Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Fat loss
  3. 5-Amino-1MQ

Fat loss

5-Amino-1MQ

NNMT inhibitor that redirects nicotinamide into NAD+ synthesis. Popular in biohacker circles, backed by zero human trials.

Research chemical Fat loss Longevity Anti-aging

Reviewed 2026-09-12
Full name
5-amino-1-methylquinolinium (NNMT inhibitor, small molecule)
Also known as
5-A1MQ, NNMT inhibitor
Regulatory status
Research chemical | Not FDA-approved

Origin

Inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the enzyme that diverts nicotinamide away from NAD+ synthesis. Mouse studies from 2015-2020 showed NNMT inhibition improves metabolic markers, and the compound moved into biohacker circles around 2021. No regulatory approval anywhere.

Mechanism

Blocking NNMT redirects nicotinamide into the NAD+ salvage pathway. More NAD+ drives sirtuin and PARP activity, which preclinical work ties to mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolic flexibility, reduced fibrosis, and immune modulation.

Research summary

Evidence

Mouse models show improved insulin sensitivity, higher energy expenditure, and less hepatic steatosis. No published human trials exist, and human pharmacokinetics and dose-response are unknown.

Evidence tier: Research chemical — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.

Citations

Reported benefits

  • potential weight loss via increased energy expenditure (animal models)
  • improved insulin sensitivity (preclinical)
  • increased NAD+ bioavailability (theoretical)

Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community

These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.

Reported dosing protocols
RouteReported protocol
Oral capsule or powder; subcutaneous (anecdotal)No human-validated dose. Community protocols (unvalidated) range 50-250 mg once or twice daily orally.

Side effects

  • potential gastrointestinal upset (anecdotal)
  • potential nausea (anecdotal)
  • unknown long-term effects

Safety notes

Safety: No human trials or toxicology data exist; safety in people is unknown. NNMT has other jobs in the cell, so chronic inhibition could impair methylation capacity. Sourced product purity is unverified.
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)

Discussed as a NAD+ restoration tool alongside NMN, NR, and metformin. Users report more energy and better body composition, but it's all unblinded and self-reported.