.
TMG is a compound made of three methyl groups attached to glycine. It's naturally found in plants and produced by the body.
On the other hand, NMN is a precursor to NAD+, an important molecule in cellular energy production. While they can be taken alone, some people opt for this combination to improve the efficacy of their NMN supplements.
What Are NMN and TMG?
NMN is a derivative of vitamin B3 and a compound that contributes to the production of NAD+, a coenzyme used in the body's cellular metabolism. People generally take NMN supplementation to support a healthy aging process because NAD+ production in the body slows down as we age, which correlates with signs of aging.
TMG, also known as betaine, functions as a methyl donor, meaning it helps supply methyl groups for essential processes in the body, like regulating DNA health and gene expression. TMG is naturally found in foods such as beets, spinach, and whole grains, and it's also available as a convenient supplement to support healthy methylation.
Why Take NMN and TMG Together?
Taking NMN and TMG together may provide complementary benefits for your body. NMN helps increase NAD+ levels, supporting many aspects of cellular health. However, NMN supplementation involves methylation, which consumes the body’s existing methyl groups. Over time, this could lead to depletion of methyl groups if they're not replenished.
As we know, NMN helps increase NAD+, but it comes at a cost. This process involves methylation, which consumes the body’s existing methyl groups. Over time, this could lead to depletion of methyl groups if they're not replenished.
Methylation Process and Its Importance With NMN Use
Methylation is a fundamental process in the body where methyl groups are added to molecules like DNA, proteins, and lipids. This process supports the foundation of wellness: gene expression, maintaining cellular function, and detoxification.
NMN supplementation requires methyl groups to convert to NAD+, which means the body’s pool of methyl groups can be depleted if not replenished.
Adding TMG supplements to your regimen alongside NMN provides an extra source of methyl groups, which can help maintain the body’s methylation capacity. This is why many experts recommend pairing NMN with TMG or other methyl donors like B vitamins (such as vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6), choline, or phosphatidylcholine to support methylation.
Should You Take NMN and TMG Together?
It's generally okay to take either NMN or TMG on its own, but taking them together might help improve the performance of your NMN supplements by supporting the methylation process to maintain cellular balance.
Taking TMG may help to prevent the potential depletion of methyl groups, especially for those taking higher doses of NMN regularly. If you decide to take both, you need to consider the right ratios of each compound to make the most of them.
How Much TMG To Take With NMN
A common ratio for NMN and TMG is 1:1. For instance, if you're taking the Neurogan Health NMN Tablets with 500 mg per serving, it's advisable to take 500 mg of TMG to support methylation.
Dr. David Sinclair, a prominent longevity researcher, has shared in his famous supplement protocol that he takes 500-1000 mg of TMG daily to complement his NMN dosages.
The goal of maintaining a balanced dosage of NMN and TMG is to ensure that while NMN is enhancing your NAD+ levels, TMG is simultaneously supporting healthy methylation, which is what you want for long-term benefits.
When Should I Take NMN and TMG Together?
It's best to take NMN in the morning to support the body's natural circadian rhythm and required energy production during the day. Since NMN is meant to enhance over-cell energy potential, you should also take it in the morning when you need it most.
Should I Still Take NMN with Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is another popular supplement often taken alongside NMN. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that acts as an antioxidant and may help activate sirtuins, proteins that regulate cellular health.
Dr. David Sinclair has also suggested that taking NMN and resveratrol together could enhance their combined effects on supporting healthy aging. While NMN helps increase NAD+ levels, resveratrol activates the pathways that use NAD+, making them a complementary pair.
Taking NMN and resveratrol together is safe, as they serve different but complementary roles in the body. Just be sure to stick to the recommended dosages.
Is It Safe to Take TMG with NMN?
It's safe for most people to take TMG and NMN together, especially within the recommended dosages.
However, as with any supplement, there can be variations in results and sensitivities to these compounds. You should monitor how your body responds and adjust your dosage as needed, but do not exceed the recommended doses on your bottle of supplements. Taking more doesn't necessarily mean it will work better, but it can put you more at risk for discomfort from side effects.
If you have any concerns, particularly if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before taking NMN or TMG. Safety always comes first. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance to ensure compatibility with your lifestyle and particular health goals.
Combining NMN and TMG in A Daily Routine
NMN and TMG supplements work well together by supporting NAD+ levels and maintaining healthy methylation.
You'll commonly see these two compounds talked about in the longevity research space. And it makes sense to take supplements that support your cells and help with virtually all aspects of your well-being. However, it would help if you kept your expectations in check, as neither NMN nor TMG are medications, which means they're not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. NMN and TMG can work together to support the body's natural processes and maintain health.
Taking NMN with a methyl donor like TMG could be beneficial. The recommended dosage is typically a 1:1 ratio, with both supplements taken in the morning for best results.
