Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Also known as: NMN, β-NMN, Beta-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
A nucleotide intermediate in the NAD+ salvage pathway that is converted to NAD+ by nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) enzymes, restoring cellular NAD+ pools critical for redox metabolism and epigenetic regulation.
Last reviewed: 2024-05-05 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
NMN is a direct precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation. NAD+ levels decline 50%+ between ages 40 and 60.
Mechanism & Function
White crystalline NAD+ precursor. Hygroscopic — best stored cool and dry.
- Capsule
- Powder
- Sublingual
- Liquid Cap
Capsule is generally preferred for bioavailability or efficacy.
Mechanism of Action
Transported into cells via Slc12a8 transporter and converted to NAD+ by NMNAT1/2/3 enzymes. Elevated NAD+ activates sirtuins (SIRT1-7) for epigenetic regulation, PARPs for DNA repair, and CD38 for immune signaling.
Physiological Role
NAD+ is required by 500+ enzymatic reactions. It is the primary electron carrier in oxidative phosphorylation, the substrate for sirtuins controlling gene expression, and essential for PARP-mediated DNA repair.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Emerging evidence for improved aerobic capacity in recreational runners. Primary relevance is for metabolic health, recovery, and longevity rather than acute performance enhancement.
Evidence Review
Compare Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Forms
Full comparison5 vitamin b3 (niacin) forms are indexed. Bioavailability, clinical evidence, and best-use cases differ meaningfully between them.
| Form | Evidence |
|---|---|
Nicotinamide MononucleotideThis page Rapidly absorbed and converted to NAD+ within 30 minutes. Some degradation by CD73 ectoenzyme in the GI tract — sublingual delivery may improve yield. | 50/100 |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are well absorbed orally. Nicotinic acid has varying pharmacokinetic profiles depending on the formulation (immediate-release vs. sustained-release). | 80/100 |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) Highly bioavailable orally, with absorption rates typically exceeding 90%. | 65/100 |
| Nicotinamide Riboside Oral NR increases circulating NAD+ and, in at least one trial, brain NAD+; magnitude of change is variable between individuals. | 61/100 |
| NMN Oral NMN raises plasma NAD+; sublingual delivery may improve bypass of gut conversion. | 54/100 |
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 250mg/day
- Optimal Range
- 500–1000mg/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- 2000mg/day (limited long-term human data)
- Timing
- Morning (aligns with circadian NAD+ peaks)
- Best Format
- Sublingual tablets or enteric-coated capsules (bypasses GI degradation)
- Bioavailability
- Rapidly absorbed and converted to NAD+ within 30 minutes. Some degradation by CD73 ectoenzyme in the GI tract — sublingual delivery may improve yield.
- Absorption Considerations
- Sublingual or enteric-coated forms preferred. Avoid taking late in the day (may interfere with sleep via NAD+-dependent circadian gene expression).
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Mild flushing (rare)
- •GI discomfort at high doses
- •Insomnia if taken late
Contraindications
- Active cancer (theoretical concern — NAD+ may fuel rapidly dividing cells)
Drug Interactions
- •Theoretical interactions with NAD+-dependent drug metabolism
Who Should Avoid
- •Those with active malignancy (precautionary)
- •Pregnant/lactating women
Monitoring
Intracellular NAD+ measurement not widely available. Surrogate markers: serum NMN, insulin sensitivity, exercise tolerance. Long-term human safety data is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Nicotinamide Mononucleotide typically used or indicated?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is most commonly used for: NAD+ restoration, Healthy aging, Metabolic health, Energy metabolism. NAD+ is required by 500+ enzymatic reactions. It is the primary electron carrier in oxidative phosphorylation, the substrate for sirtuins controlling gene expression, and essential for PARP-mediated DNA repair.
How does Nicotinamide Mononucleotide work?
Transported into cells via Slc12a8 transporter and converted to NAD+ by NMNAT1/2/3 enzymes. Elevated NAD+ activates sirtuins (SIRT1-7) for epigenetic regulation, PARPs for DNA repair, and CD38 for immune signaling.
What is the recommended dose of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?
The optimal range is 500–1000mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 250mg/day. Best taken: Morning (aligns with circadian NAD+ peaks). Upper / caution level: 2000mg/day (limited long-term human data).
What are the side effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?
Reported side effects include: Mild flushing (rare); GI discomfort at high doses; and Insomnia if taken late. Monitoring: Intracellular NAD+ measurement not widely available. Surrogate markers: serum NMN, insulin sensitivity, exercise tolerance. Long-term human safety data is limited.
Does Nicotinamide Mononucleotide interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Theoretical interactions with NAD+-dependent drug metabolism. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide is generally not recommended for: Those with active malignancy (precautionary); Pregnant/lactating women; and Active cancer (theoretical concern — NAD+ may fuel rapidly dividing cells).
How strong is the evidence for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 50/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
NMN supplementation improves aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized clinical trial
6 weeks of NMN (600–1200mg/day) significantly improved ventilatory threshold and O2 utilization in middle-aged runners.
Safety and efficacy of NMN supplementation: a systematic review of human trials
Review of 8 human trials confirming NMN safely raises NAD+ metabolites and improves insulin sensitivity in overweight adults.
Trademark Ingredients
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NMN
54/100Nicotinamide riboside monophosphate; converted to NAD+ via NMNAT enzymes; supports mitochondrial energy, DNA repair, and sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways.
Urolithin A
52/100A gut-derived dibenzopyranone metabolite of ellagitannins that activates mitophagy (selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria) via PINK1/Parkin and AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathways.
Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/nicotinamide-mononucleotide
SuppIndex. (2026). Nicotinamide Mononucleotide: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/nicotinamide-mononucleotide
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Combine with resveratrol (sirtuin activator) for synergistic effect. Urolithin A provides complementary mitophagy activation.