How to boost NAD+? Your choice matters

by: GSHWORLD Time: 2026-02-25 Classify: Product News

NAD+ serves as a core coenzyme in the human body, linked to critical functions such as metabolism and anti-aging. Its levels naturally decline with age. Nicotinamide (Nam), Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are popular supplements, yet direct comparative data on their actual effects in humans has been lacking. A newly published study in Nature Metabolism fills this gap, using a 14-day human trial combined with in vitro experiments to reveal the true differences between these three compounds.

Dynamic Schematic of NAD+ Biosynthesis Pathways

NR/NMN Suitable for Chronic Elevation

The study enrolled 65 healthy adults. After 14 days of supplementation, the results showed that both NR and NMN doubled whole-blood NAD+ concentrations (P<0.001), with comparable efficacy between the two. In contrast, Nam showed no significant increase in NAD+ levels (P=0.461). More importantly, NR and NMN also activated gut microbial metabolism, producing short-chain fatty acids—thereby benefiting both systemic metabolism and intestinal health, creating a dual advantage.

Acute Effects of Nam

In terms of acute effects, Nam demonstrated unique advantages: NAD+ levels peaked at 1 hour post-ingestion, providing a temporary boost, but were rapidly metabolized and excreted within 4 hours. However, this effect is fleeting and causes an acute 8-fold increase in homocysteine levels, suggesting that long-term supplementation may impact methyl metabolism. NR and NMN showed no significant circulating changes within 4 hours, requiring intestinal transformation to exert their effects.

Gut Microbiota is the Core

In vitro fermentation experiments confirmed that NR and NMN cannot act directly; they must be hydrolyzed and deamidated by gut microbiota into nicotinic acid (NA), which then elevates NAD+ via the Preiss-Handler pathway. NA proved to be the most efficient NAD+ precursor in practical measurements, increasing whole-blood NAD+ signals by 170%. Nam, absorbed rapidly through the salvage pathway, struggles to achieve sustained benefits.

Conclusion

For healthy individuals seeking long-term anti-aging and intestinal health benefits, NR or NMN should be prioritized. For those needing rapid energy replenishment, Nam may be used short-term, but long-term reliance is not recommended. This study represents the latest 2026 findings from Nature Metabolism, providing solid human data to guide supplement selection. Scientific supplementation is the key to ensuring NAD+ boosters truly support health.

Reference: Christen S, Redeuil K, Goulet L, et al. The differential impact of three different NAD+ boosters on circulatory NAD and microbial metabolism in humans[J]. Nature Metabolism, 2026: 1-12.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

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