NMN and NAD+: How They Are Connected
NMN and NAD+ are often mentioned together, and it is easy to see why: one is used by the body to make the other. This article explains how they are connected, what NAD+ does, and what research has and has not shown so far.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body. A coenzyme is a "helper" molecule that enzymes need in order to work. NAD+ is involved in:
- Energy metabolism: helping cells turn food into usable energy, largely inside the mitochondria.
- DNA repair: enzymes such as PARPs use NAD+ when they repair damaged DNA.
- Cell signalling: a group of enzymes called sirtuins depend on NAD+ and are involved in how cells respond to stress.
Studies suggest NAD+ levels fall with age in some tissues. Researchers are trying to understand how much this matters for health, and whether it can be influenced.
What is NMN?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is one of the building blocks the body uses to make NAD+. It is found in small amounts in foods such as broccoli, cabbage and edamame, and it is also sold as a food supplement.
The body can make NAD+ through several routes, from vitamin B3 (niacin and nicotinamide), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and the amino acid tryptophan. NMN sits one step before NAD+ in one of these routes.
How NMN and NAD+ are connected
When NMN is taken as a supplement, it is absorbed and used by cells to make NAD+. Several small human trials have measured NAD+ levels in the blood and reported increases after NMN supplementation.
Raising a level in the blood is not the same as showing a health benefit, and this is where the research is still developing.
What the research shows, and what it does not
Most studies on NMN have been carried out in animals, and those results do not always translate to people. Human research so far has been:
- Small: usually tens of participants rather than hundreds.
- Short: often 6 to 12 weeks.
- Varied: different doses, age groups and measures, which makes results hard to compare.
Researchers have looked at markers such as insulin sensitivity, physical function in older adults and blood vessel function, with mixed results. In laboratory studies, NMN has also been reported to affect the activity of DNA repair enzymes. None of this has established that NMN prevents or treats any condition, and NMN supplements are not intended to do so.
Supporting NAD+ through everyday habits
Research also points to lifestyle factors that are linked to healthy NAD+ metabolism:
- regular physical activity
- good, regular sleep
- a varied diet that includes foods containing vitamin B3
- keeping alcohol within recommended limits
These are worthwhile for overall health whether or not you choose to take a supplement.
If you decide to take NMN
Choose a product that states the amount of NMN per serving and can show independent test results. Follow the directions on the pack, and speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take medication, have a medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The REJUVE® range includes REJUVE® Pure NMN Capsules and Powder, REJUVE® Micronized NMN 8-in-1, and REJUVE BIO-X®, which contains nicotinamide riboside, another NAD+ precursor. For a comparison of the two precursors, see NMN or NR: which is better for NAD+?
From SellHealth UK®
REJUVE® NMN is independently tested by SGS and comes with free Royal Mail Tracked 48 delivery and our 60-Day Empty Bottle Guarantee.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.