NAD+ vs NMN
A side-by-side research comparison of NAD+ and NMN across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | NAD+ | NMN |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ / NMN / NR) | Nicotinamide Mononucleotide |
| Category | Anti-Aging | Anti-Aging |
| Status | Research compound | Dietary compound (research ongoing) |
| Mechanism | NAD+ serves as cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARPs (DNA repair), and CD38. Declining NAD+ impairs mitochondrial function and epigenetic maintenance. Restoration reactivates longevity pathways. | NMN is converted to NAD+ via the NAD+ salvage pathway (through NMNAT enzymes). Higher NAD+ supports sirtuin activity, PARP-mediated DNA repair, and mitochondrial energy metabolism. |
| Molecular weight | 663.4 Da | 334.22 Da |
| Half-life | 1-4 hours (IV), 4-8h (oral precursors) | Short; rapidly taken up and converted to NAD+ |
| Bioavailability | 100% (IV), variable (oral 5-30%) | Oral absorption reported; sublingual and injectable forms also used |
| Typical dose | 250-500mg IV or 500-1000mg NMN oral | 250-1000 mg per day |
| Frequency | Weekly (IV) or Daily (oral) | Once daily |
| Route | IV infusion or Oral (precursors) | Oral (capsule/sublingual) |
NAD+ reported benefits
- Restored cellular energy
- Enhanced DNA repair
- Sirtuin activation
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Cognitive clarity
- Anti-aging
NMN reported benefits
- Raises cellular NAD+ levels
- Supports mitochondrial energy production
- Promotes DNA repair via sirtuins/PARPs
- Studied for metabolic and vascular health
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.