Recent studies have revealed significant deviations in the active ingredients of popular NMN and UA supplements, calling for stricter regulatory oversight.
A recent investigation into the quality of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Urolithin A (UA) supplements revealed significant discrepancies between what is stated on the labels of these products and what they actually contain. [1]Both compounds are marketed as anti-aging agents, and longevity supplements containing these ingredients are often touted for their ability to slow or even reverse the aging process.
The study was written by Elena Sandalova, Brian Kennedy and Andrea Meyer. GeroscienceThe study was funded by the NUS School of Medicine. Testing of 18 NMN and 5 UA supplements revealed a wide range of deviations, from none to significantly over-containing the active ingredient. These inconsistencies highlight the urgent need for strict regulatory oversight to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy in the longevity supplement market.
Longevity.Technology: In the longevity supplement industry, label integrity is of paramount importance. Accurate labeling not only fosters consumer trust but also ensures that individuals are taking the intended therapeutic dose. Label transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions and protects them from potential health risks associated with incorrect dosing. As older populations, in particular, become increasingly reliant on these supplements for health optimization, it is imperative that manufacturers adhere to strict quality standards. Effective regulation and a commitment to industry-wide transparency are essential to maintaining the credibility and efficacy of these products.
The supplements were sourced from a variety of channels, including online stores, pharmacies, and manufacturers, and were randomly numbered and dispensed to ensure unbiased analysis. The study was conducted using high performance liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqQ-MS) to examine 18 NMN supplements and 5 UA supplements, comparing these measurements to the amounts listed on the labels to identify discrepancies. Researchers found deviations in the amounts listed on the labels for NMN ranging from -100% to +28.6%. For UA supplements, deviations were of similar concern, with actual content differing by -15.5% to +28.6%. [1].
The variability was not due to matrix effects, suggesting it was due to the manufacturing process rather than interactions with other ingredients in the supplement, the researchers said.
NMN supplements: Learn more
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has been extensively studied for its potential anti-aging benefits, including boosting NAD+ levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing aerobic capacity. However, the study highlighted a wide variability among commercially available NMN supplements. Five of the 18 products tested were in powder form, while the rest were in a variety of forms, including capsules and liquids. The cost per gram of NMN varied widely, illustrating the large disparities in the market. Measured NMN content ranged from not detectable to 99.2% of the total sample weight, with some products containing no NMN at all as claimed on the label. [1].
UA Supplements: A similar story
Urolithin A (UA), obtained from dietary sources such as pomegranate and walnuts, has recently emerged as a symbol of longevity due to its ability to improve muscle performance and reduce inflammatory markers. However, the study found that the UA content of supplements was similarly inconsistent; some products contained as much as 95% UA, while others contained none at all, and deviations from the amount claimed on the label varied widely. One product marketed as pomegranate extract did not state its UA content on the label, complicating assessment of quality.
The Need for Quality Control
The findings make it very clear that stricter regulatory measures are urgently needed. NMN supplements showed the greatest variability, with some products containing no detectable NMN at all, raising concerns about manufacturers’ quality control practices and the overall effectiveness of these supplements. Urolithin A supplements also showed significant variability, although not as extreme as NMN supplements.
The results show that some supplements may degrade over time, resulting in lower levels of active ingredients than they began with. Conversely, some manufacturers appear to add too much of the active ingredient, known as overdosing, to compensate for possible degradation. Adding an overdose may maintain the product’s effectiveness over its shelf life, but it complicates dosage and potency expectations. After all, if a product is good for 12 months, customers should expect the same potency on day 1 as they do on day 365, and not have to struggle with a potency fuse that burns shorter over an irregular period of time.
What can you do?
In light of these findings, the researchers recommend several steps to improve the quality and reliability of anti-aging supplements.
- Increased regulatory oversight: A more stringent regulatory framework is needed to ensure that supplement labels accurately reflect their contents, which would require products to be regularly tested and verified before they reach consumers.
- Stakeholder collaboration: A coordinated effort between medical professionals, industry players, and regulatory agencies is essential to develop and enforce quality standards for these supplements.
- Consumer Education: Educating consumers about potential discrepancies and the importance of buying from trusted sources can help mitigate risks, while the introduction of quality marks for tested and verified products can also help consumers make safer choices.
Relevance for clinical practice and future research
Of course, the implications of these findings extend to clinical practice. Clinicians should exercise caution when recommending NMN and UA supplements, as there can be significant variance in their content, and accurate and consistent labeling is essential to make informed recommendations and ensure patient safety. Healthcare providers must be aware of these variability issues to effectively guide their patients.
Importantly, the findings of this study advocate for regulatory changes to strengthen quality control and accurate labeling of dietary supplements. These measures will not only protect consumers but also ensure the efficacy and safety of these products. NMN and UA are hot topics in longevity research, and future investigations would be well served to include commentary on the long-term efficacy and safety of NMN and UA supplements, especially in the context of aging and age-related diseases.
Following their findings, the team has initiated dialogue with supplement manufacturers and regulators to establish quality standards for the industry. The team plans to implement this quality testing method for supplements used in future clinical studies, aiming to ensure the consistency and reliability of research.
As the world’s population ages, demand for anti-aging supplements such as NMN and UA is expected to grow. Ensuring that these products meet their label claims is essential for consumer health and trust, and the inconsistencies revealed in this study will further strengthen calls for strict regulatory measures and industry collaboration to improve supplement quality. With increased oversight and consumer educa-tion, the industry can ensure these products deliver on their potential to promote healthy aging.
[1] Translation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38935229/
