Nad Vs NMN – Which Precursor For NAD+ Is Better?

If you’re looking for a vitamin supplement to improve your health, you might have heard about two different precursors for NAD+: nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These compounds differ in price and efficacy, but both have potential to help you live longer and healthier.

While both supplements are designed to boost cellular energy and repair damaged DNA and proteins, their mechanisms are different. Some believe that NR depletes the body’s methyl groups, while others think that NMN works better.

Unlike NR, NMN is a more natural molecule that is present in every cell. It helps to prevent free radical damage, which is important in aging.

Researchers don’t yet know exactly how NMN is absorbed into the body, but some studies show that it has the same cellular transporter as NR. This may explain why NMN produces a stronger effect than NR.

NR and NMN are metabolized by the liver and broken down into nicotinamide. However, the phosphate group in NMN makes it larger than NR. Both products enter the cell via a equilibrative nucleoside transporter.

NMN is the first step in producing NAD+, and it enters the cell through a Slc12a8 transporter. Scientists believe that further down the NAD+ pathway, more powerful effects are produced.

As a precursor, NMN is much more expensive than NR. It’s not patented, but independent scientists are studying the compound.

NMN is a good choice for athletes, people with chronic illnesses, and anyone looking for an NMN-based anti-aging supplement. But be sure to balance the risk-to-reward ratio with a given dose.