NMN vs. NAD+: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Take?

You want more energy, sharper focus, and healthier aging, but you don’t know the best supplement to support your goals. 

Is NMN or NAD+ a better option? Can I use them simultaneously? Which option delivers the fastest, most effective results? What about the safety and side effects of both supplements? 

In this guide, we cut through the confusion to give you a clear, straightforward comparison of NMN and NAD+. You’ll also discover how IvyRx NAD+ injections provide a powerful, convenient way to revitalize your energy and support lasting cellular health.

What Are NMN and NAD+?

NMN and NAD+ both work to increase NAD+ levels in your body that decline naturally with age. However, they both achieve this via different mechanisms and pathways. 

What Is NAD+?

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NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme present in every cell. It fuels energy production, aids DNA repair, and keeps cells working. 

This is vital for metabolism, mitochondrial health, and brain function. 

Although NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, contributing to fatigue, slower recovery, and metabolic disorders.

What Is NMN?

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is the precursor molecule your body uses to produce NAD+. 

Found naturally in small amounts in foods like broccoli, avocado, and cabbage, NMN acts as the “building block” that fuels NAD+ synthesis via the NAD salvage pathway. 

By replenishing NAD+ levels, NMN supports cellular energy metabolism and healthy aging.

NMN vs NAD+: What’s the Difference?

Here are the common differences between NMN and NAD+:

Absorption and Delivery

NMN is well absorbed when taken as oral supplements, including capsules, sublingual tablets, and powders. 

These forms are easy to find, use, and affordable. And this makes NMN a popular option for daily supplements.

NAD+, on the other hand, is primarily available via IV infusions, injections, and nasal sprays. 

These delivery methods bypass the digestive system to supply faster energy, cognitive clarity, and rejuvenation. 

IV therapy can be expensive and require a clinical setting. However, newer options, such as subcutaneous NAD+ injections and nasal sprays, offer effective and less invasive alternatives.

Use in the Body

After absorption, NMN converts to NAD+ through the NAD salvage pathway. Enzymes, such as Nicotinamide Mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT), play a key role in this transformation. 

This process also replenishes NAD+ levels, supporting your cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair.

NAD+ is an active coenzyme. It plays a key role in important biochemical reactions. These include energy production, mitochondrial health, and cellular repair. 

Therefore, taking NAD+ directly helps boost brain function, energy, and promotes healthy aging.

Supplement Forms and Cost

NMN supplements are available in affordable, easy-to-use oral forms, such as capsules, powders, and sublingual tablets, which makes them easily accessible.

NAD+ is delivered mainly via clinical injections or IV infusions, and may carry higher costs due to specialized administration. 

However, advanced delivery methods, such as NAD nasal sprays, offer promising alternatives that strike a balance between efficacy and convenience.

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How NMN Converts into NAD+ in the Body

Once absorbed, NMN enters your cells and travels to the mitochondria and other cellular compartments. 

It undergoes a key change through the NAD salvage pathway. This is a natural recycling process that helps maintain healthy NAD+ levels.

The enzyme, NMNAT, is important. It converts NMN into active NAD+. Hence, NMN is the building block your body needs. 

This conversion illustrates how NMN supports the restoration of NAD+, enhances mitochondrial health, boosts cellular energy, and improves overall cellular vitality.

Benefits of NMN vs NAD+ Supplements

Both NMN and NAD+ support vital cellular functions, but each offers unique benefits that may align differently with your health goals.

NMN Benefits:

• Supports mitochondrial health and enhances cellular energy production, helping you feel more energized.
• Promotes healthy metabolism, aiding in weight management and improved glucose tolerance.
• Supports cardiovascular health by maintaining blood vessel flexibility and healthy circulation.
• May slow age-related physiological decline and contribute to longevity.
• Improves physical stamina and muscle function.
• Enhances insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic wellness.

NAD+ Benefits:

• Directly boosts your brain health by enhancing cognitive clarity, memory, and mental focus.
• Facilitates DNA repair and promotes cellular rejuvenation for healthy aging.
• Regulates circadian rhythms to support better sleep quality.
• Strengthens the immune system and cellular defenses against oxidative stress.
• Quickly boosts NAD+ levels for faster energy recovery during stress or illness.
• Helps combat oxidative damage and promotes anti-aging and cellular repair.

Side Effects and Safety: What to Know

Understanding potential side effects and safety is important when considering NMN or NAD+ supplementation. Both are generally safe but differ in their delivery and monitoring requirements.

NMN Side Effects

With NMN, some users may experience mild digestive discomfort, nausea, or headaches during initial use. 

However, long-term human data on NMN are still limited, and ongoing research aims to understand its safety profile better. 

But it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

NAD+ Side Effects

NAD+ administered via injections or IV infusions can cause side effects such as flushing, headaches, nausea, or muscle cramping. 

NAD+ therapies require clinical supervision due to their potency and the method of delivery, to ensure they are given safely. 

Oral NAD+ supplements have less-studied long-term effects, but medical guidance is strongly recommended.

Read our comprehensive guide on how to minimize NAD+ injection side effects.

Which Supplement Should You Choose?

Choosing between NMN and NAD+ depends on your personal health goals and how quickly you want to see results. Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision:

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NMN supports sustained metabolism, energy, and long-term health. NAD+ injections deliver a faster cognitive boost and cellular recovery. Many combine both; consult an Ivy RX specialist for a personalized plan.

Talk to an Ivy RX provider today to find the right supplement for your goals.

Can You Take NMN and NAD+ Together?

Yes, you can take NMN and NAD+ together. Doing so may provide synergistic benefits by boosting cellular NAD+ levels more effectively. 

However, NMN alone often supplies enough support for your body to produce the NAD+ it needs.

So, combining both supplements isn’t always necessary and should be approached thoughtfully. 

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or combining supplements to ensure the routine aligns with your health goals and current medical condition.

How to Choose a High-Quality NMN or NAD+ Supplement

Selecting the right supplement is essential for safety and effectiveness. Keep these tips in mind when choosing NMN or NAD+ products:

• Third-party tested: Ensure the supplement is independently verified for purity and potency.
• High purity and potency: Look for products with an intense concentration of active ingredients.
• Transparent labeling: The label should list all ingredients and exact dosages.
• Reputable brands: Choose trusted manufacturers who follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Optional boost: Consider supplements combining NMN with resveratrol, which supports sirtuin activation — proteins linked to aging and cellular health.

How to Get NMN or NAD+ Online

Ivy RX offers a trusted range of NAD+ injections and nasal sprays.

You can enjoy at-home delivery, expert guidance, and proven formulations tailored to support your health journey.

Explore our NAD+ injection product catalogue and begin your longevity journey today.

NMN supplements are generally available over the counter, depending on your location.

Help Your Energy Levels and Longevity With Ivy RX NAD+ Injections

Boost energy and support longevity with Ivy RX’s NAD+ injections and nasal sprays. 

These therapies are designed for maximum bioavailability and convenience. You can also receive at-home injection dosages for rapid recovery and enhanced wellness, without the need for clinic visits.

Learn about NAD+ injection before and after results to know what to expect from this supplement.

FAQs

Can NMN boost NAD levels?

Clinical trials demonstrate that NMN supplements can significantly increase blood NAD concentrations across all tested dosages (300-900mg daily) within 30 days of consistent use.

Is NAD+ better than NMN for brain health?

NAD+ provides quick access to coenzymes for brain function. This may make it better than NMN4 for boosting cognition and supporting brain health.

How long does NMN take to work?

Research shows that taking NMN can raise blood NAD levels within 30 days. Additionally, improvements in physical performance have been observed during the same timeframe.

Is it safe to take both NMN and NAD+?

Combining both supplements may have added benefits. However, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider before combining them.

References

• Zhai RG, Rizzi M, Garavaglia S. Nicotinamide/nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase, new insights into an ancient enzyme. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2009 Sep;66(17):2805-18. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11115848/. doi: 10.1007/s00018-009-0047-x.
• Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;22(2):119-141. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7963035/. doi: 10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x.
• Yi L, Maier AB, Tao R, Lin Z, Vaidya A, Pendse S, Thasma S, Andhalkar N, Avhad G, Kumbhar V. The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial. Geroscience. 2023 Feb;45(1):29-43. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9735188/. doi: 10.1007/s11357-022-00705-1.