Recent study uncovers significant deviations in NMN and UA supplements, prompting calls for stricter regulatory oversight.
A recent study conducted by researchers Elena Sandalova, Brian Kennedy, and Andrea Maier has shed light on concerning deviations in the active ingredients of popular nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and Urolithin A (UA) supplements. These compounds, often marketed as geroprotectors and longevity supplements, have been found to have substantial differences between the labeled and actual contents of the products.
The investigation, published in Geroscience and funded by the NUS Department of Medicine, tested a total of 18 NMN and 5 UA supplements. The results revealed discrepancies ranging from complete absence to significant excesses of the active ingredients. This highlights the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight in the longevity supplements market to ensure consumer safety and product efficacy.
The study sourced supplements from various channels, including online stores, pharmacies, and manufacturers, and conducted unbiased analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqQ-MS). The researchers found deviations in the labeled amounts of NMN ranging from -100% to +28.6%, and similar discrepancies in UA supplements, with actual content differing by -15.5% to +28.6%.
NMN supplements, known for their potential geroprotective effects such as enhancing NAD+ levels and improving insulin sensitivity, showed severe inconsistencies among the tested products. The measured NMN content varied widely, with some products containing none of the labeled NMN. Similarly, UA supplements, derived from sources like pomegranates and walnuts, exhibited inconsistent UA content, with deviations from the labeled amount ranging significantly.
The study's findings underscore the need for enhanced regulatory measures to ensure that supplement labels accurately reflect their contents. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies is crucial to developing and enforcing quality standards for geroprotective supplements. Consumer education on purchasing from reputable sources and the importance of accurate labeling can help mitigate risks.
The researchers recommend stricter regulatory oversight, collaboration among stakeholders, and consumer education to improve the quality and reliability of geroprotective supplements. Clinicians should exercise caution when recommending NMN and UA supplements, and future research should focus on the long-term efficacy and safety of these products.