What Are the Main Differences Between Taking NR and NMN?

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are both NAD+ precursors. Various studies have shown that both effectively increase NAD+ levels, but there are slight differences

1- Size and Cellular Absorption:

• NR: This is a smaller molecule that can penetrate cells directly, without needing prior conversion. Once inside the cell, it converts into NMN and then into NAD+.
• NMN: This is a larger molecule that generally needs to be converted into NR before entering cells. Although a specific transporter for NMN has been identified in mice, its presence and effectiveness in humans still requires further research (NMN)

2- Number of Steps to Become NAD+:

• NR: Only requires two enzymatic steps to become NAD+, making it more efficient in terms of metabolic pathway.
• NMN: Requires three steps, as it must first be converted into NR before transforming into NAD+ within the cell.

The cellular pathway needed to transform NMN into NAD requires three steps, whereas the pathway from NR to NAD+ only requires two steps.

NMN has to be converted into NR before it can enter the cell. Once inside the cell, it needs to be transformed back into NMN before becoming NAD+.

NR, on the other hand, can enter the cell on its own. Once inside the cell, it is transformed into NMN and then into NAD+. NR therefore appears to have a more efficient pathway towards generating NAD+.

3- Vitamin Status:

In fact, small traces of NR can be found in milk, fruit, meat and vegetables. Like other forms of vitamin B, B3 helps convert food into energy.

It also acts as an antioxidant. Your body needs this vitamin to function properly. In fact, a vitamin B3 deficiency can cause the following symptoms:

• Diarrhoea

• Dermatitis

• Mental confusion

• Memory problems

• Fatigue

Although NMN is a precursor to NAD+, it is not considered a vitamin. This larger molecule is actually made up of other B vitamins and contains phosphate.

4- Clinical Studies and Safety:

• NR: It has been widely studied in humans, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in raising NAD+ levels, improving mitochondrial function and supporting metabolic health. It has been well tolerated at various doses without significant adverse effects.
• NMN: Although animal studies are promising, clinical studies in humans are more limited. NMN is also being investigated as a potential medicine, which affects its availability as a dietary supplement in some countries

Another major difference between NR and NMN is their applicability to humans. So far, there are only animal studies for NMN supplementation. The findings from animal studies on NMN may be promising, and human clinical trials may be on the way, but NR studies are further advanced.

Several human studies on NR supplementation have been carried out. These studies have examined the impact of NR on cardiovascular health, exercise performance, systemic metabolic functions and skeletal muscle metabolism.

5- Effectiveness and Current Preferences:

• NR: Due to its smaller size and its ability to enter cells directly, together with its extensive clinical backing, it is considered a more efficient and safe dietary supplement for increasing NAD+ levels
• NMN: Although it has potential, the need for further research in humans and its additional conversion step make it less direct compared with NR