If you’re interested in anti-aging supplements, you’ve probably heard of NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)—often promoted as a “youth vitamin” for its potential to boost energy, support cellular repair, and slow the aging process.
But while NMN remains widely available in Japan, its status in the United States has become much more complicated. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters.
🇯🇵 NMN in Japan: Still Going Strong
In Japan, NMN is still sold as a nutritional supplement, easily found online and in health stores.
It’s commonly used in beauty and wellness routines, with many Japanese consumers embracing it for its anti-aging potential.
No regulatory restrictions have been placed on NMN supplements in Japan at this time, and it continues to be marketed without interruption.
🇺🇸 NMN in the United States: From Supplement to Drug?
In contrast, the situation in the U.S. has shifted dramatically over the last couple of years.
🔹 FDA Intervention
In October 2022, the FDA determined that NMN should no longer be sold as a dietary supplement because it had been submitted for investigation as a new pharmaceutical drug (IND – Investigational New Drug).
This decision was based on the argument that a pharmaceutical company had filed for drug approval for NMN before it was marketed as a supplement.
🔹 Result: Removal from Major Platforms
As a result, Amazon removed all NMN products from its U.S. marketplace. Many other retailers followed suit to avoid regulatory issues.
⚖️ Legal Pushback and Industry Response
The FDA’s move sparked backlash within the natural products industry.
Organizations such as the Natural Products Association (NPA) filed lawsuits to challenge the decision, arguing that NMN had been sold safely as a supplement for years.
As of mid-2024, the case is still ongoing, and the FDA has temporarily paused enforcement of the ban—but uncertainty remains.
💡 What’s Available Now?
Although NMN itself has largely disappeared from U.S. shelves, you can still find:
-
NMNH (Reduced NMN): A newer, more bioavailable form of NMN, still available on Amazon
-
NAD+ boosters: Supplements that work through different metabolic pathways to increase NAD+ levels
🧠 Should You Be Concerned?
If you’re taking NMN regularly and live in Japan, you don’t need to worry—availability remains stable for now.
However, global demand and U.S. pharmaceutical interests could eventually affect production or import/export conditions.
If you value NMN in your wellness routine, it might be wise to stay informed and stock wisely.
✨ Final Thoughts
The science of longevity is evolving fast, and regulatory decisions can change how we access even well-established supplements.
NMN continues to show promise—but for now, where you live may affect whether you can use it.
Stay tuned, stay informed, and as always, listen to your body before jumping on any health trend.
💬 Have you tried NMN or NMNH? Are you still able to buy it in your country? I’d love to hear your experience!
Amazon, NAD