In this second of three emails, we continue to look at the difference between two key NAD+ precursors—Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR).

The following information is based on competing NR products to Pricera.  Pricera is considered an NR supplement but studies have demonstrated it is superior to regular NR supplements as seen in the chart at the end of this article.

I hope you find this informative and encourage you to contact us with questions and if you want to try Pricera in your practice.
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Bioavailability of NR vs. NMN: A Closer Look

When discussing the bioavailability of NAD+ precursors, it’s essential to unpack the intricate pathways involved in their absorption and utilization. The idea that one precursor outperforms the other is not straightforward, as both NR and NMN have unique mechanisms of action and metabolic complexities.

Absorption Mechanisms                                                                                     
  1. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR):
    • Transporter: NR is absorbed intact via equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) and directly enters cells.
    • Conversion: Once inside, NR is phosphorylated by NR kinases (NRK1/NRK2) to NMN, a necessary intermediate for NAD+ synthesis.
  2. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN):
    • Transporter: NMN was long thought to require dephosphorylation to NR for cellular entry. However, the discovery of a specific NMN transporter (SLC12A8) in mice suggests NMN may bypass this step in certain cases.
    • Human Relevance: The functionality of SLC12A8 in humans is not yet fully understood, leaving open questions about NMN’s direct transport efficiency.
    • Dephosphorylation: NMN can also be dephosphorylated to NR in the gut or bloodstream before re-entering cells as NMN.
Role of Gut Microbiota                                                                                        
  • Microbiome Impact:
    • NMN is subject to deamidation by gut bacteria, converting it into nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NAMN), which follows a different metabolic pathway.
    • NR, while also influenced by the microbiome, is more likely to maintain its structural integrity until absorption.
Factors Influencing Bioavailability                                                                    
  1. Dosage and Duration:
    • Clinical studies indicate both NR and NMN can elevate NAD+ levels, but the degree and speed depend on dose and usage over time.
  2. Individual Differences:
    • Genetic variations, gut microbiota composition, and metabolic health significantly affect how each precursor is absorbed and utilized.
  3. Pathway Complexity:
    • Both NR and NMN are converted to nicotinamide (NAM) and recycled into NAD+ through the salvage pathway. This interplay of enzymes, transporters, and metabolic steps complicates direct comparisons.

Key Takeaway                                                                                                      

The bioavailability of NR and NMN involves nuanced and interconnected pathways. While NR’s smaller size and simpler uptake mechanisms initially suggested superior absorption, NMN’s potential direct transport and tissue-specific advantages highlight its unique role. Both precursors are effective in boosting NAD+ levels, but NR seems to have better absorption and utilization.

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Pricera is a Next Generation NAD booster which has been used by practitioners for the last 5 years and has benefited thousands of patients.

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In a head-to-head study with the leading brand. Pricera produced:

Pricera is a stable, highly bioavailable compound for increased longevity and healthy aging and the ONLY single ingredient NAD booster that targets all three aging biomarkers – NAD, Glutathione and ATP.