In this second installment, we explore declines in concentration and thinking ability not solely as issues of “ability” or mindset, but from a physiological perspective—namely, insufficient brain energy.

• Part 1: Why the Nose? —Thinking in Terms of Intranasal Delivery as a Brain-Focused Approach to NMN—

Review: Why delivery methods matter

In Part 1, we discussed the idea that NMN is not only about what is taken, but also about how it is delivered.

The brain is protected by the [blood–brain barrier (BBB)], which restricts passage, meaning that

• substances taken as supplements
• or substances introduced into the bloodstream via IV infusion

do not necessarily reach the brain to the same extent.
From this premise emerged the concept of delivering substances from a location closer to the brain, leading to research interest in intranasal administration—this was the key takeaway from Part 1.

This naturally raises the next question: why is it necessary to focus so much on the brain in the first place?

Is difficulty concentrating really an issue of ability?

• Inability to sustain focus
• Slower decision-making
• Thought processes that stall midway

When faced with such states, many people interpret them as “reduced concentration” or “the effects of aging.”
Those in positions of greater responsibility often try to reassure themselves by thinking, “I’m still fine,” or “I can push through with effort.”

However, recent research has drawn attention to the idea that brain function is influenced not only by willpower and effort, but also by the physiological conditions under which the brain operates.
One such condition being studied is energy status.

The brain is the most energy-demanding organ in the body

Although the brain accounts for only a few percent of total body weight,
it is estimated to consume around 20% of the body’s total energy expenditure even at rest.

In other words, the brain:

• consumes a particularly large amount of energy compared with other organs
• requires a stable supply of energy

to function properly.
This helps explain why some people feel that “the body still has stamina, but the mind becomes fatigued first.”

Where is the brain’s energy produced?

Within brain cells are small structures called mitochondria.
These act as sites of energy production necessary for cellular activity—essentially, power plants within the cell.

When these power plants function steadily, they support:

• information processing
• organization of memory
• judgment and decision-making

which are core brain functions.

The role of NAD+ in energy production

During mitochondrial energy production, a coenzyme known as [NAD+] is involved.

NAD+ is known to:

• play a role in metabolic pathways related to energy production
• contribute to the maintenance of cellular function

and changes in its levels with aging have been reported in animal studies and other research.
From this perspective, studies are examining how such changes in NAD+ may influence brain energy metabolism.

Reframing “lack of motivation” from another angle

When difficulty concentrating persists, it is often interpreted as a drop in motivation or a mental issue.
However, it can also be reconsidered from the standpoint of the physiological conditions affecting the brain.

One way to approach this is through energy status.
If the conditions required for the brain to function optimally are not met, willpower and effort alone may have limitations.
This perspective is also important in that it discourages excessive self-blame.

Why NMN is discussed in relation to brain energy

NMN is a compound that serves as a precursor for the production of NAD+ in the body.

NAD+ is:

• a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production
• reported to change in abundance with aging

Accordingly, because the brain is an organ with particularly high energy demands, NMN has come to be studied in the context of brain energy environments.
That said, the effects of NMN supplementation on brain function are still under investigation.

Once again, the issue of delivery comes into focus

However, not just any form of supplementation is sufficient simply because it relates to energy.
As discussed in Part 1, the brain is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), making delivery to the brain a complex matter.

This is why the questions of “what to supplement” and “how to deliver it” once again become important.

Key points from this article

• Declines in concentration and clarity are sometimes discussed in relation to brain energy status, not only ability
• The brain consumes large amounts of energy and is sensitive to aging and lifestyle conditions
• Intranasal NMN is introduced as one approach discussed within this brain energy framework

Summary

Reductions in concentration or thinking ability cannot be explained solely by diminished ability or weak will.
The brain is an energy-intensive organ, and its metabolic state is being studied as a factor influencing performance.

Interest in intranasal NMN arises from this perspective on brain energy.

Learn more about our NMN treatments