Nutrients Confirms: NMN + Aerobic Exercise Reverses Aging-Related Metabolic Decline
Loss of energy, shortness of breath when climbing stairs, postprandial blood sugar fluctuations, and finding it increasingly difficult to lose fat... These bodily sensations of "getting older" are actually driven by the quiet decline of a sophisticated metabolic system.
Aging does not happen overnight. Instead, it is the cumulative result of annually decreasing $\text{NAD}^+$ levels, continuously dropping mitochondrial efficiency, and a gradual loss of metabolic flexibility in processing sugars and lipids. While aging is irreversible, we can perhaps make it "slower and better."
In October 2025, Nutrients, an internationally authoritative nutritional journal, published a groundbreaking study from the Graduate Institute of Sports Science at National Taiwan Sport University. This study marks the first systematic validation of the synergistic anti-aging effects of combining NMN with aerobic exercise, providing strong empirical evidence for scientific interventions against aging-related metabolic decline.
Using 85-week-old naturally aging mice (roughly equivalent to 65–70 years old in humans) as a model, the research team set up 5 control groups and conducted a continuous 6-week intervention. They comprehensively evaluated the outcomes across three major dimensions: physical capacity, metabolism, and molecular mechanisms.
Finding 1: Significant Rebound in Exercise Endurance & Physical Performance
Aged Sedentary Group treadmill endurance time: 7.14 minutes
Young Group: 12.37 minutes
Aged Exercise Group: 12.66 minutes
NMN + Exercise Combination Group: 12.44 minutes (nearly restoring youth levels)
NMN-Only Group: 9.50 minutes (shows improvement, but to a limited extent)
Key Takeaway: While NMN alone yields improvements, its efficacy falls far short of the "combination strategy."
Finding 2: Markedly Optimized Glucose Metabolism
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) revealed:
The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for blood glucose in the NMN + Exercise Combination Group was 17.5% lower than that of the Aged Sedentary Group.
It was 15% lower than that of the Exercise-Only Group.
The NMN-Only group also demonstrated improved glucose tolerance, an effect generated independently of exercise.
Key Takeaway: NMN exerts an independent, incremental benefit on blood sugar regulation.
Finding 3: Comprehensive Activation of Whole-Body Energy Metabolism
Continuous 24-hour metabolic monitoring showed:
Oxygen Consumption ($\text{VO}_2$): The combination group was significantly higher than the Aged Sedentary Group and other single-intervention groups, with its 24-hour average nearing youth levels.
Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER): The combination group showed a significant decrease, exhibiting no statistical difference from the young group. This indicates that the body shifted from relying on glucose oxidation to a more efficient fat oxidation mode for energy supply.
Key Takeaway: The body does not just "move more," it also "burns smarter."
Finding 4: Molecular Mechanisms Clearly Verified
Blood $\text{NAMPT}$ (the rate-limiting enzyme in the $\text{NAD}^+$ salvage pathway) rose significantly, reaching its highest level in the NMN + Exercise group.
Skeletal muscle $\text{SirT1}$ protein expression was upregulated, boosting mitochondrial health, DNA repair, and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis.
Reading up to this point, you might wonder: Is there really a difference between NMN from various sources? The answer is: The difference is much larger than you think.
The biological activity of NMN is highly dependent on two "invisible metrics":
Isomeric Purity: NMN exists in $\alpha$ and $\beta$ isomeric forms, but only $\beta\text{-NMN}$ is naturally occurring and biologically active. If the raw material is contaminated with $\alpha$-isomers or synthetic byproducts, it not only compromises efficacy but may also cause unpredictable metabolic disruptions. This demands genuine mastery from manufacturers regarding enzyme catalytic specificity and crystallization purification processes.
Stability and Bioavailability: NMN is sensitive to humidity and temperature. Control over the crystal form, microencapsulation technologies, and batch-to-batch consistency directly determine the actual performance of the final product on store shelves and inside the human body.
For over a decade, Bontac Bio-Engineering has been deeply rooted in the field of $\text{NAD}^+$ coenzymes. From strain construction and whole-enzyme catalysis to crystallization purification, we have established rigorous internal control standards at every step. The NMN raw materials we supply not only satisfy fundamental requirements for high purity, activity, and stability, but also achieve fully traceable and verifiable batch-to-batch consistency—because for research institutions and brand clients alike, material predictability is the prerequisite for experimental reproducibility.
A massive chasm lies between laboratory research and the final product, between paper data and consumer perception: the quality of raw materials. Bontac’s mission is to bridge this gap for our clients.
The value of this Nutrients study goes beyond proving the synergy of "NMN + exercise"; it reveals a broader industry trend:
The scientific narrative of NMN is evolving from "single-molecule efficacy" toward "optimized combination interventions."
Future product competitiveness will not solely rely on NMN purity and dosage, but on whether a brand can build a comprehensive solution of "NMN + Lifestyle." The bedrock of such solutions is a reliable, verifiable, and sustainably supplied high-quality raw material.
Filed over 200 domestic and international invention patents, including 24 invention patents in the NMN field.
Holds the world's first crystalline patent for NRHM.
Led the drafting of NMN-related group standards and participated in the national standard for the Determination of Phosphatidylserine in Foods.
Successively undertook multiple provincial and municipal key science and technology projects.
Bontac does not manufacture gimmicks; we only deliver authentic, verifiable science. We do not exaggerate effects; we only provide premium raw materials that stand up to the scrutiny of top-tier journal research. Moving forward, Bontac will continue to leverage scientific innovation as our engine and strict quality as our baseline, using biotechnology to help more people achieve healthy aging and a vibrant life.
References：
Hsu, Y.-J.; Lee, M.-C.; Fan, H.-Y.; Lo, Y.-C. Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation and Aerobic Exercise on Metabolic Health and Physical Performance in Aged Mice. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3148. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193148
Aging does not happen overnight. Instead, it is the cumulative result of annually decreasing $\text{NAD}^+$ levels, continuously dropping mitochondrial efficiency, and a gradual loss of metabolic flexibility in processing sugars and lipids. While aging is irreversible, we can perhaps make it "slower and better."
In October 2025, Nutrients, an internationally authoritative nutritional journal, published a groundbreaking study from the Graduate Institute of Sports Science at National Taiwan Sport University. This study marks the first systematic validation of the synergistic anti-aging effects of combining NMN with aerobic exercise, providing strong empirical evidence for scientific interventions against aging-related metabolic decline.
PART 01
Experimental Design: 5 Control Groups & 6-Dimensional EvaluationUsing 85-week-old naturally aging mice (roughly equivalent to 65–70 years old in humans) as a model, the research team set up 5 control groups and conducted a continuous 6-week intervention. They comprehensively evaluated the outcomes across three major dimensions: physical capacity, metabolism, and molecular mechanisms.
- Experimental Subjects: 85-week-old elderly male mice (mimicking the physical constitution of older humans).
- Group Setup:
-
- Young Sedentary Group
-
- Aged Sedentary Group
-
- Aged + Aerobic Exercise Group
-
- Aged + NMN Supplementation Group (300 mg/kg/day)
-
- Aged + NMN + Aerobic Exercise Combination Group
-
- Intervention Period: 6 weeks.
- Evaluation Indicators: Aerobic endurance, muscle strength, glucose tolerance, 24-hour energy metabolism, blood biochemistry, and longevity protein expression.
PART 02
Four Core Findings Critical to Your HealthFinding 1: Significant Rebound in Exercise Endurance & Physical Performance
Aged Sedentary Group treadmill endurance time: 7.14 minutes
Young Group: 12.37 minutes
Aged Exercise Group: 12.66 minutes
NMN + Exercise Combination Group: 12.44 minutes (nearly restoring youth levels)
NMN-Only Group: 9.50 minutes (shows improvement, but to a limited extent)
Key Takeaway: While NMN alone yields improvements, its efficacy falls far short of the "combination strategy."
Finding 2: Markedly Optimized Glucose Metabolism
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) revealed:
The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for blood glucose in the NMN + Exercise Combination Group was 17.5% lower than that of the Aged Sedentary Group.
It was 15% lower than that of the Exercise-Only Group.
The NMN-Only group also demonstrated improved glucose tolerance, an effect generated independently of exercise.
Key Takeaway: NMN exerts an independent, incremental benefit on blood sugar regulation.
Finding 3: Comprehensive Activation of Whole-Body Energy Metabolism
Continuous 24-hour metabolic monitoring showed:
Oxygen Consumption ($\text{VO}_2$): The combination group was significantly higher than the Aged Sedentary Group and other single-intervention groups, with its 24-hour average nearing youth levels.
Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER): The combination group showed a significant decrease, exhibiting no statistical difference from the young group. This indicates that the body shifted from relying on glucose oxidation to a more efficient fat oxidation mode for energy supply.
Key Takeaway: The body does not just "move more," it also "burns smarter."
Finding 4: Molecular Mechanisms Clearly Verified
Blood $\text{NAMPT}$ (the rate-limiting enzyme in the $\text{NAD}^+$ salvage pathway) rose significantly, reaching its highest level in the NMN + Exercise group.
Skeletal muscle $\text{SirT1}$ protein expression was upregulated, boosting mitochondrial health, DNA repair, and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis.
Summary of Research Findings
NMN supplementation, particularly when combined with aerobic exercise, effectively enhances aerobic capacity, glucose regulation, and whole-body energy metabolism in elderly organisms. It stands as a highly promising nutritional strategy against aging-related metabolic and functional decline.PART 03
Some Industry "Truths" Regarding NMN Raw MaterialsReading up to this point, you might wonder: Is there really a difference between NMN from various sources? The answer is: The difference is much larger than you think.
The biological activity of NMN is highly dependent on two "invisible metrics":
Isomeric Purity: NMN exists in $\alpha$ and $\beta$ isomeric forms, but only $\beta\text{-NMN}$ is naturally occurring and biologically active. If the raw material is contaminated with $\alpha$-isomers or synthetic byproducts, it not only compromises efficacy but may also cause unpredictable metabolic disruptions. This demands genuine mastery from manufacturers regarding enzyme catalytic specificity and crystallization purification processes.
Stability and Bioavailability: NMN is sensitive to humidity and temperature. Control over the crystal form, microencapsulation technologies, and batch-to-batch consistency directly determine the actual performance of the final product on store shelves and inside the human body.
For over a decade, Bontac Bio-Engineering has been deeply rooted in the field of $\text{NAD}^+$ coenzymes. From strain construction and whole-enzyme catalysis to crystallization purification, we have established rigorous internal control standards at every step. The NMN raw materials we supply not only satisfy fundamental requirements for high purity, activity, and stability, but also achieve fully traceable and verifiable batch-to-batch consistency—because for research institutions and brand clients alike, material predictability is the prerequisite for experimental reproducibility.
A massive chasm lies between laboratory research and the final product, between paper data and consumer perception: the quality of raw materials. Bontac’s mission is to bridge this gap for our clients.
PART 04
Bontac Bio-Engineering: Anchored in Research, a "Long-Termist" in the Anti-Aging IndustryThe value of this Nutrients study goes beyond proving the synergy of "NMN + exercise"; it reveals a broader industry trend:
The scientific narrative of NMN is evolving from "single-molecule efficacy" toward "optimized combination interventions."
Future product competitiveness will not solely rely on NMN purity and dosage, but on whether a brand can build a comprehensive solution of "NMN + Lifestyle." The bedrock of such solutions is a reliable, verifiable, and sustainably supplied high-quality raw material.
Bontac's Scientific Credentials:
Pioneered the world's first whole-enzyme technology, emerging as the industry leader in the coenzyme product segment.Filed over 200 domestic and international invention patents, including 24 invention patents in the NMN field.
Holds the world's first crystalline patent for NRHM.
Led the drafting of NMN-related group standards and participated in the national standard for the Determination of Phosphatidylserine in Foods.
Successively undertook multiple provincial and municipal key science and technology projects.
- Established the nation's first and Guangdong Province's only Provincial Coenzyme Engineering Technology Research Center.
Bontac does not manufacture gimmicks; we only deliver authentic, verifiable science. We do not exaggerate effects; we only provide premium raw materials that stand up to the scrutiny of top-tier journal research. Moving forward, Bontac will continue to leverage scientific innovation as our engine and strict quality as our baseline, using biotechnology to help more people achieve healthy aging and a vibrant life.
References：
Hsu, Y.-J.; Lee, M.-C.; Fan, H.-Y.; Lo, Y.-C. Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation and Aerobic Exercise on Metabolic Health and Physical Performance in Aged Mice. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3148. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193148
