The downsides of NMN

The downsides of NMN

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) has become one of the most talked-about supplements in longevity and performance circles, fuelled by exciting research, endorsement from scientists like Dr. David Sinclair and Dr. Andrew Huberman, and a growing wave of biohackers and health-conscious adults looking for an edge.

It’s no surprise, then, that millions of people are now taking NMN daily, hoping to boost their energy, metabolism, focus, and long-term health. But as with any new category, it’s worth stepping back and understanding the whole picture. Because being informed can help you choose the right product, listen to your body, and use it with confidence.

Here are five common concerns about NMN, and why, when sourced from a trusted, tested brand, it remains one of the most promising daily supplements for active, health-conscious adults over 35.

1. Limited research

NMN’s most impressive results come from animal studies. In mice, it’s been shown to support everything from mitochondrial health and insulin sensitivity to cardiovascular performance and even cognitive function.

Human trials are still catching up, but early data is encouraging, showing increases in NAD⁺ levels, improved muscle oxygen use, and reduced markers of fatigue. So while long-term outcomes are not yet fully known, NMN’s rapid growth is driven by promising science and a strong safety profile so far.

2. Side effects are rare, but worth knowing

In large-scale usage, NMN appears well tolerated. Side effects, if they occur, are usually mild and include digestive discomfort or slight headaches at very high doses. The key takeaway? Stick to an effective, balanced daily dose, ideally in combination with supporting nutrients that enhance absorption and reduce strain on metabolic pathways. That’s exactly why Uthful blends NMN with 20+ other vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and antioxidants, for a more rounded, holistic, and highly bioavailable formula.

3. Quality varies between brands

Perhaps the biggest real-world risk isn’t with NMN itself, but with where it comes from. Because NMN is regulated differently in many countries, some products have been found to contain little (or none) of the active ingredient. Others may include fillers, heavy metals, or poor-quality synthetics.

That’s why Uthful only uses pure, lab-tested NMN in our formulations, backed by independent third-party testing and manufactured in the UK to GMP standards. When you’re investing in your long-term health, quality and purity matters.

4. It's not a silver bullet

NMN supports the production of NAD⁺, a molecule that declines with age and is vital for cellular energy and repair. But it’s not a shortcut to immortality. The real power of NMN lies in consistency, and in combining it with other longevity fundamentals: movement, sleep, good nutrition, stress regulation, and an active social life. That’s why we’ve built Uthful around the idea of daily habits that compound, not silver bullets.

5. It can be expensive

High-purity NMN is costly to produce, and that cost inevitably gets passed on to consumers. A good, standalone NMN supplement can easily exceed £40/month. At Uthful, we believe in value through synergy. Our daily blend delivers a 500mg dose of NMN in addition to  20+ other vitamins, minerals, compounds and electrolytes designed to work together to support performance, focus, recovery, immunity, and longevity. One scoop. Once a day. Without the bulging supplement drawer.

Final thoughts

NMN isn’t all hype, it’s one of the most exciting areas of longevity research today, and Uthful only exists because its founder embarked on his own journey with NMN and, so impressed with the results, he wanted to share it – and his other learnings – with as many people as possible. But it's worth remembering that not all NMN is created equal.

If you're curious about trying it, choose a product from a brand that’s transparent about what’s inside, why it works, where it’s manufactured, and how it's tested.

 

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