Ergothioneine is known as a natural amino acid ingredient. To be more precise, it should be a sulfur-containing alkaloid. The human body itself cannot synthesize this ingredient. It needs to be supplemented by the outside world. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide NMN is a naturally occurring biologically active nucleotide.
What is the difference between these two ingredients? Ergothioneine VS NMN, which one is better? Can Ergothioneine become the next NMN? Today, Nutri Avenue introduces you to these two anti-aging ingredients.
NMN: Increases NAD+ Levels In Cells
Ultimately, NMN achieves anti-aging effects by increasing NAD+ levels in cells. Academic circles believe NAD+ can promote the differentiation, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis of cancer cells. Therefore, raising NAD+ levels is equivalent to injecting fuel into the cells. It can rejuvenate burned-out old cells and make cancer cells already on fire more deadly. In addition, NAD+ indirectly promotes the growth of cancer cells in the following two ways.
- It activates PARP to protect cancer cells.
One of the ways NAD+ protects cells is to activate PARP. This DNA repair enzyme will repair DNA damage in all cells within sight regardless of friend or foe, even cancer cells. In fact, one of the current cancer treatment ideas in the medical community is to inhibit the activity of PARP.
- It stimulate senescent cells and create a microenvironment suitable for cancer growth.
In fact, senescent cells are not entirely bad. This special cell is one of the important means by which the human body inhibits cancer growth.
However, a recent study pointed out that excess NAD+ can indirectly prompt senescent cells to secrete a series of pro-inflammatory factors called SASPs. It creates a special environment around the cells that is suitable for the growth of cancer cells.
In addition, although NMN has always been in the lead in popularity, it has not been used as a food additive. Moreover, MetroBiotech in the United States conducted a drug study called MIB-626. The main ingredient of this drug is NMN. Previously, many companies were selling related NMN health products on the market, but none of them submitted an NDI (New Dietary Ingredient Application). In order to protect its own interests, the company made a request to the FDA – NMN has entered the drug research and development stage and cannot be promoted and sold in the US market as a health product. Since then, NMN has been included in the United States pharmaceutical industry.
Generally speaking, from the perspective of effectiveness, NMN’s antioxidant protection ability on cell tissues is very excellent. However, its biggest drawback is the indiscriminate enhancement of cell activity. This ability has the potential to bring cancer cells to people. From a policy perspective, the FDA stated that NMN should be considered a drug and not be sold as a health supplement.
L-Ergothioneine: Mitochondria Is The Key Point
In addition to NMN, glutathione, CoQ10, natural astaxanthin, etc., are all recognized anti-aging ingredients. However, the main advantage of Ergothioneine compared with these previous ingredients is its targeting and the ability to achieve 1+1>2 effects.
Cells are the basic units of the human body’s structure and function. Diseases and aging of the human body can ultimately be summed up in the aging of cells. Mitochondria are round or oval organelles found in almost all eukaryotic cells. It produces energy, ATP, for cells through a series of chemical reactions. Therefore, mitochondria are called “cell powerhouses.” It is the “engine” and energy factory of the cell. At the same time, mitochondria are also a key point in determining aging. It is a central part of the process of regulating apoptosis and death. The reason is that it produces a large amount of excessive oxidative free radicals during its work. Free radicals attack cell membranes, causing phospholipid peroxidation damage and cell death. Free radicals require antioxidants to scavenge. Ergothioneine is the only antioxidant with a clear mechanism that can enter cell mitochondria for repair.
Ergothioneine targets and binds to the exclusive transporter OCTN-1 on the cell and mitochondrial membranes and penetrates deep into the mitochondria, the main “foci” of free radical production in the cell. It carries out direct and efficient free radical scavenging action. OCTN1 is present in keratinocytes and melanocytes of the skin. Therefore, the affinity of ergothioneine for cells is very high. It is the only antioxidant proven to enter cell membranes. In addition, while ergothioneine scavenges free radicals, it can also activate other antioxidant ingredients to work together, such as activating cells to produce glutathione, and multiple types of antioxidant ingredients achieve synergy. Thereby, the effect of 1+1>2 is achieved.
L-Ergothioneine Side Effects: Is It Safe For Skin?
Ergothioneine has a very high safety factor and is completely non-tolerant, non-irritating, and non-allergenic. Even pregnant or breastfeeding mothers or those whose skin needs wound repair after cosmetic surgery can use it confidently.
In the application of ergothioneine, scientists once increased the daily intake to 941 times the recommended intake (1600mg/kg of body weight/day). They continuously used it for 90 days but found no harmful effects on the body. It indicates any harmful or toxic side effects.
Conclusion
NMN can achieve anti-aging effects by increasing NAD+ levels in cells. However, excess NAD+ may also increase cancer cells. However, Ergothioneine adds energy to cells through the mitochondria. Its security is higher. In addition, the US FDA currently regards NMN as a drug, not a health product ingredient. Therefore, Ergothioneine will likely become one of the best NMN substitutes to lead the anti-aging market.
Nutri Avenue provides L-Ergothioneine to help sell products in the anti-aging market more safely and effectively.
