Quick answer: NAD+ is the molecule your cells ultimately need, while NMN is a precursor your body can use to produce it. Because NAD+ is a relatively large molecule and is not known to enter cells intact efficiently when taken orally, many people choose NMN to support the body’s natural NAD+ production instead.
Should You Take NAD+ or NMN?
NAD+ plays an essential role in cellular energy production, metabolism and DNA repair. However, simply taking NAD+ as an oral supplement may not be the most effective way to increase the NAD+ available inside your cells.
NAD+ is a relatively large molecule. When taken orally, it can be broken down before reaching the cells, and there is currently limited evidence showing that intact NAD+ is efficiently absorbed directly into cells.
NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, works differently. It is an NAD+ precursor, meaning the body can use it as part of the natural pathway that creates NAD+ within cells.
What Have Human NMN Trials Found?
Several controlled human studies have found that taking NMN can increase NAD+ or NAD-related measurements in the blood.
- A 2022 study found that taking 250mg of NMN daily increased whole-blood NAD+ and related metabolites in older men.
- Another human trial concluded that oral NMN was well tolerated and represented a practical way to increase NAD+ levels.
- A 2021 trial found that ten weeks of NMN supplementation improved muscle insulin sensitivity and insulin signalling in postmenopausal women with prediabetes.
- A 2024 study in older adults reported increased blood NAD+ alongside improvements in some sleep and walking measurements.
These findings are promising, but NMN has not been proven to reverse ageing or prevent disease. Larger and longer-term human studies are still needed.
Our Co-Founder’s NAD+ Results
Our co-founder Maxwell also decided to measure his own NAD+ levels rather than relying only on how he felt.
After taking My Dailys NMN consistently for two months, his follow-up blood test showed that his measured NAD+ level had increased by approximately three times.
This was an individual result and should not be treated as a guarantee of what everyone will experience. However, it gave us another reason to believe strongly in testing, transparency and measuring real results wherever possible.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you are looking for an oral supplement to support your NAD+ levels, NMN may be the more practical option. Rather than trying to supply the finished NAD+ molecule directly, NMN provides the body with a precursor it can use to produce NAD+ through its natural pathways.
Quality still matters. Look for an NMN supplement with independent purity, heavy-metal and microbiological testing, along with a clearly stated amount in every capsule.
References
- Igarashi M, et al. Chronic nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation elevates blood NAD+ levels and alters muscle function in healthy older men. NPJ Aging. 2022.
- Okabe K, et al. Oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide is safe and efficiently increases blood NAD+ levels in healthy subjects. 2022.
- Yoshino M, et al. Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 2021.
- Morifuji M, et al. Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD+ levels and supported walking speed and sleep quality in older adults. 2024.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Individual results can vary. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Speak with a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
