Few healthy aging molecules have received as much recognition as NAD+. NMN, its precursor, can also plays a crucial role in cellular health. However, experts still highlight NAD+ as the most effective choice for supporting longevity and vitality. Understand the science behind each compound and why NAD+ stands out as the superior option.
The Basics
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells and plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA repair, and maintaining overall cellular function. As we age, these molecule levels naturally decline, which is linked to various age-related health issues, making its replenishment a key target for anti-aging.
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a precursor and became widely popular due to early studies suggesting it could boost NAD+ levels, thereby improving health and longevity. NMN converts within the body, providing an indirect route that was once seen as an efficient way to enhance NAD+ levels.
Its early popularity and promising healthy aging results propelled NMN to becoming the focus of research and media attention, leading to a rapid wave of excitement and NMN supplements. However, the landscape changed recently when the FDA flagged NMN as a potential new drug rather than a supplement, raising questions about its safety and efficacy. This development has led to a re-evaluation of NMN, with some experts now questioning its long-term viability as an anti-aging solution.
Why Is It Better: The Science Behind The Superiority
Direct Impact: NAD+ is the active coenzyme involved in critical cellular processes. Unlike NMN, which needs to be converted, supplementing with NAD+ provides an immediate boost to cellular function without the need for metabolic conversion. This direct impact ensures that this molecule is readily available for DNA repair, energy production, and maintaining mitochondrial health.
Energy Production: NAD+ plays a pivotal role in the electron transport chain, a series of reactions that generate the cell’s primary energy currency. By directly supplementing, you bypass the conversion steps and better your efficiency of energy production.
DNA Repair and Longevity: NAD+ is crucial for activating sirtuins, a family of proteins that regulate cellular health, DNA repair, and longevity. Its supplementation can directly ensures a more robust and immediate response, enhancing the body’s ability to combat age-related cellular damage.
Safety and Efficacy: Unlike NMN, which the FDA is currently scrutinizing, researchers have extensively studied NAD+ and recognize its safety and efficacy. Manufacturers often produce high-quality NAD+ supplements under strict guidelines, ensuring they meet rigorous standards for purity and potency.
The Optimal Choice for Healthy Aging
The direct supplementation of NAD+ offers a more efficient and reliable path to supporting healthy aging. Its immediate availability for cellular processes, coupled with its well-documented safety and efficacy, makes NAD+ the superior option for those looking to enhance their vitality and longevity.
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References
- 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
- 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
- Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213. doi:10.1126/science.aac4854
- 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
- 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
- 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
