Cellular Aging: NAD+ vs. NMN
Longevity and cellular aging are big topics in the wellness world right now. If there was a supplement you could take to help slow down the aging of your cells and provide them with the energy they need to function optimally, would you take it?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes in the body and its levels naturally decline with age. NAD+ is essential for converting food into energy, helping cells function efficiently. It assists in repairing damaged DNA, which is vital for maintaining cellular health and longevity. NAD+ also helps reduce chronic inflammation, improves cognitive function and supports heart health. Without adequate levels of NAD+, cells would cease to function.
You are unlikely to find many NAD+ supplements for purchase. This is because the NAD+ molecule is too large to get into the cells making it ineffective as a supplement. What you will find however is NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). NMN is the precursor to NAD+, meaning your body uses it to make its own NAD+. NMN has been shown to significantly increase NAD+ concentrations in the body. NMN can be found in several foods such as edamame, broccoli, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, shrimp and lean beef. While it is a great idea to include these foods in your diet, unfortunately it is difficult to obtain an adequate dose from food alone.
We carry two strengths of NMN in our Wellness Department, 150mg and 500mg. So, what strength is best? For people between the ages of 25 and 35 a lower dose of 150mg daily should be more than enough. Anyone who is in the 35 to 45 range may consider taking two of the 150mg capsules daily. After this our NAD+ levels drop significantly, and it may be good to consider taking a 500mg dose of NMN daily. NAD levels are at their peak during the early 20’s so there is no need to supplement with NMN.