5-Amino-1MQ
NNMT Inhibitor · Longevity & Metabolic Enhancement
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that enhances cellular NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function. Not a true peptide, but a small molecule compound used in longevity and metabolic optimization protocols.
Overview
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that enhances cellular NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function. Not a true peptide, but a small molecule compound used in longevity and metabolic optimization protocols.
Inhibits NNMT enzyme systemically, preventing NAD+ degradation and maintaining elevated cellular NAD+ levels to support mitochondrial function and metabolic processes.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Significantly increases cellular NAD+ levels by inhibiting NNMT enzyme, supporting cellular energy production and DNA repair mechanisms essential for healthy aging.
Improves mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, enhancing cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress markers associated with aging.
Enhanced NAD+ availability supports sirtuins and other longevity pathways involved in DNA repair, cellular maintenance, and stress resistance.
Improvement through enhanced mitochondrial efficiency.
Enhancement via cellular energy optimization.
Improved glucose/fat substrate switching.
Supports increased basal metabolic rate.
Improvements in fat burning capacity.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Small molecule NNMT enzyme inhibitor
- Half-life
- ~5.5 h
- Typical dose
- 50-100mg oral or 150-500mcg SubQ
- Frequency
- Once daily, preferably morning
- Cycle length
- 8-12 weeks continuous
- Storage
- Oral: room temp. Injectable: lyophilized room temp or freezer, reconstituted 2-8°C for 28 days
Molecular data
- Type
- Small molecule NNMT enzyme inhibitor
- Half-life
- 330 min
Dosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative initiation | Oral with food | 25mg | 1x daily |
| Standard starting dose | Oral with food | 50mg | 1x daily |
| Typical maintenance | Oral with food | 75mg | 1x daily |
| Maximum dose | Oral with food | 100mg | 1x daily |
| Split dosing protocol | Oral with meals | 50mg | 2x daily |
| Conservative starting (mcg protocol) | SubQ | 150-250mcg | 1x daily |
| Conservative standard (mcg protocol) | SubQ | 250-500mcg | 1x daily |
| Study-based (mg protocol) | SubQ | ~350mg (5mg/kg) | 1x daily |
Interactions
May work synergistically by preventing breakdown while supporting production.
Both support longevity; resveratrol activates sirtuins while 5-Amino-1MQ provides NAD+ substrate.
Both affect metabolic pathways; combination may enhance effects but requires careful monitoring.
No known interactions; different mechanisms with potential complementary benefits.
Limited interaction data; consult healthcare provider before combining.
Both affect metabolic pathways; potential additive glucose metabolism effects.
Quality checklist
- ✓White to off-white (or orange/amber for powder) appearance
- ✓Uniform color and size with clear labeling and batch information
- ✓Third-party testing certificates (COA) with >98% purity
- ✓Proper pharmaceutical packaging with moisture protection
- ✓Clear expiration dates and professional labeling
- !Moisture damage or clumping may indicate degradation
- ×Sticky, discolored, or heat-damaged appearance
- ×Unusual odor (should be relatively odorless)
- ×Strong chemical odors indicating contamination
- ×Cloudy reconstitution solution (injectables)
What to expect
Safety
- Generally minimal side effects
- Occasional mild GI adjustment
- Potential sleep interference if dosed late in day
- Severe gastrointestinal upset or persistent nausea
- Unusual fatigue or weakness (opposite of expected effect)
- Persistent headaches or dizziness
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Significant mood changes or anxiety
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pre-existing metabolic conditions (consult healthcare provider)
FAQ
What is the difference between the mcg and mg protocols for 5-Amino-1MQ injection?
Two vastly different dosing protocols exist differing by 100-200x: the mcg protocol uses 150-500mcg daily while the mg protocol uses ~350mg (5mg/kg) daily. This massive discrepancy creates serious overdose risk. Always verify units (mcg vs mg) before reconstitution to avoid a potentially 100+ fold dosing error.
Does 5-Amino-1MQ actually increase NAD+ levels in humans?
Animal studies demonstrate significant NAD+ elevation through NNMT inhibition. A 2024 study showed aged mice treated with 5A1MQ gained ~40% greater grip strength vs controls, with improved intramuscular lipid content and muscle fiber cross-sectional area, providing evidence that NAD+ enhancement translates to functional improvements.
Can I take 5-Amino-1MQ with food or does it need to be on an empty stomach?
Take 5-Amino-1MQ with food to improve absorption and reduce potential GI effects. Consistent daily timing helps maintain steady NAD+ levels, and morning or early afternoon dosing is preferred to avoid potential sleep interference.
What's the timeline for seeing metabolic benefits from 5-Amino-1MQ?
Week 1-2 shows gradual energy increase and mental clarity. Week 2-4 brings enhanced exercise performance and recovery. Week 4-8 shows improved metabolic markers and body composition changes. Peak longevity benefits with sustained cellular health improvements appear by week 8-12 with continuous use.
References
- 1Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in miceNeelakantan H, Vance V, Wetzel MD, Wang HL, McHardy SF, Finnerty CC, Hommel JD, Watowich SJ · Biochemical Pharmacology · 2018
Diet-induced obese mice showed significant weight loss and adipocyte size reduction with 5-amino-1MQ treatment. Demonstrated that NNMT inhibition increases energy expenditure, reduces body weight and white adipose mass, improves insulin sensitivity, and normalizes glucose tolerance.
animalPubMed 29155147 ↗ - 2Development & validation of LC-MS/MS assay for 5-amino-1-methyl quinolinium in rat plasma: Application to pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability studiesKannt A et al. · Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis · 2021
Demonstrated 38.4% oral bioavailability, half-life 6.9hr (oral) and 3.8hr (IV). Validated sensitive LC-MS/MS method for pharmacokinetic assessment supporting oral administration viability.
animalPubMed 34304009 ↗ - 3Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibition mimics and boosts exercise-mediated improvements in muscle function in aged miceNeelakantan H et al. · Scientific Reports · 2024
NNMTi-treated aged sedentary mice showed ~40% greater grip strength than controls. Combined with exercise, 60% grip strength increase. Also improved intramuscular lipid content and gastrocnemius fiber cross-sectional area.
animalPubMed 38969654 ↗