If you’re interested in longevity science, chances are you’ve heard about NAD+, NMN, Niacin, Nicotinamide, or Niacinamide.
Chances are you’re also confused. We’ll do our best to break this down and simplify it for you.
Niacin is Vitamin B3
Niacin (Vitamin B3) is an essential vitamin that helps convert food into energy and supports the health of the skin, nerves, and digestive system. It also plays a role in lowering cholesterol and improving circulation (1).
Niacinamide and Nicotinamide are Derivatives of Vitamin B3
NAD+ is the stuff we want!
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a key role in cellular metabolism and energy production by facilitating redox reactions, which convert nutrients into energy. NAD+ is also crucial for DNA repair, gene expression regulation, maintaining mitochondrial function, and cell signaling (3). NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and maintaining adequate NAD+ is associated with promoting longevity, enhancing cognitive function, and supporting overall cellular health (4).
In summary, NAD+ plays a critical role in various biochemical processes, including:
Energy Metabolism: NAD+ is involved in the conversion of nutrients into cellular energy, making it crucial for maintaining vitality (5).
DNA Repair: NAD+ activates enzymes called sirtuins, which are essential for DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability (6).
Cellular Communication: NAD+ helps maintain communication between the cell nucleus and mitochondria, ensuring optimal cellular function (7).
So then, what is NMN?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor to NAD+ and a promising supplement for boosting NAD+ levels in the body (8).
Super NMNH, or Dihydronicotinamide Mononucleotide (shown above), is a reduced form of NMN. It is another promising compound for enhancing NAD+ levels, potentially with even greater bioavailability and stability than NMN (10). Research on NMNH is still emerging, but early studies suggest it may offer similar or enhanced benefits compared to NMN.
Comparing Niacin, Nicotinamide, NAD+ and NMN
Understanding the roles and benefits of Niacin, Nicotinamide, NAD+ and NMN is essential for appreciating their contributions to cellular health and overall wellbeing.
Function and Benefits
Niacin: Primarily used to improve cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health. It is also involved in energy production and cellular metabolism (11).
Nicotinamide: Important for DNA repair, skin health, and overall cellular function. Unlike niacin, it does not cause flushing and is often used in skincare products (12).
NAD+: Essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular communication. It declines with age, leading to decreased cellular function and increased risk of age-related diseases (13).
NMN: A direct precursor to NAD+, it efficiently boosts NAD+ levels and supports longevity, cognitive function, metabolic health and cardiovascular health (14).
NMNH: As a reduced form of NMN, it potentially offers greater bioavailability and stability, enhancing NAD+ levels even more effectively (15).
Conversion Pathways
Niacin and Nicotinamide: Both are converted into NAD+ in the body through multi-step biochemical pathways (16).
NMN: Converts directly to NAD+ in a single enzymatic step, making it a more efficient precursor (17).
NMNH: Also converts to NAD+ efficiently, potentially offering enhanced bioavailability and stability over NMN (18).
Supplementation and Uses
Niacin: Often used to manage cholesterol levels and support heart health. It is available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release formulations (19).
Nicotinamide: Commonly used in skincare products for its benefits in improving skin health and reducing signs of aging. It is also taken as a supplement for overall cellular health (20).
NAD+: Direct supplementation is less common due to poor bioavailability, but its precursors like NMN and NR are popular for boosting NAD+ levels (21).
NMN: Widely used as a supplement to enhance NAD+ levels, support longevity, and improve metabolic and cardiovascular health (22).
NMNH: Emerging as a promising supplement for boosting NAD+ levels with potentially superior bioavailability and stability compared to NMN (23).
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Niacin, Nicotinamide, NAD+, NMN and NMNH can help you make informed choices about your health and supplementation.
Each compound plays a unique role in the body, with NMN (and NMNH) emerging as particularly promising supplements for boosting NAD+ levels and supporting overall health.
To learn more about these compounds and how they can benefit your wellbeing, visit the Elevate Bio science page.
