Do you want to combat your hair loss? Many people experience hair loss and are constantly looking for effective solutions. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a promising supplement within the anti-aging community. Recent studies suggest that NMN not only has benefits for overall health and longevity but can also specifically contribute to hair growth and combating hair loss. In this blog, we will tell you more about how NMN can promote hair growth.
Hair loss and aging
Hair loss is a common problem for both men and women. It is influenced by various factors such as aging, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle choices. As we age, the rate at which our cells regenerate decreases, leading to various signs of aging, including hair loss. Genetic predisposition also plays a crucial role, as people with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience the same problem.
Additionally, hormonal changes, such as during menopause or andropause, can contribute to hair loss. Stress, poor nutrition, and inadequate hair care can further exacerbate these issues. It is important to understand that hair loss is a multifactorial problem that requires a holistic approach for effective treatment.
The search for solutions has led to the discovery of various supplements and treatments, with NMN recently come into the spotlight. Studies show that NMN, through its role in improving cell regeneration and energy production, can offer a possible solution for people looking for ways to reduce their hair loss and promote hair growth.
How does NMN promote its growth?
NMN can promote hair growth by increasing the production of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in the body. NAD+ is a crucial co-enzyme involved in numerous cellular processes. As we age, the level of NAD+ in our body decreases, which can contribute to various aging symptoms, including hair loss.
By increasing NAD+ levels, NMN can improve the health of hair follicles. Hair follicles are the small but powerful organs in the skin that produce hair. The health of these hair follicles is incredibly important for stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss. An increased NAD+ level helps the cells in the hair follicles to function more effectively, making them better able to produce healthy hair.
Research also suggests that NMN can positively influence the expression of genes involved in hair growth. Two important genes in this process are DKK-1 (dickkopf-related protein 1) and AR (androgen receptor). DKK-1 is a protein that can inhibit hair follicle regeneration, while AR is involved in the hormonal regulation of hair growth. By modulating the expression of these genes, NMN can contribute to a more favorable environment for hair growth.
Research on the effect of NMN on hair growth
Various studies have shown that NMN can promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. A study by researchers from Guangxi University in China shows that NMN promotes hair growth in human hair regenerating cells exposed to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone strongly associated with baldness, especially in men. The cells exposed to DHT in this study showed reduced levels of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), a protein associated with the formation of new blood vessels. Reduced levels of VEGF can lead to decreased blood flow to the hair follicles, which is a major cause of hair loss.
The study showed that NMN could prevent the losses of VEGF, similar to the popular hair growth treatment minoxidil (Rogaine). This suggests that NMN can promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the hair follicles. Thus, NMN can help normalize the hair growth cycle and reduce hair loss.
Research on mice
Chinese researchers have studied the effect of NMN on hair growth assessed by conducting experiments on mice. In this study the fur of the mice was removed to observe how it regrew after treatment with different agents. The goal was to see if NMN could promote hair growth and how this relates to the well-known treatment for hair growth with Minoxidil.
Minoxidil works by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth. In the study, mice were divided into different groups: an NMN-treated group, a Minoxidil-treated group, and a control group without treatment. This setup made it possible to directly compare the effectiveness of NMN with Minoxidil and an untreated group.
The results of the study were promising. It was found that NMN significantly promoted hair growth, comparable to Minoxidil. The mice in the NMN-treated group showed faster and fuller hair growth than the mice in the control group. Additionally, the skin of the mice in the NMN and Minoxidil groups darkened more quickly and completely, a sign of active hair growth, compared to the control groups.
Insights and results
The results of both clinical and preclinical studies show that NMN is a promising supplement for promoting hair growth and counteracting hair loss. These studies have consistently shown that NMN can increase NAD+ levels in the blood. This is important because NAD+ plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and the health of hair follicles.
In short, the main insights and results are:
- Increase of NAD+ levels: NMN effectively increases NAD+ levels in the blood, which contributes to improved cellular functions.
- Improved cell regeneration: Due to the increased NAD+ levels, hair follicles can regenerate faster and more efficiently, resulting in improved hair growth.
Healthier hair follicles: The overall health of hair follicles improves, leading to stronger and healthier hair.
