Blue California, in partnership with the Massachusetts-based biotech company Conagen, announced the launch of a high-purity, fermentation-derived nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) ingredient. The nature-based compound, known for its wide-ranging role in metabolic processes, is believed by preliminary researchers to support energy and longevity.
 
“Consumers are reassessing their dietary regimen to make room for ingredients that can support an increased health span,” Dr. Priscilla Samuel, chief science officer at Blue California, said.
 
NMN supplements are sought-after by the nutraceutical industry for healthy aging applications, such as brain health, vitality, heart health, metabolic health, and even cosmetic health claims. Currently, most NMN ingredients used in products on the market are produced through chemical synthesis.
 
Blue California’s fermentation-derived NMN opens new opportunities for producers to position their NMN-containing products with a closer-to-nature position, the company said, and consumers are distancing themselves from synthetic ingredients while at the same time are seeking out dietary supplements which offer holistic health benefits and a clean label.  
 
NMN is a biological precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme present in all living cells which is critical for mitochondrial function. Studies have found that increased intracellular levels of NAD+ can boost cellular energy production and cellular health, but that this compound declines in the human body due to age. Some researchers have proposed that replenishing NAD+ levels in the body via its precursor, NMN, could be a way to improve cellular health in the context of age-related NAD+ declines.
 
“Our fermentation-derived offering is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing recognition of NMN as an important ingredient in the food and supplement spaces,” Samuel said. “NMN is a well-known molecule in the longevity research community, and emerging research also suggests potential applications for immune health as well as sports nutrition.”
 
“NMN is a logical extension to our line of ‘longevity ingredients’ which includes ergothioneine and pyrroloquinoline quinone,” Dr. Casey Lippmeier, VP of innovation at Conagen, said. “All of these molecules are made by our own proprietary fermentation processes, enabling our customers to better serve consumers who might reject chemically-derived ingredients. Because of the way we make it, Conagen’s NMN is of the highest purity and quality. It is also very cost-effective and compatible with clean-label trends, all of which demonstrates our strength as a strategic partner with Blue California.”