Reversing the aging process has been a mission for scientific research for decades and a team of researchers have discovered a compound that may be able to do just that.

Scientists from the Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis,  has found that giving mice a natural compound called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) actually slows down the aging process by compensating for the loss of energy production that happens to our body as we get older.

The study saw the team feed three groups of mice. One group had high doses of NMN in their water supply, a second with low doses and a third with no NMN in their water and the results were astounding. The group with the highest dose gained better eyesight, muscle efficiency and bone density together with an improvement in the liver function and immune system saw the mice gain extraordinary health benefits. They were even able to do more physical activity.

What’s more, putting NMN in water meant it absorbed into all areas of the body and the absorption rate was extremely quick.

“We wanted to make sure that when we give NMN through drinking water, it actually goes into the blood circulation and into tissues,” Shin-ichiro Imai, who was involved in the study, explained. “Our data show that NMN absorption happens very rapidly.”

The team are starting to study the affects in human tests to see if the same results occur.

“Since human cells rely on this same energy production process, we are hopeful this will translate into a method to help people remain healthier as they age,” Imai said.

NMN is naturally found in broccoli, avocados, cucumber, cabbage and edamame beans and according to scientists, these vegetables can contribute to slowing down the aging process. If human tests are proved successful, there could one day be an added way of getting more NMN in our bodies through drink supplements.

Details and results of the study were published in the journal Cell Metabolism.