In the last few years, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has become one of the most talked-about supplements in the health and longevity space. From podcasts and YouTube videos to bestselling books, everyone seems to be fascinated with its potential to slow down aging, increase energy, and improve overall wellness.
Like many others, I was drawn to the promise of NMN. After all, who wouldn’t be curious about something backed by scientists claiming it could help with vitality and healthy aging? I jumped on the bandwagon, started taking NMN consistently, and tracked how it affected my body.
But after several months, I made a decision that surprised even me: I stopped taking NMN.
In this article, I want to share the full story—why I started taking it, what I experienced, the reasons I eventually stopped, and what I’ve learned in the process. Hopefully, my journey will help you decide whether NMN is right for you or not.
What Exactly Is NMN?
Before diving into my personal reasons, it’s worth quickly explaining what NMN is.
NMN stands for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, a molecule that serves as a precursor to NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body, and it plays a key role in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular health.
As we age, NAD+ levels decline, and scientists believe this drop contributes to fatigue, slower metabolism, and the physical signs of aging. Supplementing with NMN is supposed to boost NAD+ levels, theoretically slowing down age-related decline.
That was the science that caught my attention. It sounded logical and promising.
Why I Started Taking NMN
Like many health enthusiasts, I was motivated by curiosity and the fear of aging too quickly. I was in my mid-30s when I first heard about NMN, and I had already started noticing small changes—slower recovery from workouts, lower energy levels in the afternoon, and occasional brain fog.
When I learned that prominent researchers like Dr. David Sinclair from Harvard were actively studying NMN, I felt it was worth trying. I ordered a high-quality NMN supplement and began with a moderate daily dose.
At first, I was hopeful. I thought maybe NMN would give me the mental clarity and youthful energy I was starting to miss.
My Initial Experience With NMN
During the first month, I did feel certain changes:
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More consistent energy throughout the day, especially in the mornings.
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Slight improvements in focus when working on tasks.
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A subtle but noticeable boost in exercise recovery.
It wasn’t life-changing, but it was enough to keep me going. I believed the supplement was doing something positive inside my body.
By month three, I had become a regular user. I took my capsules daily with breakfast, tracked my energy levels, and even convinced a couple of friends to try it.
So why stop, you might ask?
Why I Stopped Taking NMN
After about six months, things began to change. Here are the main reasons I ultimately decided to quit:
1. The Cost Was Unsustainable
Good-quality NMN supplements are not cheap. Depending on the brand and dosage, you can easily spend $60 to $100 per month. For me, it became a financial burden. I had to ask myself: Am I really getting enough benefit to justify this expense?
The honest answer was no.
2. Benefits Plateaued
The initial boost I felt during the first few months seemed to level off. By month six, I didn’t notice any new improvements. I felt fine, but not significantly better than before I started. This made me question whether NMN was truly responsible for the earlier benefits or if it was partly a placebo effect.
3. Digestive Discomfort
I started experiencing mild but annoying stomach issues—bloating and occasional nausea. While not severe, it was enough to make me uncomfortable. Adjusting the timing and dosage helped a little, but the problem never fully went away.
4. Lack of Long-Term Evidence
The truth is, NMN research in humans is still in its early stages. Most of the promising studies are in mice, not people. While scientists are optimistic, there isn’t enough long-term data to prove safety and effectiveness. I realized I was essentially experimenting on myself without fully knowing the risks.
5. Lifestyle Made More Difference
Around this time, I also started making small lifestyle changes—better sleep, more consistent workouts, and improved diet. Surprisingly, these shifts had a far more dramatic impact on my energy and focus than NMN ever did.
That was the final push. I didn’t see the point in continuing a costly supplement with questionable long-term benefits when basic lifestyle changes gave me more noticeable results.
How I Felt After Stopping NMN
One of my biggest concerns was whether I’d feel worse after quitting. Would my energy crash? Would brain fog return?
To my surprise, stopping NMN didn’t make much difference at all. Within two weeks, I felt the same as I did while taking it. That was when I knew my body had likely adapted, and the supplement wasn’t essential.
Instead, I doubled down on natural strategies for energy and longevity—things like strength training, intermittent fasting, eating whole foods, and getting morning sunlight. These practices cost little to nothing and had lasting effects.
What I Learned From My NMN Journey
Looking back, I don’t regret trying NMN. It was an interesting experiment, and it taught me several valuable lessons:
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Supplements Are Not Magic Pills – They can support your health, but they won’t replace foundational habits like sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
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Listen to Your Body – Just because something works for others doesn’t mean it will work for you. Pay attention to how your body reacts.
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Cost vs. Benefit Matters – Spending $80 a month on something that only gives minor, short-term benefits isn’t sustainable for most people.
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Science Takes Time – Early hype can be misleading. Waiting for more human studies is often the wiser choice.
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Lifestyle Wins Every Time – The basics of good health are often more powerful than the latest supplement trend.
Would I Ever Take NMN Again?
Possibly. If future research clearly demonstrates significant long-term benefits and the price becomes more reasonable, I might give it another shot. But for now, I’m focusing on proven, sustainable strategies.
Alternatives That Worked Better for Me
If you’re considering NMN but hesitant, here are some alternatives that boosted my energy and focus without the high price tag:
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Regular strength training – Builds muscle, supports metabolism, and keeps energy levels steady.
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Prioritizing sleep – Nothing compares to getting 7–8 hours of quality rest.
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Balanced nutrition – Whole foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
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Time-restricted eating – Helped me feel lighter and more focused.
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Stress management – Meditation and breathwork had surprising benefits for clarity.
These changes didn’t just match what NMN offered—they surpassed it.
Final Thoughts: Why I Stopped Taking NMN
When I first heard about NMN, I was fascinated by the idea of turning back the biological clock. I was excited by the possibility of slowing aging and boosting energy. But after months of consistent use, I realized that NMN wasn’t the game-changer I had hoped for.
I stopped taking it because the cost outweighed the benefits, the effects plateaued, and I didn’t want to depend on a supplement with limited human research. Instead, I found that focusing on lifestyle habits gave me far more control over my health and longevity.
If you’re considering NMN, my advice is simple: do your research, listen to your body, and don’t neglect the basics. Sometimes the simplest solutions—like better sleep, consistent exercise, and stress reduction—are far more powerful than the most hyped supplement.