Few healthy aging molecules have received as much recognition as NAD+. NMN, its precursor, also plays an important role in cellular health. However, many experts highlight NAD+ as a more effective option for supporting vitality and healthy aging. Here’s a closer look at the science behind each compound and why NAD+ is often regarded as the preferred choice.
The Basics
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
1. A coenzyme found in all living cells.
2. Plays a central role in:
- Energy production.
- DNA repair.
- Overall cellular function.
3. Levels naturally decline with age.
4. Reduced NAD+ is linked to multiple age-related health challenges.
5. Supporting NAD+ has become a key focus in aging research.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
1. Acts as a precursor to NAD+.
2. Early studies suggested it could:
- Boost NAD+ levels.
- Promote health and longevity indirectly.
3. Became popular in research and supplements due to initial results.
4. Regulatory update:
- FDA reclassified NMN as a potential new drug.
- Raised questions about its long-term use, safety, and availability.
- Led to re-evaluation of NMN’s role in healthy aging.
Why NAD+ May Offer More Direct Benefits
Direct Action
1. NAD+ is already the active coenzyme needed by cells.
2. No conversion step is required, unlike NMN.
3. Provides NAD+ in functional form, immediately available for:
- Cellular repair.
- Mitochondrial health.
- Energy metabolism.
Energy Support
1. NAD+ is essential in the electron transport chain.
2. This chain drives the production of ATP, the body’s main energy currency.
3. Direct supplementation bypasses conversion steps.
4. Helps support more efficient energy generation.
DNA Maintenance and Longevity
1. NAD+ activates sirtuins, proteins that regulate:
- DNA repair.
- Metabolic balance.
- Healthy aging processes.
2. Supporting NAD+ may enhance cellular resilience to age-related damage.
Safety and Research Background
1. NMN is under regulatory review in the U.S.
2. NAD+ has been studied more extensively.
3. High-quality NAD+ supplements are manufactured under strict standards to ensure:
- Purity.
- Potency.
- Consistency.
The Optimal Choice for Healthy Aging
1. Direct NAD+ supplementation provides a reliable way to support:
- Cellular energy production.
- DNA maintenance.
- Mitochondrial health.
2. Its immediate availability for biological processes, combined with extensive research, makes NAD+ a strong option for promoting vitality and longevity.
References
1. Cantó, C., Menzies, K. J., & Auwerx, J. (2015). NAD+ metabolism and the control of energy homeostasis: A balancing act between mitochondria and the nucleus. Cell Metabolism, 22(1), 31-53. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.023
2. Gomes, A. P., Price, N. L., Ling, A. J., Moslehi, J. J., Montgomery, M. K., Rajman, L., … & Sinclair, D. A. (2013). Declining NAD+ induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging. Cell, 155(7), 1624-1638. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.037
3. Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213. doi:10.1126/science.aac4854
4. Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in Cell Biology, 24(8), 464-471. doi:10.1016/j.tcb.2014.04.002
5. Yoshino, J., Baur, J. A., & Imai, S. I. (2018). NAD+ intermediates: The biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metabolism, 27(3), 513-528. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2017.11.002
6. Martens, C. R., Denman, B. A., Mazzo, M. R., Armstrong, M. L., Reisdorph, N., McQueen, M. B., & Chonchol, M. (2018). Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nature Communications, 9(1), 1286. doi:10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7