The Energy Currency: Why NMN And NAD+ Matter

Every cell in your body works tirelessly for you everyday, each one a hive of activity sustaining life. At the heart of this spectacular cellular event lies a coenzyme that keeps everything running smoothly known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Alongside its precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), these molecules ultimately form an integral part of energy production.

NAD+ has already made a name for itself in beauty and longevity circles and for good reason. In this article, you can learn the true importance of both NMN and NAD+, and see how supplementation really can make a palpable difference to your health and wellbeing on so many levels.

You can think about it like this: if NAD+ is the end goal, then NMN is the first step. In essence, NMN, a derivative of vitamin B3, is the raw material your body refines into the precious resource that it requires, NAD+. As a precursor to NAD+, NMN enters the bloodstream to begin its transformation — once inside your cells, NMN undergoes a series of reactions to become NAD+.

The efficiency of this process has been met with much intrigue and speculation in the scientific community. Studies have shown that NMN supplementation can rapidly boost NAD+ levels, particularly promising for anyone who is looking to support cellular health and fight off the negative effects ageing can have on our health. The study found potential benefits for:

• Metabolic disorders like insulin resistance

• Mitochondrial dysfunction

• Cognitive decline (for example, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's)

• Inflammation-related conditions (inflammaging)

• Loss of energy and physical performance

The anti-ageing potential of NAD+ can be explained by the several functions it is known to have in the body.

As a coenzyme, it's an important factor in numerous cellular processes. From energy metabolism to DNA repair, NAD+ ensures your cells have the tools to protect and regenerate themselves. It also bolsters your body's defences against stressors and plays a massive role in maintaining overall cellular resilience.

Put simply, raising your NAD+ levels, be it through either NMN or NAD+, sets off a chain reaction of health-boosting benefits that pay off, now and later on in life.

Explaining the energy benefits:

Firstly it can benefit cellular health . Higher NAD+ levels mean better cellular respiration, which often translates to improved overall health in humans.

It can also make you feel more energetic , due to increased energy production, and feeling sharper mentally due to increased cognitive function.

Explaining the cardiovascular and protective benefits:

Additionally, cardiovascular health can be supported to benefit your heart and circulatory system.

And, as mentioned previously, through protection against age-related diseases , namely neurodegeneration to metabolic disorders, boosted NAD+ might offer a protective effect.

It is worth understanding that Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) are both precursors to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD⁺). Yet, even as both aim to elevate NAD⁺ levels, there are several differences of note.

Molecular structure: NR is a smaller molecule compared to NMN, allowing it to cross cell membranes directly. Once inside the cell, NR is converted into NMN, which synthesises NAD⁺. By contrast, NMN's larger size means either conversion to NR or the presence of specific transporters are required to facilitate effectively its entry into cells.

Genetic variations and personalised responses: Individual responses to NMN and NR supplementation can vary due to genetic differences. In this way, genetic variants can impact the body's production of NAD⁺ and related enzymes, potentially influencing how one person responds to these supplements, compared to another person.

To use an example, variations in the CD38 gene, which encodes an enzyme that degrades NAD⁺ , might affect the efficacy of NAD⁺ supplementation for some. Therefore, more research is being conducted in the field of nutrigenomics in order to fully understand these interactions.

Boosting your NAD+ levels through NMN could be easier than you once thought.

Through the diet:

While NMN occurs naturally in some foods, quantities are often far too low to significantly impact NAD+ levels. While foods such as spinach, broccoli, and edamame are good sources, generally speaking the expert opinion is not to expect miracles from your veggie-rich diet alone. You would need to eat around 12000 edamame beans or 2400 heads of broccoli in order to get 150 mg of NMN .

Through supplementation:

A large variety of NMN supplements are available, offering a simple and straightforward way to support NAD+ production. But, always look for trusted brands with verified quality: shop trusted NMN supplements at Healf.

Through adequate exercise:

Physical activity might be the simplest method to enhance NAD+ levels. Regular movement triggers natural cellular adaptations that support NAD+ production.

Considering the bustling wellness industry, including biohackers to athletes, NMN has quite a lot of noise surrounding it.

Bryan Johnson, the renowned biohacker and entrepreneur incorporates NMN supplements into his daily routine, with an aim to slow down the ageing process.

Athletes' Testimonials : Endurance athletes , including triathletes, runners, and cyclists, have reported enhanced performance and recovery after introducing NMN into their routines. In a six-week study , NMN supplementation enhanced the ventilatory threshold and aerobic capacity of amateur runners, improving skeletal muscle oxygen utilisation.

Dr. Abhinay Settipalli, a specialist in longevity and cosmetic medicine, administers the latest at-home NAD+ injections to some of his elite athlete clients, including Premier League footballers. He observes that these athletes show significantly heightened levels of endurance, enabling them to sustain peak sprinting speeds further into match-time.

Is NMN supplementation safe? Short answer — yes.

Research has consistently shown that NMN carries minimal side effects in humans and animals. A recent 60-day clinical trial with 80 middle-aged adults showed NMN is both effective and safe, even at doses as high as 900 mg daily. Participants taking NMN improved their walking distance and maintained stable biological age markers, while the placebo group showed clear signs of unhealthy ageing.

The study makes a good case for NMN as a practical way to boost NAD+ levels. But, as with all supplements, there is often a lot of variation. So, please always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement routine, especially if you are currently on any medication.

Four points to remember about NMN and NAD+:

• NMN is the precursor to NAD+, the coenzyme that fuels cellular processes.

• Boosting NAD+ can improve energy production, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.

• Supplements like NMN and NAD+, diet, and exercise are your primary tools for increasing NAD+ levels.

• NMN has minimal side effects but consult with a professional to ensure it suits your requirements.