NR vs NMN: Which NAD+ Precursor Is Right For You?
NR and NMN are both effective NAD+ precursors — but they work differently, have different evidence bases, and suit different people. Our complete UK comparison guide helps you choose.
What Is NAD+?
NAD+ is becoming one of the hottest topics in the world of health, longevity, and anti-aging science. But what exactly is NAD+, and why does it matter for your body? In this article, we’ll break down the science behind this crucial molecule, why its levels decline with age, and how you can naturally boost it to support overall health and energy. Let's find out exactly what is NAD+?
If you’ve been hearing more about NAD+ lately, you’re not alone. You’ve likely got a long list of questions starting with: What Is NAD+? This molecule has been making waves in the health and longevity space, with scientists, doctors, and wellness enthusiasts alike discussing its potential to promote energy, repair cells, and even slow ageing. But what exactly is NAD+, and why is it so important for our bodies?
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide - What Is NAD+?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a critical role in energy production by helping convert the food we eat into usable energy. Think of it as the fuel that powers your cells, ensuring that essential biological processes run smoothly.
Without NAD+, our cells wouldn’t be able to generate the energy needed to function properly. This molecule is vital for metabolism, DNA repair, and the proper functioning of our mitochondria, the tiny energy-producing factories within our cells.
NAD+ naturally declines with age so extensive studies into NAD+ and it’s effects on age-related illnesses is ever increasing. Both animal and human trials have shown incredible benefits, some of which are now being looked into by organisations such as the FDA as to potential health treatments – although no claims are yet to have been made.
Ok... So What's The Definition Of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide?
Nicotinamide is a form of B₃ (niacin) that plays a role in metabolism and cellular function. It is a precursor to NAD⁺ and is involved in redox reactions and DNA repair. Adenine is a nitrogenous base (purine) that is a fundamental component of nucleotides, which make up DNA, RNA, and important cellular molecules like ATP and NAD⁺. Dinucleotides are molecules consisting of two nucleotides linked together by phosphate groups. In NAD⁺, these nucleotides are nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which help facilitate electron transfer in metabolic processes.
The Science Behind NAD+ and Why It's Essential.
On a deeper level, NAD+ serves as both a metabolic regulator and a signalling molecule, playing a key role in processes like oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and DNA repair. NAD+ is involved in several fundamental biological processes
Energy Metabolism: NAD+ helps enzymes convert nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s main energy currency. NAD⁺ is required to oxidize glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate. It produces NADH, which carries electrons to the mitochondria.
DNA Repair: NAD+ plays a crucial role in activating proteins called sirtuins, which are responsible for repairing damaged DNA and promoting cellular health. NAD⁺ dependent deacetylases that regulate metabolism, inflammation, and lifespan.
Oxidative Stress Reduction: By regulating oxidation in cells, NAD+ helps combat damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. NAD⁺ activates SIRT1, which upregulates antioxidant genes like SOD2 (Superoxide Dismutase 2) and Catalyse to neutralise ROS. SIRT3, a mitochondrial sirtuin, regulates mitochondrial function and reduces ROS production.
Neuroprotection: Research shows that NAD+ is essential for maintaining brain function and protecting neurons from degeneration. NAD⁺ supports brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), essential for learning and memory.
Enhances synaptic plasticity, allowing neurons to form new connections. NAD+ also prevents mitochondrial dysfunction, which is a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases.
NAD+ helps facilitate redox reactions, where it acts as an electron carrier. In its oxidised form (NAD⁺), it accepts electrons and becomes NADH, which is used in processes like cellular respiration to generate ATP (energy).
So Why Does NAD+ Decline With Age?
Despite its importance, NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age. By the time we reach middle age, our NAD+ levels can be half of what they were in our youth. This decline has been linked to a range of aging-related issues, including:
Reduced energy and fatigue
Decreased metabolic function
Cognitive decline and memory issues
Increased risk of age-related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems
One of the main reasons for this decline is the increased activity of enzymes called CD38 and PARPs, which break down NAD+ over time. Additionally, factors like poor diet, stress, and environmental toxins can further accelerate NAD+ depletion.
How to Naturally Increase NAD+ Levels
While NAD+ declines with age, there are ways to boost its levels naturally. The blueprint of any healthy diet starts with what we do and what we eat. Physical activity, especially high-intensity exercise, has been shown to stimulate NAD+ production whilst a diet rich in vitamin B3 (niacin) can help provide the building blocks for NAD+ – think fish, chicken, avocado and green vegetables.
Intermittent fasting can activate longevity-related pathways that preserve and enhance NAD+ whilst a strong sleep pattern of high-quality sleep helps maintain NAD+ metabolism and repair cellular damage.
What Is A NAD+ Supplement: NMN and NR
Beyond lifestyle changes, supplements can provide an effective way to replenish NAD+ levels. The two most studied precursors to NAD+ are NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside). These compounds are converted into NAD+ within the body and have been shown to support metabolism, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
NR, in particular, has gained significant attention for its ability to efficiently boost NAD+ levels. Research suggests that NR supplementation can help restore youthful NAD+ levels, potentially improving energy, brain function, and longevity.
Most importantly, at the time of writing, NR is the only FSA authorised and regulated supplement for sale in the UK. Through extensive research and human trials, NR has proven it to be a safe and effective supplement for adults.
Our High-Quality NR From NADLab
Before you take any supplement you should do your own research. – we have a great list of scientific studies including a brief summary – here -. We did and it’s for that exact reason NADLab was born. We prioritise safety over profits and strive to produce premium quality NAD+ supplements. We test throughout production, including the final test by SGS accredited third-party tester to guarantee the purity of each and every batch.
Backed by science and carefully formulated for maximum absorption, our NR products are a simple and effective way to promote cellular energy and longevity.
- £49.00Get notified This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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