Do vitamin-like supplements help older people's muscles?
The Effect of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Riboside on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
NR worsened physical performance in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Supplements are usually assumed to be neutral or helpful, not harmful. This suggests NR might have unexpected neurological or metabolic effects in vulnerable populations.
Practical Takeaways
Avoid NMN supplements for muscle or strength support if you're over 60.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
NR worsened physical performance in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Supplements are usually assumed to be neutral or helpful, not harmful. This suggests NR might have unexpected neurological or metabolic effects in vulnerable populations.
Practical Takeaways
Avoid NMN supplements for muscle or strength support if you're over 60.
Publication
Journal
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
Year
2025
Authors
K. Prokopidis, Frank Moriarty, G. Bahat, Joseph McLean, David D. Church, Harnish P Patel
Related Content
Claims (6)
Even though taking NR or NMN boosts a molecule called NAD+ in the blood, we don’t actually have solid proof it makes people stronger, healthier, sharper, or more energetic.
Taking NMN supplements doesn’t seem to help older adults (60–83 years old) get stronger or improve their muscle function, like walking speed or getting up from a chair, even after taking it for several weeks.
Taking a supplement called nicotinamide riboside for about three months doesn’t make older people stronger or more physically able, and it might actually make physical performance a bit worse for those with mild memory issues.
Taking a supplement called nicotinamide riboside every day for 12 weeks might help people with leg circulation problems walk about 22 meters farther in 6 minutes.
Taking 1000 mg of NMN every day for a month doesn’t help older adults with obesity get stronger in chest or leg presses, and might actually make their thigh muscles smaller compared to taking a fake pill.