No, taking a NMN supplement should not break a fast. This means if you are practising intermittent fasting for longevity reasons, like for autophagy fasting, you can keep taking NMN if it is also apart of your health regime. In fact, some supplements like Spermidine can help induce autophagy.

Last Updated: 24 September 2023

Plate with a clock time on it to indicate fasting times

I have seen this type of question come up in both the fasting and NMN communities on Facebook and Reddit forums.


Why Would Someone Be Concerned About NMN and Fasting?

The reason is that the primary goal of fasting is to restrict calorie intake, so taking anything that might have any calories like an NMN capsule or powder is of a concern to a person who is fasting.

A person wants to know if the ingredients of a supplement like NMN might interfere with this goal.


David Sinclair on Fasting and Supplements


Why Would NMN Potentially Break a Fast?

It is recommended to take NMN first thing in the morning, or up to 6 hours after waking on an empty stomach. So, ingesting anything other than water is what concerns people who are fasting.

But, it is not thought that the small amount of active ingredient, or inert filler, in NMN powder or capsules would be enough to raise insulin levels or create a glycemic response and break an intermittent fast.


Can You Take NMN While Fasting?

Yes, you can take NMN powder and capsules when fasting since you are not likely to exhibit an insulin or glycemic response when ingesting NMN therefore not breaking a fast.


Do All Supplements Break a Fast?

The effect of supplements on fasting during short-term therapeutic fasting is not clear. There is no clear evidence on whether supplements break a fast.

One study investigated the effects of oral mineral supplements on common side effects and well-being during short-term fasting and found that mineral supplements did not have an additive benefit.

Another study examined the effects of l-arginine supplementation on postprandial endothelial function and found that the effects of the supplement varied with baseline fasting arginine concentration. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements during fasting.


When Is Autophagy Activated?

Autophagy is turned on by keeping protein under 15 grams a day and total kcal below 11 kcal per kg body weight.

Gary Kirwan

Gary Kirwan

Founder and Host of BioHackers Lab Podcast

Been interested in biohacking concepts and products since first testing what it is like drinking butter in my coffee years ago. My ultimate goal is healthy aging through exercise, diet, social interaction and psychology.

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