NMN and NR: Two popular NAD⁺ supplements

We have heard of the term "NAD⁺", which also has a more common name called "coenzyme I". It is an extremely important "energy catalyst" in our bodies - from cellular respiration to DNA repair, almost all life activities that require energy cannot do without its assistance.

However, as we age, the amount of NAD⁺ in our bodies gradually decreases, which is why we feel that our energy drops and our physical functions are not as good as before.

To supplement NAD⁺, one cannot directly consume it (as it will be broken down into useless fragments by digestive enzymes). Instead, one has to rely on "precursor substances" - just like building a house requires bricks first, these precursors can gradually transform into NAD⁺ in the body.

Currently, the two most popular precursors on the market are NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide ribose).

NMN is a direct NAD⁺ precursor that takes effect

NMN is a "short-range supply station" for NAD⁺ - it can directly enter the body's "production line" for NAD⁺ synthesis (professionally known as the "remedial synthesis pathway") without taking a detour.

Nowadays, there are the most studies on it, and many people have taken it and found the effect obvious. It is one of the most mainstream choices at present.

benefits of NMN

1. Fast conversion, visible results

Unlike some precursors that need to be transformed into "intermediate products" first, after NMN is consumed, the "NMNAT enzyme" in the cells can directly convert it into NAD⁺.

Experiments show that within 30 minutes after oral administration, the levels of NAD⁺ in the blood, liver and muscles will increase significantly - simply put, the faster it is replenished, the quicker the body can use it.

2. Stable absorption and not easy to be "wasted"

The chemical structure of natural NMN is relatively "durable" (as long as it is stored away from light and moisture).

After being ingested, digestive enzymes in the intestines are less likely to break it down, allowing it to smoothly pass through the small intestine and enter the bloodstream, and finally precisely reach places that require more energy, such as the liver, brain, and the "energy factory" mitochondria in cells.

3. reassuring to use it for a short period of time as there's research to support it

By 2024, scientists had conducted numerous experiments: feeding NMN to mice and rats, and no obvious problems were found.

Healthy adults were given 500mg once or 250mg daily for 12 consecutive weeks, and no side effects such as abnormal liver and kidney functions or allergies occurred.

For short-term use, its security seems relatively reliable at present.

4. It has comprehensive functions and not only supplements NAD⁺

In addition to the core function of "increasing NAD⁺ levels", the research also found that NMN may have many additional benefits:

For instance, activating "longevity proteins" (Sirtuins) can help cells delay aging, regulate insulin sensitivity, reduce fat accumulation to improve metabolism, protect the mitochondrial function of neurons to safeguard the brain, and even help enhance exercise endurance - suitable for those who want to make multi-faceted adjustments.

NR is a safe and beneficial derivative of vitamin B3

NR is a "remote supply station" for NAD⁺. It belongs to the vitamin B3 family (also known as vitamin B3 derivatives). After being ingested, it cannot be directly converted into NAD⁺. It must first be transformed into NMN in the body before undergoing subsequent synthesis steps.

It was the mainstream choice in the early market, and now many people still like its "mildness".

benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride NR

1. High safety recognition, natural source, more reassuring

NR has been classified as a "GRAS" (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the US FDA, and it is naturally present in milk, yeast, and broccoli (though in extremely low amounts, it is insufficient to make up for it by eating vegetables alone; supplements are still necessary).

Many people think that "natural sources" are more reliable and have a higher acceptance rate.

Taking less than 1000mg daily for a short period of time, almost no one experiences serious side effects. At most, a few people may have mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating.

2. stability performance is "saved" by the process

Natural NR is particularly "delicate", prone to oxidation and hydrolysis, and does not last long.

However, most of the NR available on the market nowadays is made into "NR chloride (NRCl)" or "nicotinamide ribonucleoside hydrochloride" - which is equivalent to adding a "protective shell" to it. It can be stored at room temperature and away from light for 1-2 years without any problem, and it is very convenient to store.

3. It is suitable for a wide range of people, especially those with weak digestion

The molecule of NR is smaller than that of NMN, and theoretically it is more likely to pass through the blood-brain barrier (though current research has found that its effect on increasing NAD⁺ in the brain is similar to that of NMN).

Moreover, it causes less irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. For instance, middle-aged and elderly people with weak digestive functions are less likely to feel uncomfortable in their stomachs and intestines after consuming it, and thus have a higher acceptance rate.

conversion efficiency of NR is a major drawback

1. conversion path is long and it is easy to "fail".

NR must first be converted into NMN by the "NRK1/2 enzyme" in the body before it can continue to synthesize NAD⁺.

However, during this process, a portion of NR is broken down by the "CD38 enzyme" in the intestine into useless "nicotinamide (NAM)", and in the end, the actual proportion of NAD⁺ is only 60% to 70% of that of NMN.

It also takes a long time to take effect. After oral administration, it takes 1 to 2 hours for the NAD⁺ in the blood to increase significantly.

2. It's not very effective for "high-energy-consuming organs"

Research has found that NR has a decent effect on increasing NAD⁺ in the liver and blood, but its effect on energy-intensive organs such as muscles and the brain is weaker than that of NMN.

For instance, if there is a lack of "NRK enzyme" in the muscles, NR is difficult to be efficiently converted into NMN, and naturally, it cannot help the muscles metabolize energy and repair damage well.

3. It is easy to be snatched away by "bad enzymes"

There are many "NAD⁺ -consuming enzymes" (such as CD38 and PARP) in the body. These enzymes will "snatch" NR during the process of converting it into NMN, breaking it down into useless things and further reducing the efficiency of NR converting into NAD⁺.

Should I choose NMN or NR?

The situation of choosing NMN

If you want to supplement NAD⁺ quickly and efficiently, pay special attention to functions such as muscle protection and nerve repair, and have a sufficient budget and are willing to spend a little more for better results - prioritize NMN.

The situation where NR is selected:

If you value safety the most and want to supplement NAD⁺ gently, or if your digestive function is relatively weak (such as middle-aged and elderly people), and your budget is limited, and you only need to basically increase your NAD⁺ level - NR is a more suitable choice.

Tag: NMN NR NAD

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