What Is NMN? Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Explained
The molecule itself
Nicotinamide mononucleotide is built from three parts: a nicotinamide group (a form of vitamin B3), a ribose sugar and a phosphate group. That phosphate is what separates NMN from nicotinamide riboside (NR), which has to acquire a phosphate before it can continue down the same pathway.
NMN sits one step away from NAD+ in what researchers call the salvage pathway, the route cells use to recycle vitamin B3 into fresh NAD+ rather than building it from scratch. The enzyme NMNAT converts NMN into NAD+ directly.
Why NAD+ is the reason anyone looks up NMN
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell. It carries electrons in the reactions that turn food into usable energy, and it is consumed as a substrate by enzyme families including sirtuins and PARPs. Because it is used up rather than merely borrowed, cells have to replenish it continuously.
Published work has reported that tissue NAD+ levels measured in older animals, and in human tissue samples, tend to be lower than in younger ones. That observation is what put NAD+ precursors, NMN among them, in front of researchers in the first place.
Food sources, and why they are not the whole story
| Food | Approximate NMN content |
|---|---|
| Edamame | 0.47 to 1.88 mg per 100 g |
| Avocado | 0.36 to 1.60 mg per 100 g |
| Broccoli | 0.25 to 1.12 mg per 100 g |
| Cabbage | 0.0 to 0.90 mg per 100 g |
The quantities are small. That is the practical reason supplement forms exist: a single serving delivers what would take an implausible volume of vegetables to match.
Not all NMN supplements are the same
Purity
NMN is a white crystalline powder, and powders look identical regardless of what is actually in them. The only way to know is an assay, normally HPLC, run by an independent laboratory on the specific batch you are holding. We publish that certificate for every batch.
Delivery format
NMN is sensitive to stomach acid. A standard capsule releases its contents in the stomach; an acid-resistant, or enteric, capsule is designed to stay closed until it reaches the small intestine. Advanced NMN 1000 uses acid-resistant capsules for that reason.
Dose per serving
Labels vary, and a large number on the front of a bottle often refers to a two-capsule serving rather than one capsule. Read servings per container on the supplement facts panel, then divide. Advanced NMN 1000 is 1000 mg per two-capsule serving, 30 servings per bottle.
See the certificate before you decide
Every RevGenetics batch is tested by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and the certificate is published openly, covering both raw material and finished product.
View the current NMN Certificate of Analysis | Advanced NMN 1000 | All NMN supplements
Common questions
Is NMN the same as NAD+?
No. NMN is a precursor; NAD+ is the coenzyme cells actually use. NMN is one enzymatic step away.
How does NMN differ from NR?
Nicotinamide riboside lacks the phosphate group NMN carries, so it enters the salvage pathway one step earlier. Both are studied as NAD+ precursors.
How is it usually taken?
Most product directions are one to two capsules daily. Follow the label on the product you own, and speak to a doctor first if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a medical condition.
This page is educational and describes the biochemistry of NMN and NAD+ as reported in published research. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
