NMN and Aerobic Capacity: What Runners Need to Know from the Latest Research

As athletes and fitness enthusiasts search for safe, natural ways to enhance performance, recent research on NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) reveals promising benefits for aerobic capacity and endurance. This latest clinical trial involving amateur runners demonstrates how NMN supplementation, combined with consistent exercise, can amplify cardiovascular performance. Here’s a closer look at why NMN might be the next big thing for sports performance.

1. Increases Oxygen Uptake (VO2)

Oxygen uptake (VO2) is a key factor in endurance sports, as it reflects the body’s ability to absorb and utilize oxygen during intense physical activity. In this study, runners who supplemented with NMN showed significant improvements in their oxygen uptake. This means that NMN could help you sustain higher intensities for longer, making it ideal for long-distance runners, cyclists, and anyone focused on endurance.

2. Improves Aerobic Thresholds for Stamina

The study measured power at both the first and second ventilatory thresholds, both of which increased significantly in NMN users. These thresholds mark the points during exercise at which lactate and CO2 build-up increase noticeably, often marking the limits of sustainable endurance. By raising these thresholds, NMN helps delay fatigue, allowing athletes to maintain higher intensities without tiring as quickly.

3. Enhances Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Utilization

NMN’s ability to improve aerobic capacity is likely due to better oxygen utilization in skeletal muscles. More efficient oxygen use means that muscles can perform at their best without exhausting energy stores as quickly. This is a valuable benefit for both high-intensity and endurance activities, as it supports greater stamina and potentially faster recovery times between training sessions.

4. Supports the Synergy of Exercise and Supplementation

While exercise alone improves aerobic fitness, the combination of regular training and NMN supplementation led to far better results than exercise alone in this study. This synergy between NMN and physical training suggests that active individuals, especially runners and other endurance athletes, might see compounded benefits by adding NMN to their routines.

Why Consider NMN for Sports Performance?

NMN supplementation could be a game-changer for athletes aiming to enhance their endurance, speed, and recovery. By supporting oxygen capacity, delaying fatigue, and promoting muscular efficiency, NMN offers a natural and effective way to optimize physical performance safely. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to improve your stamina, NMN could be the boost your training needs.

As always, consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your regimen, particularly if you’re training intensely. But if you’re ready to take your endurance and fitness to the next level, NMN might be worth exploring.

Reference: Liao B, Zhao Y, Wang D, Zhang X, Hao X, Hu M. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Jul 8;18(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00442-4. PMID: 34238308; PMCID: PMC8265078.