As celebrity wellness trends continue to gain popularity, so does scrutiny around the claims they make. The latest to land in controversy is Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who recently promoted a health supplement containing NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide). While the actress vouched for its anti-ageing and several health benefits on Instagram, liver specialist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc, called out the endorsement, labelling it misleading and unscientific.
What did Samantha Ruth Prabhu claim?
In a promotional Instagram post, Samantha endorsed a supplement claiming to boost NAD+ levels, a coenzyme vital for energy and metabolism. She wrote, "NAD+ declines with age. That's when you start feeling the difference: Lower energy, slower recovery, reduced focus."
She claimed the product, with "over 99% pure NMN," could reverse this decline and support better health. "NMN helps reverse that. As a direct precursor to NAD+, NMN supports healthy NAD+ levels — helping you feel sharper, stronger, and more resilient," she stated.
The Liver Doc responds with scathing criticism
The Liver Doc swiftly responded on Instagram, calling Samantha a "science-illiterate movie celebrity" and accusing her of misleading her millions of followers. Sharing a screenshot of her post, he warned, "Be a well-informed consumer. Progress with science and evidence. Listen to real doctors."
He elaborated that while NAD is indeed central to metabolism, NMN as a supplement is questionable. He explained, "There is zero proof that it is absorbed properly and reaches organs as claimed. NMN, by default, cannot enter cells."
"In practical terms, most NMN taken by mouth is first converted to plain nicotinamide before anything useful can happen. Whatever bump in blood NAD+ you get is small and fleeting, and we have zero evidence that the molecule reaches key tissues at effective concentrations in people," The Liver Doc added.
Swipe to see Liver Doc's statement:
What is the NMN supplement?
According to medical reports, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a naturally occurring molecule, often described as a "raw material" the body uses to create NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). NAD+ is essential for a variety of bodily functions like metabolism, energy production, and cell repair.
NMN is classified as a nucleotide, a type of molecule that also forms the building blocks of DNA. As you age, levels of NAD+ decline, which is why NMN supplements are being marketed as anti-ageing solutions.
Does NMN really work?
So far, the evidence is mixed and mostly inconclusive in humans. Here’s what research has to say:
Animal studies (mostly on mice) have shown some promising signs, including reversal of age-related decline, improved metabolism, and enhanced cognitive functions.
Human studies are limited. One study involving 250 mg of NMN daily for 10 weeks in overweight postmenopausal women showed improved insulin sensitivity. However, two authors of the study hold patents related to NMN, raising questions of bias.
Another study in Japanese adults aged 65+ found NMN didn't improve sleep quality, but afternoon doses helped reduce drowsiness and improve muscle responsiveness.
A small Japanese study with 10 men showed that NMN supplementation increased levels of NAD-related byproducts in the blood. But the real-world implications of this remain unclear.
While NMN holds theoretical promise, there is still no strong clinical evidence that it significantly improves human health or slows ageing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns or questions regarding your health or medical condition.
