FDA Confirms NMN is Lawful for Dietary Supplements: What This Means for You
Written by Valeria Briancesco & Reviewed by Paul Holmes.
In a landmark decision, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is lawful for use in dietary supplements.
This follows years of uncertainty, industry pressure, and legal disputes that placed NMN’s future on the market at risk. For health-conscious consumers and longevity enthusiasts, this is welcome news: NMN is here to stay.
At Naturecan, we’ve been following this development closely. In this article, we’ll explain what this decision means, why it matters, and how NMN fits into the bigger picture of wellness and longevity.
What Does This Mean for the UK and EU?
While the FDA’s confirmation of NMN applies specifically to the United States, it’s an important global signal that strengthens the case for NMN as a trusted supplement ingredient.
- In the UK and EU: NMN is still classed as a “novel food,” which means regulators such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are reviewing its status before it can be widely marketed. This doesn’t mean NMN is banned — rather, it highlights that formal approval processes are ongoing.
- Why FDA’s decision matters here: With the world’s largest supplement market recognising NMN as lawful, momentum is building internationally. This breakthrough is likely to encourage European regulators to revisit the evidence and accelerate discussions.
- For consumers today: Even as NMN awaits approval in the UK and EU, there are many other longevity supplements — including spermidine, glycine, and resveratrol — that are fully available and supported by growing research.
In short, the FDA’s decision should be seen as a step forward for everyone. It sets the stage for broader recognition of NMN across the world, and it reinforces the growing importance of healthy ageing science.
A Quick Refresher: What is NMN?
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring compound that plays a vital role in energy metabolism.
It is a precursor to NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and healthy ageing processes.
Interest in NMN supplements has grown rapidly over the last decade, with researchers exploring its potential benefits for energy, cellular health, and longevity. While scientific studies continue, NMN has become one of the most talked-about supplements in the wellness industry, especially for those interested in biological age.

NMN Supplement by Naturecan
Designed to support overall health and well-being, incorporating our pure NMN supplement into your daily regimen is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their wellness and longevity journey.
- 500mg of NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide) per capsule
- Premium capsule technology
- May increase lifespan
- Two month supply of capsules
- NAD+ Booster
- Suitable for vegans
- Made in Europe
The Road to Recognition: FDA’s Shift in Position
The story of NMN in the U.S. has been anything but simple.
- Initial FDA stance: In 2022, the FDA indicated that NMN might be excluded from being marketed as a dietary supplement because it was being investigated as a pharmaceutical ingredient. This interpretation sparked significant concern across the supplement industry, as well as among consumers who relied on NMN.
- Industry pushback: The Natural Products Association (NPA), along with other advocates, challenged this interpretation. They filed a citizen petition, pursued legal action, and rallied consumer and industry support to ensure NMN remained accessible.
- The breakthrough: On September 29, 2025, the FDA reversed course, officially confirming that NMN is lawful for dietary supplements. The agency acknowledged evidence that NMN had been marketed in the U.S. as early as 2017, which meant it did not fall under the so-called “drug preclusion” or “race-to-market” clause of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
Why This Matters for Consumers
This decision has several important implications for people who take, or are considering taking, NMN supplements:
- Access is protected: With FDA confirming NMN is lawful, supplements containing NMN can continue to be sold in the U.S. without restriction.
- Clarity and confidence: Consumers can have more confidence in the legal standing of NMN supplements, rather than fearing sudden removal from online marketplaces.
- Stronger consumer choice: The ruling reinforces that supplements should remain available to support health and wellness, as long as they are safe and compliant.
- E-commerce return: Following this decision, retailers and online platforms are expected to restore NMN products, making them widely available again.

The Bigger Picture: The NAC Parallel
This isn’t the first time the FDA has reconsidered its stance after industry pressure. A few years ago, the agency attempted to exclude N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) from supplements under a similar interpretation. Following legal challenges and petitions, FDA issued guidance allowing NAC back on the market.
The NMN ruling is another example of how advocacy and legal action can protect consumer access to beneficial nutrients and supplements.
What the Science Says
While FDA’s ruling focused on legality, not efficacy, it comes at a time when scientific interest in NMN is booming.
Early human and animal studies suggest NMN may help support healthy ageing, energy metabolism, and resilience at the cellular level.
Researchers continue to study NMN’s role in:
supplements.
- Supporting NAD⁺ levels in the body
- Contributing to metabolic health
It’s important to note that while findings are promising, more long-term human clinical trials are needed before any definitive health claims can be made.
If you want to explore the science of longevity more broadly, our guide to NMN’s potential longevity effects offers a deeper dive into current research.
The Longevity Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Longevity


This is our complete beginner's guide to Longevity. We explain what it is, what studies are available, where it comes from, what it is used for, and a few other facts you may not know.
Naturecan’s Perspective
Naturecan’s Perspective
At Naturecan, we welcome FDA’s decision as a victory for transparency, consumer access, and wellness.
Our mission has always been to offer high-quality, evidence-based supplements that empower people to take control of their health.
By confirming NMN’s lawful status, the FDA has given consumers and brands clarity. This allows companies like ours to continue investing in education and innovation around NMN and other longevity supplements.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for NMN?
Now that NMN’s place in the supplement market is secure, we can expect:
- Renewed research investment – More studies exploring NMN’s potential benefits.
- Innovation in formulations – From capsules to powders, NMN may be combined with other synergistic ingredients like resveratrol, spermidine, or apigenin.
- Growing global interest – With U.S. confirmation of legality, NMN will likely gain more traction worldwide.

NMN Powder by Naturecan
Looking for a simple, powerful way to support healthy ageing and energy production? Our NMN Powder delivers 500mg of pure Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) in every serving.
- 500mg of NMN per serving
- Supports natural NAD⁺ production
- Supports energy metabolism and cellular function
- May help support healthy ageing
- Unflavoured and easy to mix
- Fast-absorbing and flexible dosing
- Suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets
Key Takeaways
- On Sept 29, 2025, the FDA confirmed NMN is lawful for dietary supplements in the U.S.
- This decision followed years of advocacy and legal pressure from industry groups like the NPA.
- Consumers can now enjoy greater confidence and access to NMN products.
- The ruling highlights the importance of protecting consumer choice in the supplement space.
- NMN continues to be one of the most exciting nutrients studied in the field of healthy ageing and longevity.
Conclusion
The FDA’s confirmation marks a turning point for NMN. No longer in regulatory limbo, it is recognised as a lawful dietary supplement ingredient in the United States.
For consumers, this means more stability, availability, and choice. For the industry, it reinforces the importance of science-backed advocacy and transparency.
At Naturecan, we are committed to offering NMN powder and other longevity-focused products that meet the highest standards of purity and quality, empowering you to make informed choices for your health and wellness journey.

Reviewed by Paul Holmes
Director of Science and Innovation at Naturecan
Testing for large pharmaceutical & tobacco companies, Paul has built a wealth of scientific and regulatory knowledge, working on regulatory submissions to bodies such as the FDA and the MHRA.
He holds a BSc in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and sits on the UKAS CBD Food Product Approval Expert Group.
