Top NMN Supplements of 2023 [Review]: Boost Your NAD Levels with David Sinclair's Preferred Choice

By Dr Frank Yap, MD - May 04, 2023

NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide and is a precursor to NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. NMN is the direct precursor of the essential molecule nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is considered a key component to increase NAD+ levels in cells. NAD+ is a critical molecule found in every cell of your body, but levels of NAD+ naturally fall with age, making it — and NMN, as a result — crucial.

NMN is one of the most popular supplements in the anti aging community. The global Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) market was valued at US$ 98.5 million in 2019 and it is expected to reach US$ 296.5 million (R) by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.3% during 2021-2026.

The NAD story took off toward the end of 2013 with a high-profile paper by Harvard's David Sinclair and colleagues. Sinclair, recall, achieved fame in the mid-2000s for research on yeast and mice that suggested the red wine ingredient resveratrol mimics anti-aging effects of calorie restriction. This time his lab made headlines by reporting that the mitochondria in muscles of elderly mice were restored to a youthful state after just a week of injections with NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), a molecule that naturally occurs in cells and, like NR, boosts levels of NAD.

Do note that NR, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Niacin (NA) and Niacinamide (NAM) are all NAD precursors, meaning all these precursors will be transformed into NAD. That said, each precursor has it's own different pathway that will lead to NAD.

Best NMN supplements 2023: A Quick Look

Best Stable NMN - ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro 500
Best Overall NMN Alternative on Amazon - TRU Niagen NAD+ Booster Supplement
Best NMN, Resveratrol and Quercetin - Codeage Liposomal NMN
Most potent NMN: Renue By Science Liposomal NMN Capsules
Best Patented NMN - Wonderfeel® Youngr™ NMN
Best Value NMN Alternative - Nutricost Niacinamide
Best Nicotinamide Riboside with Resveratrol and Quercetin Phytosome - Thorne Research ResveraCel
Most Trusted Brand - ELYSIUM Basis NAD Supplement (Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) with Pterostilbene)
Best Liposomal NMN: QuickSilver Scientific
Peak Performance NMN + Resveratrol

Fake NMN Supplements

Commercial NMN is relatively new. Researchers like Dr. Sinclair create a surge in demand, and manufacturers can’t match the supply. Stores have become littered with fake and adulterated products.

In February 2022, a third-party investigation uncovered tens of thousands of fake supplements sold on Amazon. Many of these included NMN.

The network of some of the brands all sold by SerumLab on Amazon

* Lab report for this product is not included in this document but is available upon request

Another investigation, ChromaDex NMN Report (Oct 2021) revealed that more than half of NMN anti aging supplements being sold on Amazon contained almost none of the bioactive molecule.

Credit: ChromaDex

* The same distributor (SerumLab S&C International LLC) was listed on the product packaging from 10 of the 22 product brands.

In 2021, ChromaDex obtained 22 samples of NMN products being sold on Amazon. Of these, 14 claimed to contain 500 mg of NMN. A further two products claimed 300 mg on the label; five claimed 250 mg and one product claimed 125 mg.

Only one of the 500 mg products came close to meeting label claim. It had 456 mg of NMN. All of the other 13 products in the 500 mg group either came in at below reporting limit (BRL, defined as less than 1% of the stated amount) or, in the case of 3 products, no NMN was detected at all.

Almost all of the rest of the products performed better, having at least 88% of the label claim. A lone 250 mg product was identified as BRL.

In summary, ChromaDex said that 64% of the products tested contained less than 1% of the stated amount of the active ingredient, which should give consumers pause, the company said.

"While this is a limited snapshot of the vast NMN finished product landscape, it does provide a glimpse into the high variability of product quality that is available... According to this study, the majority of the products one might purchase online contain such a small amount of NMN that there would be no clinical benefits achieved from the dose. Another concern with these adulterated products is that the actual contents are not known and could pose a risk to the user," the company said in a statement.

Best NMN Supplements 2023

Although there are many NMN supplement customer reviews on many online sites, we have sifted and curated some of the helpful ones below. Check out below our 10 best NMN supplements league.

1. ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro 500

Buy on iHerb (capsules)

Also available as:

Pure NMN Pro 100 Grams Bulk Powder.
NMN Pro 300
NMN Pro 1000
Prohealth Longevity NMN Pro Complete (NMN, Trans-Resveratrol and TMG)

ProHealth Longevity NMN Pro Review:

"Uthever’s research team is led by U.S. doctors from the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. This NMN is tested both in-house by Uthever and then batch-tested again by ProHealth to verify authenticity and purity.
Painstaking attention to quality and purity has led to findings that ProHealth NMN remains intact and stable for up to two years. Pro 300 gets rave reviews, often beating popular products like Genex. Pay attention to price, however, as I’ve seen it fluctuate by nearly $50. I’ve also noticed that there isn’t a GMP-certified logo on the bottle itself. If you want a shelf-stable NMN that lasts, ProHealth Pro 300 is a top choice." - outliyr.com

- One of the few NMN products from the ChromaDex NMN Supplement Test Report (refer below) that passed the test (contained at least 88% of the NMN label claim).

- ProHealth Uthever NMN is CLINICALLY PROVEN TO BOOST NAD+ LEVELS IN HUMANS. In a peer reviewed, double blind placebo controlled clinical study NAD+ decline was reversed by an average of 12 years. That's 38% more NAD+ in 60 days. Higher NAD+ levels are associated with more energy, feeling younger, less genetic damage, heart health, and SIRTUIN activation- longevity genes that are key for living better longer. Also, study participants’ quality-of-life test scores improved by 6.5%.

- ProHealth is the most trusted longevity supplement brand on the market, celebrating 34 YEARS with a BBB A+ RATING. Other brands may be cheaper, but do you trust that they actually contain any NMN?

- PUREST, HIGHEST QUALITY, PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE NMN IN THE WORLD. Every batch is 3rd party tested in a US lab to be at least 99.5% pure, and independent lab tests prove that our NMN products contain at least the number of grams of NMN per serving listed on the label. All 3rd party lab Certificates of Analysis are publicly posted. ProHealth NMN is manufactured in a FDA registered, GMP certified facility in the USA.

- ProHealth Uthever NMN is proven safe for human consumption in a clinical study. And our unique NMN capsules dissolve after passing unharmed through the stomach so the potency is preserved when it is delivered to the section of the intestine with the highest absorption rates- maximizing bioavailability.

- ProHealth NMN remains intact and stable for up to two years and at OVER 200 DEGREES. Lab tests prove that ProHealth's Uthever NMN can be safely stored at ambient room temperature for up to two years with no loss in quality or potency. No refrigeration required.

UTHEVER's CO-BRANDING PARTNERS

2. TRU Niagen NAD+ Booster Supplement

Buy on Amazon

TRU Niagen NAD+ Supplement comes in 3 sizes:

Tru Niagen Reviews: Over 14,000 global ratings, most of them 5 stars on Amazon.com.

Amazon Best Sellers: #1 in Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Supplement s.

- Technically, Nicotinamide Riboside is not the same molecule as NMN but they are both NAD precursors and are categorised under Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supplements by Amazon.com. Since, TruNiagen is the #1 best seller, we have decided to feature them as part of the best 10 list.

- ChromaDex markets TruNiagen, which is based on its branded Niagen ingredient, which is a form of nicotinamide riboside (NR), the form of nicotinamide that actively crosses into the cell to participate in the NAD+ pathway (R).

- Reduces the cellular effects of aging by elevating NAD+, a key coenzyme your body uses for healthy cellular metabolism.

- Nicotinamide Riboside for Energy, Metabolism, Vitality, Muscle Health, Healthy Aging, Cellular Repair

- Unlike NMN, the key ingredient Niagen was successfully notified two times as an NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) and reviewed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) under the United States notification programs.

- There are many cheaper alternative sources to buy NMN today, but are you getting what you paid for? If the price for NMN is too good to be true, it probably is not NMN.

Tru Niagen Review

While this is not a scientific review I have been taking Niagen in one form or another non stop for several years. I have been gradually increasing my doses with what I can only describe as a profound effect. Without a doubt I feel younger than 46. I also think I look younger than most people my age. I certainly don't feel my age and have a ton of energy every single day. I also try to eat plenty of vegetables with lots of non meat proteins along with limited meat consumption. I am not a health nut but basically try to stay away excess sugars and processed foods whenever I can. I also do a hard bike ride once or twice a week. I think this also helps the entire aging process some.

3. Codeage Liposomal NMN, Resveratrol, Quercetin

Buy on iHerb

Liposomal delivery matrix: NAD precursor blend offering NMN nicotinamide mononucleotide + resveratrol, betaine, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and quercetin all-in-one through a liposomal phospholipid complex.
Suggested use: Take 3 capsules daily with 8 ounces of water or your favorite beverage. May be taken with or without food.
iHerb Best Seller Product Rank: #2 in Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) category;
#2 in NAD+ category.
Over 500 customer reviews, most of them 5-stars on iHerb.com.

4. Wonderfeel® Youngr™ NMN

Buy Now

This is not your average NAD supplement. Wonderfeel® Youngr™ NMN provides a unique solution to aging; this NAD-boosting, patented formula has been developed by Harvard Med-trained entrepreneur and inventor Professor Andrew Salzman MD, who has worked in biomedical drug discovery for more than three decades.

With a dose backed by a human clinical trial based on cutting-edge science, Youngr aims to change the way you age.

Youngr™ NMN is a patented solution to aging. Formulated with emergent antioxidants and sirtuin activation, it uses a multi-targeted approach to defend and slow down biological aging at the cellular level.

It’s an investment in your cells that pays off across your entire body by increasing energy levels, restoring skin elasticity, while optimizing organ health, and cognition. You can enjoy faster recovery from rigorous activity or even from late nights by improved sleep quality.

Ingredients

60 Capsules per Bottle. Each capsule contains:

450 mg Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
2 mg Ergothioneine
50 mg Trans Resveratrol
40 mg Olea25® (25% hydroxytyrosol)
10 mcg Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Does not contain soy, gluten, dairy or fish. Non-GMO, vegan friendly, does not contain preservatives. Rice hull powder added for stabilization. Capsule shells are made from vegetable cellulose and are 100% vegan.

5. Nutricost Niacinamide

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Sellers: #2 in Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Supplement s.

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 13,000 global ratings

Do not confused with Nutricost Niacin. Niacin is the form that may cause 'Niacin Flush'. Niacinamide is the 'non-flush' form.

- Technically, Niacinamide is not the same molecule as NMN but they are both NAD precursors and are categorised under Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supplements by Amazon.com.

- Niacinamide is a popular form of Vitamin B3, but without the often uncomfortable feeling known as "Niacin Flush". Vitamin B3 is most often found in meats like tuna and beef. However, in order to get a similar amount of Vitamin B3, you would have to eat large amounts of tuna and beef or other sources containing Vitamin B3.

- Technically, Niacinamide is not the same molecule as NMN but they are both NAD precursors and are categorised under Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supplements by Amazon.com. Since, Niacinamide is the #2 best seller under this category, we have decided to feature them as part of the best 10 list.

- 240 Capsules of Niacinamide Per bottle / 1 Capsule per serving

- 500mg of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) Per Capsule

- No "Niacin Flush"

- Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, and Made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility

Nutricost Niacinamide Review

After a recent news article about this being a favorite supplement in Australia for sun damage protection, I asked my dermatologist about it. She said it might help prevent me getting as many 'barnacles' as she calls them. You know, those nasty, old-age, sun-damage, crunchy brown or white patches all over your body. (I have many). I'm still on my first bottle but after about two weeks the most amazing thing happened. I happened to scratch an area near one of my barnacles and it just flaked off in my hand. Since then, many more have succumbed. Not all; just some. But I'm happy. Even one less of those ugly bumps is an improvement.

Niacinamide Review

Dr. Conlon has concluded, and Dr Mercola thoroughly agree with her, that the best single NAD+ precursor is niacinamide (also known as nicotinamide), not niacin, NR or NMN. It is now beyond obvious to me why no one is promoting niacinamide. This is because it costs less than one cent a day and as a result there is simply no money to be made in promoting it. Ideally you buy niacinamide powder and use 1 to 1/2 of 1/64th of a teaspoon three times a day (25-50 mg). - Mercola.com.

6. Thorne Research ResveraCel (Best Nicotinamide Riboside with Resveratrol and Quercetin Phytosome)

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Sellers: #4 in Resveratrol Nutritional Supplements.

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 500 global ratings

Trusted by 12 U.S. National teams and many professional sports teams, Thorne research provides safe, effective products free of contamination. If you can’t (or don’t want to) risk accidentally consuming banned substances, Thorne’s got you covered.

- Each capsule contains Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) ingredient, in addition to Resveratrol, Quercetin Phytosome, and Betaine.

- The ingredients in this product are complexed with Time-Sorb, a time-release matrix.

- Supports healthy aging and helps regulate metabolism.

- Resveratrol and quercetin increase the activity of sirtuins.

- Betaine provides important methylation factors.

- Flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners derived from natural sources.

- No gluten, Genetically Modified Organisms (known as GMOs), artificial preservatives, stearates, wheat, rye, barley, eggs, or nuts. This product does not contain dairy, soy, corn, yeast, sugar, or magnesium stearate.

- No unnecessary binders, coatings, disintegrants, fillers, or lubricants (including magnesium stearate) that could impair absorption.

- Adheres to the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and has the highest number of NSF Certified for Sport products which tests for more than 200 banned substances for elite athletic competitions.

Review - My husband and I are in our 60s and have been taking these capsules for a few weeks. We both started with 2 capsules daily and experienced an increase in energy and in focus. We also both had trouble remaining asleep at night and had strange dreams. We have decreased our consumption of the capsules to one per day and have had a resolution to the sleep problems. We both continue to enjoy an increase in energy and in focus. We have reordered this Thorne product and are very satisfied with the results. It would be best to start with one capsule per day and work up from there until you find your own correct dosage.

Important safety note: Resveratrol is not suitable for people undergoing blood-thinning medication.

7. ELYSIUM Basis NAD Supplement - Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) Supplement 250mg with Pterostilbene

Buy on Amazon

Technically, Nicotinamide Riboside is not the same molecule as NMN but they are both NAD precursors and are categorised under Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supplements by Amazon.com.

Elysium Health is a startup cofounded by Sinclair's former mentor, MIT biologist Leonard Guarente. Elysium is taking no chances when it comes to scientific credibility. Its website lists a dream team of advising scientists, including five Nobel laureates and other big names such as the Mayo Clinic's Jim Kirkland, a leader in geroscience, and biotech pioneer Lee Hood.

Compared to other usual sources of NR, the price of Basis is relatively higher. However, those other products lack pterostilbene, and ELYSIUM is a trusted brand.

About this item

Want healthy aging? We’re the experts. Leonard Guarente, Elysium Health co-founder, has been studying aging for three decades. Our flagship product, Basis, is formulated to raise NAD+ by 40%, combat aging at the deepest level—your cells, and has sold over 3.5 million bottles. TIME magazine has called Basis “the supplements experts take.” All our products contain rigorously studied ingredients, and we partner with major research institutions like Oxford and Yale.
Why should you take NAD? At a recent conference, 80% of doctors were taking an NAD+ supplement. What do they know that we don’t? In scientific research, NAD+ levels correlate with health status—it helps protect your DNA from stressors, boost cellular energy, and support healthy muscle function, and we have less of it as we age. Luckily, there’s a way to safely and sustainably raise your NAD+: Basis has been proven to increase levels by 40% in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Basis contains two powerful components: Proprietary nicotinamide riboside (NR-E), the raw material your body uses to make NAD+, and pterostilbene (PT), a plant polyphenol that protects against stress. From day 1, these ingredients support cellular energy, mitochondrial function, and protect cells from everyday stressors.
Be sure of what’s in your supplement: We set the industry standard. We publicly publish the quality and purity results of third-party testing on every lot of Basis so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. Our supplements are NSF Certified for Sport. We partner with major institutions like Oxford and Yale, and our company decisions are guided by the expertise of our Scientific Advisory Board, which includes internationally recognized experts and 8 Nobel laureates.
Need more proof that Basis is the science-backed choice, and the superior NAD+ product on the market? TIME magazine called Basis “the supplement experts take,” W Magazine has said “This is the supplement sitting on the nightstands of every cerebral beauty junkie,” and Good Housekeeping has awarded us their Innovation Emblem to recognize trailblazing initiatives in health and wellness. We’ve been featured in many other publications and are the choice for doctors, athletes, and celebrities alike.

8. Most potent NMN: Renue By Science Liposomal NMN Capsules

Buy Liposomal NMN

Overview:

NMN Dose: 250 mg
Contents: 90 capsules
Serving Size: 1 capsule
Specialty: Strongest
Features: FDA Inspected, ISO-Certified, cGMP certified lab, non-GMO. 100% free of preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
Endorsements: Dr. Andrew Huberman (on Joe Rogan), Many MDs

Liposomal delivery technology vastly increases the potency and deliverability of active ingredients into cells. For a long time, QuickSilver Scientific produced the only Liposomal NAD booster. It came in liquid. Renue By Science (re-branded from Alive By Science in February 2022) released the first powder-based liposomal NMN. Compared to liquid, research shows that powdered liposomal products may be up to 6 times more bioavailable. Nutraceuticals often have problems with liver toxicity at high doses.

This latest liposomal technology is more economical, highly effective, and gentle on the body.

Each pill contains 250mg of liposomal NMN, making it the top NMN product on the market. If you’re looking for the best, safest, and strongest NMN, this powdered liposomal supplement is my favorite. When you see it available, act quickly. This stuff flies off the shelves so fast that it’s constantly back-ordered.

9. Best Liposomal NMN: QuickSilver Scientific

Buy NAD+ Platinum

Overview

NMN Dose: 50 mg
Contents: 100 mL
Serving Size: 2.5 mL
Specialty: Potency
Features: Liposomal, highly absorbable, synergistic blend

QuickSilver Scientific is known for ultra-potent supplements that get great results from small doses. Their NAD+ Platinum line is no exception. At its core is the original (October 2020) liposomal delivery technology. Pioneered by the father of liposomal technology (Dr. Christopher Shade) himself. Tiny 50-100nm particles easily absorb into the bloodstream and cells. QuickSilver’s unique technology mimics the body’s built-in NMN transport system.

To redeem for its low NMN dose, the formulation team included a synergistic blend of other NAD boosting ingredients (TMG, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, resveratrol, quercetin). Liquid NAD+ Platinum has become their most popular, all-in-one longevity formula. Activating anti-aging sirtuins, methylation pathways, and increasing NAD.

10. Peak Performance NMN + Resveratrol

Buy on Amazon

Update: Not available on Amazon

- Not all NMN supplements are created equal! Many supplements come with just NMN, which by itself is less effective to produce higher levels of NAD which the body needs to prevent cellular degeneration as we age. Peak Performance combines NMN with Resveratrol. Resveratrol works synergistically with NMN as it acts as an accelerator to produce better results in DNA repair.

- Published in Pharmacology Research and Perspectives (2022), Jiang and colleagues from Macau University of Science and Technology in China demonstrated that combining NMN with resveratrol increases NAD+ levels in heart and skeletal muscle of mice significantly more than NMN alone.

- Anti Aging = NMN + Resveratrol! Our cells use NAD+ to produce energy and to activate proteins that repair damaged DNA. Scientists believe that the decline of NAD+ as we age results in many health-related problems. To sustain healthy levels of NAD+ we can supplement this with its precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) . When combined with Resveratrol this supplement becomes even more powerful. Great for cellular + DNA repair, muscle endurance and strength, vascular health and blood flow.

- What's in your supplement? - Many supplements on the market use standard formulas that may contain cheap fillers and sometimes questionable ingredients. All of our ingredients are carefully chosen and 3rd party tested for purity.

- Vegan & Allergy Free - Free Of Soy, Milk, Egg, Shellfish, Corn, Wheat & Peanuts. Contains NO Gluten or Preservatives. Manufactured Under The Highest Quality GMP Regulations and USA Standards.

Related: Benefits of NMN and Resveratrol

2023 Update: The NMN Ban

You might realise that you are not able to find NMN products on Amazon. Starting March 13th, 2023, Amazon stated it would require further documentation from all nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) suppliers if they wanted to continue selling their product on the site. They must show proof that they have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter sales.

Amazon warned β-nicotinamide mononucleotide vendors that they will yank their products from shelves on March 13th. All NMN products that do not contain a National Drug Code (NDC) on the label will be removed from Amazon.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Benefits

Supplementing the NAD+ molecule itself works, but only in certain bodily systems. NMN, on the other hand, boosts cellular NAD systemically. It restores energy to aging tissues that need it most.

NMN is the hottest compound in longevity research today. It’s of great interest to doctors and health professionals, often discussed by:

David Sinclair
Dr. Axe
Dr. Berg
Dr. Hyman
Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Dr. Peter Attia

Benefits come from both the molecule itself and increasing NAD+ levels. Scientists are still uncovering new health effects daily.

Some of the health benefits of NMN include:

Boosts energy metabolism
Improves insulin sensitivity
Protects against diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity
Rejuvenates mice
Promotes cognition in Alzheimer’s patients
Defends against neurodegeneration
Improves memory
Reduces fat mass
Increases lean mass
Radically increases NAD+
Improve immune function
Resistance to microbes and immunodeficiency
Better blood flow
Confers benefits of calorie restriction
Protects the heart
Enhancing human performance
Re-establishing mobility in the elderly
Potentially useful in treating COVID
Restores fertility
Improves mitochondrial health
Greater wellbeing
Reduces biological age
Promotes DNA repair

Taking nicotinamide mononucleotide helps protect your body and brain. Emerging research finds that NMN optimizes NAD and helps restore organ systems to a healthy state.

How to Boost NAD Naturally

You can increase NAD levels via two primary ways:

Adding: specially formulated boosters
Optimizing: the current process (upregulating the salvage pathway)

You’ll get better, longer-lasting results from the latter.

Natural ways to boost your NAD levels without NMN include:

Raw honey
Fermented foods
Sauna sessions
Pau D’ Arco tea
Fasting

Eating more of certain foods that contain trace amounts of NMN:

Broccoli
Cucumber
Cabbage
Avocado
Tomato
Edamame

Obtaining sufficient amounts through diet alone can be challenging.

Studies suggest that daily dosages of NMN range from 50mg to 250mg, and a 150-pound (68kg) person would require approximately 560mg per day. Unfortunately, obtaining these amounts solely through diet would be impractical. For example, you would need to consume about 100 pounds of edamame, 1,800 pounds of broccoli, or unrealistic amounts of cucumber, cabbage, avocado, tomato, mushrooms, raw beef, or shrimp to achieve the required intake. Therefore, taking NMN supplements may be a more practical approach to ensure adequate daily intake.

Common NMN Questions and Answers

NMN vs NR: which is better?

NMN is more stable than NR and this stability confers additional health benefits. To use NR, first, your body must convert it into NMN. If the conversion enzyme NRK isn’t working well, NR won’t increase NAD levels. Many longevity researchers favor NMN over NR.

Pitting NR vs NMN against each other is, for now, somewhat of a moot point because the two molecules have never been studied side by side in humans. The biggest, and most obvious, difference between NMN and NR is size. NMN is simply larger than NR, meaning it often needs to be broken down to fit into the cell. NR (Nicotinamide Riboside), when compared to other NAD+ precursors (like nicotinic acid or nicotinamide) reigns supreme in efficiency.

But give NMN a new door, one it can fit through, and it’s a whole new game. This is where cellular transporters come into play. Transporters are proteins that are doors on the cell; they allow molecules to enter the cell without needing to chemically transform.

Research from Shin-ichiro Imai, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of developmental biology at Washington University in St. Louis, identified a transporter that allows NMN to get into the cell without converting to NR. The catch? The transporter is only on cells located in the gut of mice and only works in the presence of sodium ions. NR, however, has been shown to enter cells in the liver, muscle, and brain tissue of mouse models. To date there is not yet evidence that these mouse studies can be extrapolated to humans. But again, the two have never been matched up against each other in a way that can truly identify one as superior to the other.

As research grows, it is likely to become clearer that NMN and NR may have differing benefits depending on the part of the body and their use. Where NMN transporters are found, they could make one more preferable over the other. NMN has also been found to improve insulin activity and production which could help to accelerate metabolisms and make the body more glucose tolerant.

How can I tell if an NMN supplement works?

If you want proof that your NMN is high-quality and working, I suggest either doing an intracellular NAD test, or measuring your “biological age”. Take it before supplementation and again after six months.

Is NMN safe?

NMN is considered safe in animals. Human trials so far show impressive safety. Follow-up studies have found similar results. NMN has so far been shown to be safe and not toxic, even at high concentrations. Make sure to purchase high-quality, contaminant-free products from reputable vendors.

What is the best NMN dosage?

Research suggests that the ideal dose for nicotinamide mononucleotide is anywhere between 100mg to 500mg daily, depending on the form. Some experts advocate higher doses of around 1,000 mg per day. Although minimal, side effects do increase with larger doses.

Are there side effects of NMN?

Studies have reported no clear side effects from supplementing NMN within the recommended dosage. Nicotinamide riboside, on the other hand, may impair athletic performance. Athletes especially should consider NMN over NR.

NMN is an ideal supplement to increase cellular levels of NAD because it’s well-tolerated, and both human and animal studies have observed it had minimal side effects.

Research in humans has shown that doses of up to 1,200 mg daily are safe to consume.

Should I Take Trimethylglycine (TMG) with NMN?

We recommend taking an amino acid called betaine (or TMG) with NMN to support the body’s natural methylation process. TMG is believed to reduce any potential side effects. Especially when using oral NMN powder over the long term. TMG is likely less necessary for liposomal and sublingual NMN.

Will MIB-626 replace NMN?

MIB-626 is a novel and stable NAD booster produced by David Sinclair’s MetroBiotech. MIB-626 is under investigation for preserving muscle mass, improving cognitive performance, and slowing aging. Since it is “novel”, it’ll be patented and will make Metro huge profits. There’s virtually zero research on MIB626 compared to thousands of studies on NMN.

Why take NMN instead of NAD?

Counterintuitively, directly supplementing normal NAD powder isn’t effective. The molecules are too large and quickly get broken down. Liposomal and intranasal NAD supplement technology overcomes this barrier and works well.