Why This Matters to Us
As longevity enthusiasts, we’re always interested in scientific advancements that can extend healthspan and improve quality of life. This study is significant because it dives into ways to boost NAD+, a critical molecule associated with energy production and cellular repair. Understanding which forms of supplements, like NMN, are most effective allows us to make better decisions when it comes to slowing aging. Furthermore, a deeper grasp of how supplements like liposomal NMN work not only helps those aiming for longer lifespans but also lays the groundwork for broader applications in anti-aging medicine.
The Detail
What did the study look at?
The Japanese researchers, led by Kawakami and colleagues, studied NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), which is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ plays a vital role in supporting mitochondrial activity (the energy generators of cells), repairing DNA, and overall cellular health. However, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, contributing to the symptoms of aging, like slower metabolism, reduced muscle strength, and brain fog.
The goal of this study was to determine if liposomal NMN, which uses tiny fat particles called liposomes to carry NMN into cells, could increase NAD+ levels more effectively than regular (non-liposomal) NMN. Liposomes are thought to improve absorption by helping NMN bypass complex transport mechanisms in the body.
How did they test this?
The researchers enrolled 15 male participants aged 40 and older into an 8-week study. Subjects were divided into three groups of five: one group took a placebo, the second group took regular NMN, and the third group took liposomal NMN. All participants consumed their assigned supplements daily before breakfast for a duration of 4 weeks. Blood NAD+ levels were then measured at two key points: after 4 weeks of supplementation and after a further 4-week "no supplementation" period to see if the effects were sustained.
What did they find?
The results were striking. The group that took liposomal NMN showed a significant increase in NAD+ levels after 4 weeks compared to both the placebo group and the regular NMN group. While the regular NMN group also experienced a moderate rise in NAD+ levels, it was not as pronounced as in the liposomal NMN group.
Interestingly, the liposomal NMN group demonstrated an important additional benefit: even after the supplementation was stopped, their NAD+ levels remained slightly elevated at the 8-week mark, unlike the other groups. This suggests that liposomal NMN could have more lasting effects on NAD+ in the bloodstream.
Kawakami et al., 2025: Liposomal NMN increases NAD+ levels more efficiently and sustainably than conventional NMN supplements.
How Does Liposomal NMN Work Better?
So, why does liposomal NMN outperform regular NMN? It all comes down to how it’s delivered into the body.
Liposomes are small, fat-based particles that have a structure similar to the membranes of human cells. This similarity allows them to fuse with cell membranes and deliver NMN directly into cells without relying on the body’s usual transport mechanisms. In contrast, regular NMN needs to be converted to another molecule, NR (nicotinamide riboside), before it can infiltrate cells. This process involves additional energy-consuming steps and is less efficient.
Once inside the cell, both liposomal and regular NMN are converted back into NAD+ by enzymes, but the key difference lies in how much energy it takes to get NMN into the cells. By bypassing extra conversion steps, liposomal NMN conserves cellular energy, making it the faster and more efficient option for boosting NAD+.
Practical Impacts and Open Questions
NAD+ levels are closely linked to healthspan and longevity, with higher levels potentially helping to delay age-related cellular decline. Studies like this hint at the potential for targeted supplements like liposomal NMN to slow the aging process or even improve quality of life in older adults.
That said, a key point the study raises is whether increasing NAD+ above “normal” levels (e.g., levels typical of a healthy young adult) offers distinct anti-aging benefits. For instance, if NAD+ levels only need to be restored to their youthful baseline for health benefits, the advantage of liposomal NMN versus regular NMN may become less clear. As the study authors noted, more research is needed to assess whether functional outcomes, like improved cognitive ability or physical performance, differ when using liposomal NMN versus its alternatives.
Additionally, while the study focused on male participants, it’s uncertain whether the results would be identical in women. Future studies including diverse populations and tracking longer-term health effects will help paint a fuller picture of NMN supplementation’s potential for longevity.
Final Thoughts
This study highlights a promising step forward in the quest for effective anti-aging interventions. By demonstrating how liposomal NMN enhances NAD+ levels more efficiently than regular NMN, it provides valuable insight into how we might optimise supplementation to support healthy aging. While there’s still much to learn about the long-term effects and overall benefits, liposomal NMN appears to be a strong candidate for those looking to enhance NAD+ levels and boost cellular health.
For more details on the study, you can find the original research here.