In the previous article, we explained that even if beneficial compounds can be “delivered (Delivery)” to the body, it may have limited meaning if cells are not in a state where they can “utilize (Utilization)” them.

This time, we will discuss the most frequently overlooked factor in this intracellular utilization process: “balance.”

Imagine the engine of a high-performance sports car.

To increase engine rotation (activation) and generate powerful output, an efficient cooling system and exhaust system are also required.

If the exhaust pipe becomes clogged while the accelerator is fully pressed, what would happen? The engine would eventually overheat.

In fact, the biohacking processes occurring in our bodies follow a very similar principle.

What happens behind energy production

Compounds such as NMN are studied as precursors of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an important molecule involved in cellular energy metabolism. NAD+ functions as a cofactor for enzymes known as sirtuins and is associated with mitochondrial energy production in basic research.

However, the extent to which NMN supplementation influences NAD+ levels in humans remains under active scientific investigation.

But what happens to NAD+ after it has been used?

In many cases, NAD+ is eventually broken down into a substance called “NAM (nicotinamide)”.

Although NAM can be recycled back into NAD+ through certain metabolic pathways, studies suggest that excessive accumulation may inhibit sirtuin activity.

In other words, if the “accelerator (NAD+)” is pressed too strongly, a “brake (NAM)” may automatically be applied. This paradoxical mechanism is built into cellular metabolism.

The key role of “Methylation”

This is where the system responsible for processing and removing NAM becomes important.

This biochemical process is known as “methylation.”

The body attaches a small molecular tag called a “methyl group” to NAM, marking it for elimination (this compound is called MeNAM). Through this process, excess NAM can be excreted in urine, helping maintain intracellular balance.

However, a potential issue can arise.

If large amounts of NMN are consumed and the metabolic “engine” is continuously pushed at full speed, significant quantities of methyl groups may be required for processing the resulting metabolites.

Avoiding “running out of stock”

Methyl groups are not used only for NAM metabolism. They are also involved in DNA repair, synthesis of neurotransmitters related to mental stability, and many other essential biological functions.

What might happen if methyl groups are excessively consumed and become depleted?

In theory, insufficient methyl groups could influence various biological processes, including DNA repair and neurotransmitter production.

Therefore, biohacking is not only about increasing metabolic “engine speed.”

When pressing the “accelerator (NMN),” attention should also be given to the “exhaust system (methyl group availability).”

Maintaining this balance is considered important for a well-balanced health management approach.

Key points summarized

• When NMN intake increases NAD+ (energy metabolism), NAM (a metabolic byproduct) is also generated.
• If NAM accumulates, it may interfere with sirtuin activity, making its efficient removal important.
• The process responsible for this removal is methylation. Considering methyl group balance may be important when discussing NMN metabolism.

Recap

In this article, we discussed the concept of metabolic balance, particularly the role of methylation in energy metabolism.

When adding something to the body through supplementation, it is important to consider the broader biological systems involved.

So far, we have discussed individual differences, DDS, and metabolic balance.

But is this balance actually maintained within your body?

Is NAM accumulating? Are methyl groups sufficient?

Until recently, there were limited ways to observe these processes directly. However, science continues to advance.

In the next article, we will introduce metabolomics, a technology that attempts to visualize these previously invisible metabolic pathways.