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NMN vs. NAD+: What’s the Difference?

Written by: Jeff Duyvesteijn

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Published on

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Time to read 2 min

You've heard the hype around NMN and NAD+ , but what's the real story? Are they interchangeable? Should you take both?

This article breaks down the science, the benefits, and the key differences — so you can choose the right supplement for your longevity and energy goals.


Quick Summary

  • NAD+ is a molecule your body needs for energy, DNA repair, and cellular defence.

  • NMN is a precursor to NAD+ — your body converts NMN into NAD+ internally.

  • NAD+ itself isn’t easily absorbed when taken orally. NMN is the smarter way to raise NAD+ levels.

  • Both are key to healthy ageing, but NMN is the more practical supplement .



What Is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule found in every living cell. It powers:

  • 🔋 Cellular energy production (ATP)

  • 🧬 DNA repair

  • 🧠 Brain function

  • 🛡️ Cell defence and detoxification

  • ⏳ Activation of sirtuins (longevity enzymes)

As you age, NAD+ levels drop by as much as 50% by age 50 — contributing to fatigue, slower metabolism, and increased disease risk.

The problem? NAD+ is too large to absorb effectively in supplement form , which is why scientists look to precursors like NMN and NR instead.



What Is NMN?

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a direct precursor to NAD+. It’s a molecule your body easily absorbs and converts into NAD+ in a few short steps.

It supports:

  • ✔️ Increased NAD+ production

  • ✔️ Better energy metabolism

  • ✔️ Improved brain and heart health

  • ✔️ Anti-ageing and DNA repair

  • ✔️ Muscle performance and endurance

Studies show NMN supplementation can quickly raise NAD+ levels, especially when taken consistently in the morning .



Why Not Just Take NAD+?

While NAD+ is available as an injectable or IV therapy, oral NAD+ supplements have low bioavailability — meaning very little gets absorbed into your bloodstream.

In contrast, NMN has:

  • 💊 Proven oral absorption

  • 🔬 Clinical studies showing increases in blood NAD+

  • 🧪 Benefits across energy, inflammation, and cognition

So if you want more NAD+, NMN is the smarter way to get there .



Our NMN Recommendations

🧪 The Base – NMN

  • 250 mg Uthever® NMN

  • Clean, minimalist formula

  • Best for first-time users and daily longevity maintenance

  • Encapsulated in Europe

💥 The Repair – NMN+

  • 450 mg NMN + 50 mg apigenin + 50 mg L-tryptophan

  • Supports NAD+, inflammation, and mood in one capsule

  • Designed for deeper anti-ageing benefits and recovery



NMN vs. NAD+: At a Glance

Feature NAD+ (oral) NMN
Absorption ❌ Poor ✅ Excellent
Direct NAD+ Increase ✅ Direct (IV/IM only) ✅ Converts to NAD+
Clinical Research ⚠️ Limited (oral) ✅ Strong in animals + humans
Accessibility ❌ Often expensive ✅ Easy and affordable
Practical for Daily Use ❌ Not ideal ✅ Ideal


Final Thoughts

NAD+ powers your longevity — but NMN is how you get there.

Whether you're starting your anti-ageing journey or levelling up your NAD+ strategy, NMN supplements are the smart, science-backed way to boost your biology.

Choose The Base for simple daily maintenance — or The Repair if you're serious about results.