Overview of NMN Functional Food Labeling Filings in Japan

In Japan, foods with functional claims refer to products for which the seller files a notification with the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) before marketing. The seller must submit scientific evidence supporting the safety and functional effectiveness of the product and may display the related functional claims. Unlike foods for specified health purpose, foods with functional claims are primarily the responsibility of the seller, and the filing process is comparatively less complex.

NMN (β-nicotinamide mononucleotide), one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients in recent years, has become increasingly sought after in the Japanese market. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 13 FFC products containing NMN were successfully registered with the foods with functional claims. Their main functional claims include:

• This product contains NMN. Studies indicate that NMN helps maintain walking ability, which declines with age in middle-aged and older adults.
• This product contains NMN. Studies indicate that NMN contributes to:
  • improving sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults
  • enhancing walking speed
• This product contains NMN. Studies indicate that NMN contributes to:
  • maintaining skin moisture in individuals with dry skin
  • supporting skin elasticity
  • maintaining healthy skin
• This product contains NMN. Studies show that NMN provides the following benefits for middle-aged adults and general adult populations:
  • helping maintain walking ability (6-minute walk distance, 10-meter walking speed)
  • helping maintain grip strength and the ability to rise from a chair in men aged 65 and older
  • maintaining skin moisture and elasticity in adults with dry skin and supporting overall skin health

In summary, currently registered NMN-containing foods with functional claims mainly claim benefits in maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and health; improving sleep quality and walking ability in middle-aged and older adults; and supporting grip strength and mobility in men over 65.

In addition, data from Japan’s official filing system show that the 11 applicants behind the 13 NMN-containing products include:

• 株式会社ＴＯＫＹＯ通販（Tokyo通贩）：2 types
• 株式会社 Lanabelle
• 株式会社エイジケアプラス（Age Care Plus）
• 小林香料株式会社：2 types
• 三菱商事ライフサイエンス株式会社
• AL-FOODS株式会社
• ＡＢＨ株式会社
• 株式会社ビューティーシード
• 機能性表示食品検定協会株式会社
• ドリームリゾート開発株式会社
• 株式会社CloudNine

In Japan, foods that display functional claims must comply with regulatory frameworks relevant to foods with health claims. These products require strict review and approval by the CAA. Foods with functional claims, however, only require notification filing with the CAA, while nutrition function foods may be self-certified – but only apply to 13 vitamins, six minerals, and one fatty acid, with limited conditions and allowable claim statements.

Therefore, foods with functional claims offer significant advantages in terms of functional claim scope and filing procedures. It represents a key entry point for companies planning to position health-function foods in Japan and an important pathway for Chinese functional ingredients to differentiate and compete in the Japanese market.

About CIRS Group

Established in 2012, the Food Business Division of CIRS Group has helped over 1,000 domestic and international food companies achieve one-stop compliance solutions. CIRS offers a full range of regulatory services covering novel food applications, synthetic biology-derived foods, U.S. GRAS notice, EU novel food application, health food registration, and food for special medical purposes (FSMP).

CIRS operates a fully-owned subsidiary in Japan. By leveraging the expertise of CIRS Japan and the international team, it is qualified to act as local agents and provide enterprises with various food services in Japan.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.