NMN in The USA: From FDA “Ban” to Reinstatement ('22–'25)
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Time to read 9 min
ARTICLE SUMMARY: The legal status of NMN has been resolved. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reversed its removal of NMN from the list of recognised dietary supplements and formally declared Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) to be a lawful dietary ingredient (again). This ruling ends the major regulatory hurdle faced by the popular longevity supplement, confirming its accessibility to consumers in the United States. We are keeping this article here as a historical record.
In the ever-evolving world of wellness and supplements, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has been going through a legal rollercoaster. Hailed as a game-changing anti-ageing molecule, NMN’s legal status in the United States and abroad has seen more twists than a season of a political drama.
First sold widely as a longevity supplement, FDA removed NMN from the list of permitted dietary supplements in November 2022. This decision was not based on safety concerns but on the regulatory interpretation that once a substance is authorised for investigation as a new drug, it cannot simultaneously be marketed as a dietary supplement.
This decision quickly drew backlash from the industry and FDA had never effectively enforced this decision as a ban, but brands, including For Youth chose to self-enforce by switching to other NAD⁺-boosters such as NR until the reinstatement on the 29th of September 2025.
The NPA (Natural Products Association) has been leading the charge against this decision. First filing a citizen petition and subsequently a lawsuit in August 2023, leading to a court ordered halt to the enforcement as of October 2024.
In 2025, a new voice entered the mix: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Since his appointment, he has shown strong interest in longevity science and NAD⁺-boosting supplements, signaling a potential shift toward a more favorable regulatory environment for NMN in the United States.
The saga reached its climax on September 29, 2025, when the FDA, after pushing back from the original July 30 response deadline, formally reinstated Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) as a lawful dietary ingredient, allowing For Youth to make The Repair-NMN+ available for purchase again in the U.S.
Table of contents
What Is NMN and Why Is It Popular? The FDA’s Position: What Actually Happened in 2022? What’s Happening With NMN? Legal Timeline and Industry Response in the US (2023-2024) 2025, Enter RFK Jr. : A New Ally in the Longevity Space? So, Is It Legal To Buy NMN in The US? Here At For Youth, We Take NMN Seriously Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is NMN and Why Is It Popular?
NMN, short for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, is a compound that naturally occurs in the body and plays a key role in energy production and cellular repair. It’s a direct precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for metabolism, cellular repair and overall healthspan.
As NAD+ levels decline with age, boosting NMN intake has been linked to:
Energy production
DNA repair
Brain function
Healthy ageing
That’s why it’s become a favourite among biohackers, longevity researchers and everyday health enthusiasts across the world — including in the US, where ageing populations are actively seeking out science-backed supplements.
The FDA and NMN: What Happened in 2022?
For years, NMN was sold freely online and in supplement shops. But in a surprise move, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reversed its earlier approval of NMN as a dietary ingredient in November 2022.
The reason? The agency claimed that NMN was under investigation as a drug, which under US law would disqualify it from being marketed as a supplement — unless it was already approved before drug trials began.
Despite widespread concern and misleading headlines, NMN has never been officially banned in the United States by the FDA. Rather, it was excluded from the list of recognised dietary supplements, leading the FDA to attempt to restrict its sale. The full document can be downloaded from the FDA website here. However, in October 2024, a US federal court ruled that this action was unlawful, providing clarity and renewed confidence for both consumers and the supplement industry.
The timeline around those drug investigations remains unclear. The FDA doesn't publicly disclose when drug studies start, so NMN suppliers were essentially caught off guard. The trouble is, the legal timeline remains murky. The FDA does not disclose when a drug investigation begins, which has left supplement brands in limbo.
Importantly:
The US FDA "ban" for NMN was not related to safety
NMN continues to have a strong track record for purity and tolerability
The ruling ultimately came down to a regulatory technicality
NMN Legal Timeline & Industry Response: 2023–2024
Dr. Daniel Fabricant from the Natural Products Association. Image via
News 5 Cleveland Youtube.
News 5 Cleveland Youtube.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) has been leading the charge against the FDA’s "ban". Its president, Dr. Daniel Fabricant, called the FDA’s action an “overreach” and encouraged supplement makers to keep NMN on the shelves, arguing that the decision does not yet represent a final ruling.
In October 2024, the NPA scored a major legal victory that gave fresh momentum to NMN advocates. While details are still emerging, the win shows that the fight is far from over, and it strengthens the argument that NMN deserves clear, science-based regulation – not bureaucratic stonewalling.
The Natural Products Association (NPA) challenged the ruling:
March 2023 : NPA filed a formal citizen petition with the FDA
August 2023 : NPA launched a lawsuit against the agency
November 2024 : A US federal court ruled in favour of the NPA, stopping the FDA from taking action against NMN products while the case is on hold.
What does the ruling against the US FDA mean?
NMN supplements can still be legally sold in the U.S.
The FDA cannot currently enforce its attempted restriction
The legal status of NMN is still under review — but it's not banned
Enter RFK Jr.: NMN’s New Ally in 2025?
Image via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) LinkedIn.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has shown strong interest in longevity science and emerging health technologies. Known for his environmental law work and public health advocacy, Kennedy is now in a powerful position to influence how the US government regulates supplements and biomedical innovation.
Kennedy's close collaboration with figures like Jim O’Neill — a biotech thinker and proponent of lifespan extension — signals that he’s open to rethinking traditional health frameworks. While he hasn’t directly weighed in on NMN’s legal fight just yet, his general stance could help create a more science-forward, transparent environment for supplements.
Kennedy is not just longevity-curious – he may become a key political ally for anti-ageing innovation. That could include NMN, currently at the centre of a regulatory showdown.
FDA Reinstates NMN as Lawful Dietary Supplement (Sept 29, 2025)
The FDA stated that it had revised its interpretation of the "race-to-market" clause. Key points from the ruling include:
- NMN is Not Excluded: The FDA concluded that NMN is not excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement.
- "Prior Marketing" Confirmed: The Agency acknowledged evidence that NMN was lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. as early as 2017—before it was authorized or instituted as a new drug investigation.
- End of the Legal Battle: The NPA immediately hailed the ruling as a "monumental victory," confirming that NMN is now definitively lawful in supplements. The ongoing court case against the FDA regarding NMN's status will now be dismissed.
This landmark decision means that NMN is legally available for sale and marketing across the United States as a dietary supplement, ending the period of uncertainty and the reliance on the court-ordered enforcement pause.
So, Is It Legal To Buy NMN in The US?
Photo by Klaus Nielsen .
Yes! — NMN is now definitively lawful and available for purchase in the U.S. Following the FDA’s formal declaration on September 29, 2025, NMN is confirmed to be a lawful dietary ingredient. All enforcement uncertainty under the drug preclusion clause has been ended.
It is also important to keep in mind that NMN was never banned for safety concerns.
This is good news for wellness-minded individuals in the US and abroad, including in markets like Singapore, where NMN remains a sought-after anti-ageing supplement. The recent legal win also signals growing support for balanced, science-based supplement regulation that prioritises consumer choice and product accessibility.
Some Important Points When Purchasing NMN:
Choose well-established brands with transparent sourcing, like For Youth.
Look for NMN that’s been independently tested for purity.
View For Youth's third party test results here.
Here At For Youth, We Take NMN Seriously
Photo from Effepharm .
Our commitment to quality begins at the source and continues through every step of production. Each batch of NMN is independently lab-tested to ensure purity, potency, and safety. Our formulations are developed by leading experts in longevity science, combining cutting-edge research with real-world results.
We formulate all products in Singapore, manufacture and test our NMN in Europe under stringent standards for quality assurance before being shipped to customers around the world. Our NMN lineup includes:
The Base – NMN
- 250 mg of 99% pure NMN, ideal for daily NAD+ support and cellular energy.
The Repair – NMN+
- A powerful blend of 450 mg pure NMN with apigenin and pterostilbene, designed to support cellular repair, metabolic health, and healthy aging.
When it comes to longevity, here at For Youth we believe science, transparency and trust should come first.
Whether you’re a biohacker, a wellness consumer, or someone curious about healthy ageing, NMN’s journey is worth watching. Legal victories, political shifts, and growing consumer demand all point to one truth – the fight for longevity isn’t just scientific. It’s political, legal and deeply personal.
For now, stay informed, read your labels, and follow trusted updates. The NMN story is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is NMN legal to buy and use in the United States?
Yes, NMN is legally available for purchase in the U.S. The FDA previously removed NMN from the list of permitted dietary supplements based on a regulatory technicality (its prior authorisation as a new drug), not safety concerns. On September 29, 2025, the FDA formally reinstated NMN as a lawful dietary ingredient. Many reputable brands, including For Youth, now sell NMN without restriction.
Is NMN safe to take daily?
NMN has been studied for safety and is generally well tolerated when taken at standard doses. However, as with any supplement, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re on medication or have underlying conditions.
What does NMN do for the body?
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a precursor to NAD+, a molecule essential for energy production, DNA repair, and overall cellular function. Supplementing with NMN may support healthy ageing, improved energy levels, and metabolic health.
Why did the US FDA challenge the sale of NMN supplements?
The FDA previously removed NMN from the list of permitted dietary supplements because it was being investigated as a drug. Under U.S. law, ingredients studied as drugs cannot be marketed as supplements until approved. The situation was complicated because NMN had already been widely sold as a supplement before the start of its clinical investigations, creating confusion and pushback in the industry.
What should I look for when choosing an NMN supplement?
Look for brands like For Youth that offer third-party lab testing, transparent ingredient sourcing, and clear dosage information. Avoid products with vague labelling or unverifiable claims. Quality and purity are especially important with NMN.
References
- Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/robert-kennedy.html
- O’Neill, J. (2025, Jly 2). Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new right-hand man wants to extend human lifespan. Retrieved from https://www.nmn.com/news/jim-oneill-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-new-right-hand-man-in-trumps-health-agency-wants-to-extend-human-lifespan
- Daniells, S. (2023, Sep 12). NPA’s Fabricant on NMN: ‘Taking FDA to Federal Court is expensive, but I don’t see another option’. https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2023/09/12/NPA-s-Fabricant-on-NMN-This-is-not-an-insignificant-ingredient/
- Natural Products Association. (2024, Nov 5). NPA wins huge legal victory against FDA on NMN. Retrieved from https://www.npanational.org/news/npa-wins-huge-legal-victory-against-fda-on-nmn/
- Drake, K. (2024, Feb 13). FDA bans NMN as a dietary supplement: Why and what happened?. Healthnews. Retrieved from http://healthnews.com/longevity/longevity-supplements/fda-b-nmn-can-no-longer-be-sold-as-a-dietary-supplement-in-the-us/
- Rahman, S. U., Qadeer, A., & Wu, Z. (2023). Role and Potential Mechanisms of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Aging. Aging and Disease. https://doi.org/10.14336/ad.2023.0519-1
- Hodzic Kuerec, A., Wang, W., Yi, L., Tao, R., Lin, Z., Vaidya, A., Pendse, S., Thasma, S., Andhalkar, N., Avhad, G., Kumbhar, V., & Maier, A. B. (2024). Towards personalized nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentration. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 111917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2024.111917
- Food and Drug Administration. (2022, Nov 8). NDI 1259 - B-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) from Inner Mongolia Kingdomway Pharmaceutical Limited. https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2022-S-0023-0051
