NR vs. NMN? Blue pill or red pill? There was something. That's right - the Matrix. Keanu Reeves as Neo had to choose between slavery (blue) and freedom (red) in the Wachowskis' film. The decision is not that difficult in our case - fortunately. But here too, in a way, it's about our future. What are the facts?
Regardless of the debate between NR advocates and NMN proponents, both are basically on the same team. The two molecules are precursors of NAD +, one of nature's most important molecules for the integrity of human life, well-being and longevity. However, just as our wisdom increases with age, the opposite is true for NAD+. In fact, Dr. David Sinclair, one of the leading anti-aging experts and professor at Harvard Medical School, that NAD+ levels at the age of 50 are only about half as high as they were at the age of 20.
Animal studies with NMN and NR seem to be more or less comparable – both show promising possibilities for extending lifespan and Health span.
NR – Nicotinamide riboside
Let’s lookNicotinamide riboside (NR)a little more closely, as it has been the focus of researchers for a while. For this reason, there are already more studies on this than on NMN, both on mice and on humans. These studies showed that oral NR preparations, i.e. taken by mouth, can increase NAD+ levels in blood and skeletal tissue. A dose of up to 1g per day was very well tolerated by the test subjects. Higher doses could cause unwanted side effects such as sweating, itching or flatulence.
NMN – Nicotinamide mononucleotide
Let's come to the other side.Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)is a direct precursor of NAD+. The body itself can produce NMN from NR or nicotinamide (NAM) if not supplied from the outside. To date, only one study of NMN in humans has been published. This study showed that a single dose of up to 500mg does not cause serious side effects. Numerous other human studies in the US and other countries are currently underway - there is great research interest in the relatively newly discovered benefits of this molecule. In rodents, for example, NMN supplements were able to increase NAD+ levels in many tissues, including the brain.
What do studies say?
The idea of preferring NR over NMN is based primarily on two arguments. The first is the broader range of studies. To date, more studies have been conducted on NR than on NMN. The second reason is the previous belief that NMN must be converted into NR outside of cells. This is because only NR can cross the cell membrane. Once inside the cell, NR is then converted back into NMN, which is then converted into NAD+ - we already know the latter mechanism.
However, the fact that NAD+ levels in the test animals rose significantly faster after NMN preparations than after NR preparations raised doubts about the theory popular among NR fans. Doubt, if you will, was also in the matrix of the active ingredient of the red pill. Doubt also drove science in this regard. In 2019, researchers at Washington University found a specific NMN transporter. In the study, it was given the catchy name Slc12a8. So not so sounding after all. Nevertheless: NMN can pass through the cell membrane directly - the detour via NR is not necessary - which is why the NAD+ level also rises faster after NMN administration.
Incidentally, Keanu Reeves chose the red pill in the Matrix. But one thing is certain. Without NAD+ in his cells, he wouldn't have had to ask himself this question. If the NAD+ level drops to zero, life is over quickly - according to Dr. David Sinclair, in about 30 seconds. But maybe other rules apply in the Matrix.
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