Why Has Amazon Banned NMN?

In 2023, Amazon made a significant decision to ban the sale of dietary supplements containing NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) from its platform. This decision has created ripples across the health and wellness industry, particularly among consumers and companies specializing in longevity supplements. The ban was implemented in response to actions taken by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the status of NMN. This article delves into the reasons behind Amazon's ban on NMN, its implications for the supplement industry, and what consumers need to know about this development.

Understanding NMN and Its Popularity

NMN is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in the production of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a molecule critical for cellular energy production and DNA repair. As NAD+ levels decline with age, NMN supplements have gained attention for their potential anti-aging benefits, including improved energy, better metabolic function, and enhanced longevity.

The growing body of research supporting NMN’s health benefits has spurred a surge in its popularity, with many individuals incorporating NMN into their daily supplement routines. Health influencers, researchers, and prominent figures such as Dr. David Sinclair, a leading expert in aging research, have highlighted NMN’s potential, further driving its appeal​.

Below is a video with a statement from Dr. David Sinclair regarding the NMN ban:

Why Has Amazon Banned NMN?

Amazon's decision to ban NMN supplements stems directly from regulatory changes initiated by the FDA. The key reason is the FDA’s reclassification of NMN as a substance being investigated as a pharmaceutical drug, which bars its sale as a dietary supplement.

In 2022, the FDA revised its stance on NMN, stating that it could no longer be marketed as a dietary supplement. According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), once a substance has been authorized for investigation as a drug, it cannot simultaneously be sold as a dietary supplement. In this case, NMN had been classified under the Investigational New Drug (IND) status, a move that caught the supplement industry by surprise​

FDA’s Role in the NMN Ban

Initially, NMN was marketed as a dietary supplement, and many companies followed the required regulatory pathway by submitting a New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notification to the FDA. The FDA initially accepted NMN under this framework, which allowed it to be legally sold as a supplement. However, in late 2022, the FDA reversed its position, stating that NMN could no longer be sold as a dietary supplement because it was under investigation as a drug.

The FDA's decision aligns with provisions in the Drug Exclusion Clause of the FDCA, which prevents substances under drug investigation from being marketed as dietary supplements. The FDA cited concerns about NMN’s long-term safety, indicating that more extensive research is needed to assess its risks and benefits​.

Has iHerb banned NMN?

As of 2023, iHerb has joined Amazon in banning the sale of NMN too. iHerb's decision to follow Amazon's lead is likely driven by a need to comply with U.S. regulations. iHerb, a global retailer of health products, has ceased the sale of NMN to U.S.-based customers. However, on other regional iHerb sites (Such as the UK), NMN remains available in countries where the substance is still classified as a dietary supplement, including parts of Europe and Asia.

Amazon’s Compliance with FDA Regulations

Amazon, as a major global retailer, has strict policies regarding product compliance with national regulations. Following the FDA’s reclassification of NMN, Amazon moved to halt the sale of all NMN-containing supplements from its platform in early 2023.

On February 16, 2023, Amazon began removing NMN products from its marketplace. This action was part of Amazon’s broader effort to comply with the FDA's updated guidance and avoid selling non-compliant products. This policy shift primarily affected U.S.-based sellers, although Amazon extended its ban to international sellers as well

NMN’s Regulatory Journey and Industry Backlash

Amazon’s NMN ban has sparked widespread debate within the supplement industry. Manufacturers, distributors, and consumers have voiced concerns about the FDA’s reclassification of NMN. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a leading industry association, expressed disappointment over the FDA’s decision, arguing that NMN had been safely used as a dietary supplement for years without significant safety issues.

Many industry stakeholders believe that the FDA’s reclassification of NMN is more about protecting pharmaceutical interests than consumer safety. Critics argue that reclassifying NMN as a drug opens the door for pharmaceutical companies to monopolize its sale, driving up prices and reducing consumer access​

Global Implications of the NMN Ban

It’s important to note that the FDA’s ruling and Amazon’s actions primarily affect the U.S. market. In other regions, such as Europe and the UK, NMN remains legal and widely available as a dietary supplement. However, given Amazon’s global influence, its ban on NMN has raised concerns about potential ripple effects in international markets​.

Several other countries, including Canada and Australia, still allow the sale of NMN as a dietary supplement. These countries have not yet followed the FDA’s lead in reclassifying NMN, which means consumers can continue purchasing NMN products in these regions, either locally or via online retailers​.

What Does the NMN Ban Mean for Consumers?

For consumers in the U.S., Amazon’s ban means that NMN supplements will no longer be available for purchase on one of the largest and most trusted online platforms. However, NMN can still be purchased from smaller, independent retailers, both online and in physical stores. Additionally, many international websites continue to sell NMN to U.S. consumers, provided that it is shipped from countries where NMN remains legal.

Key Takeaways for Consumers:

• NMN Availability: While NMN is banned from Amazon’s U.S. marketplace, it can still be found through other online and international sellers.
• Regulatory Caution: Before purchasing NMN, it’s important to check local regulations to ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Healthcare Consultation: As with any supplement, it is advised to consult with a healthcare provider before starting NMN supplementation, particularly if it may interact with medications or existing health conditions.

Are There Alternatives to NMN?

Consumers looking for alternatives to NMN may consider other NAD+ precursors, such as Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). NR has a similar function to NMN, helping to increase NAD+ levels in the body, and it remains legally available as a dietary supplement in the U.S. NR is commonly found in products marketed for energy, longevity, and cellular health​

Conclusion

The Amazon ban on NMN is a direct consequence of the FDA’s decision to reclassify NMN as a pharmaceutical drug under investigation. While this has restricted the availability of NMN on major platforms like Amazon, consumers can still find NMN supplements from other sources. However, it is essential to stay informed about regulatory developments and consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplement regimen.

For those in regions where NMN remains legal, the supplement continues to offer promising benefits for longevity, energy, and overall health. As the science surrounding NMN evolves, it will be interesting to see how the regulatory landscape adjusts and whether NMN will reemerge as a widely accessible supplement in the future.