What is NMN, and how does it work?

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotine Ribosomide) have recently become a hot topic in the science and longevity community. 


These supplements are gaining recognition for their potential to boost energy, enhance brain function, and even slow down the ageing process. But what exactly are NMN and NR, and why are they so important?


In order to understand NMN and NR, we should first have a look at Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, short for NAD+. 

What is NAD+?

From single-celled bacteria to humans, NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is one of the most universally important molecules in biology. It’s so fundamental to cellular function that life, as we know it, would not be possible without it.

 

At its core, NAD⁺ acts as a coenzyme - facilitating redox reactions that convert nutrients into usable cellular energy (ATP). 

 

But beyond its role in energy metabolism, NAD⁺ is a key regulator of multiple survival pathways, including:

  • DNA repair
  • Mitochondrial function
  • Cellular stress response
  • Metabolic regulation
  • Neurotransmitter synthesis
  • Circadian rhythm (your body’s internal sleep-wake cycle)

As NAD⁺ levels decline with age, these essential processes begin to slow or falter - contributing to many of the hallmark features of ageing: fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, reduced cognitive performance, and increased vulnerability to disease.

Common signs of declining NAD⁺ levels include:

  • Persistent fatigue or low energy, even after rest
  • Reduced mental clarity, brain fog, or forgetfulness
  • Slower metabolism and weight gain despite unchanged diet
  • Poor sleep quality and irregular circadian rhythm
  • Increased sensitivity to stress or slower recovery
  • Muscle weakness or reduced endurance during exercise
  • Slower skin regeneration or accelerated signs of ageing (e.g. dullness, fine lines)

Fortunately, research shows that these signs of ageing, linked to declining NAD+ levels, can be slowed, or even reversed, by restoring NAD+ to optimal levels. This benefits multiple organs, including the brain, cardiovascular system, and skin elasticity.

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How to restore NAD⁺ levels

This leads us to look for ways of restoring NAD+ levels effectively, and, efficiently. Numerous studies show that supplementing with NAD⁺ precursors - including Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) - can significantly increase NAD⁺ levels in humans.


Here’s a quick overview of the most studied forms:


1. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
Considered the most direct and efficient NAD⁺ precursor in mammals. NMN is one enzymatic step away from becoming NAD⁺, making it particularly fast-acting and bioavailable. It's been shown to improve metabolic health, physical endurance, insulin sensitivity, and cognitive function in both animal models and early-stage human trials.

2. NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)
Another vitamin B3-derived precursor, NR is also well-studied and converts to NMN before entering the NAD⁺ pathway. While effective, some studies suggest it may be slightly less bioavailable or efficient than NMN, depending on dose and delivery method.

3. NAD⁺ Injections or IV Therapy
Some longevity clinics offer intravenous NAD⁺ therapy, bypassing digestion and delivering NAD⁺ directly into the bloodstream. While fast-acting, this method is expensive, time-intensive, usually not widely accessible and can be uncomfortable (induces feelings of nausea, cramping, etc.)

(We explore the pros and cons of each in more detail [here].)

What NMN does in the body, and what to look out for

Once absorbed, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is rapidly converted into NAD⁺, a coenzyme which fuels essential cellular processes linked to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and healthy ageing.

 

While there are many more studies still underway, clinical studies have already demonstrated the following benefits of supplementing with NMN:

  • Significantly increased overall energy levels, reduced fatigue
  • Improved cognitive function and ability to concentrate
  • Stronger physical performance and faster recovery
  • Enhanced muscle function and increased aerobic capacity
  • Improved sleep
  • Improve insulin sensitivity, better weight control
  • Increased female fertility

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How to get the most out of your NMN supplement

NAD⁺ operates within a complex biological network, one that doesn’t just produce energy, but also recycles, reallocates, and protects NAD⁺ in response to cellular stress, DNA damage, and metabolic demand. Supporting this full network, therefore, rather than focusing solely on precursors, offers a more complete and durable approach to NAD⁺ restoration.

 

This is the rationale behind the Vitality Bundle by AVEA - a complementary pairing of NMN and Booster, designed to work across multiple biological levels.

 

While their pharmaceutical-grade NMN provides the substrate for NAD⁺ synthesis, the Booster supports critical co-factors, recycling mechanisms, and longevity pathways which help maintain NAD⁺ availability and function throughout the body.
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How the Booster works:

1. Recycles NAD⁺ more efficiently

Your body naturally recycles NAD⁺ through the salvage pathway - a mechanism responsible for converting nicotinamide (NAM) back into usable NAD⁺.  This process ensures your body can maintain a steady supply of NAD+ for essential functions such as energy production and repair.

 

The Booster supports this pathway by combining:

  • Nicotinamide (NAM) - provides the raw material required to restart the salvage pathway, ensuring a consistent supply of NAD+ for energy and repair.
  • Betaine - acts as a methyl donor which helps prevent NAM from accumulating and slowing the system.
  • Resveratrol and Pterostilbene - potent polyphenols which activate sirtuins, the longevity enzymes which improve NAD+ recycling and direct it towards essential functions such as DNA repair and inflammation control.

By addressing each part of the recycling process, the Booster helps ensure NAD⁺ is not just produced, but also reused, prioritised, and preserved. 

2. Protects and preserves existing NAD⁺

With age, NAD⁺ is consumed at a faster rate, particularly due to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and overactivation of enzymes such as CD38, which degrade NAD⁺ unnecessarily. Oxidative stress also damages your cells and uses up NAD+ during repair.

 

The Booster aims to preserve NAD+ by including:

  • Apigenin – a natural compound shown to inhibit CD38 activity, slowing down premature NAD⁺ depletion.
  • Pterostilbene – a powerful antioxidant which protects your cells from oxidative damage and reduces inflammation, further conserving NAD+ and reducing unnecessary consumption.

While NMN boosts your NAD+ levels, ingredients in the Booster essentially help in maintaining healthy NAD+ levels, ensuring they are available for where they are needed the most.

3. Enhances mitochondrial efficiency

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, and among the largest consumers of NAD⁺. As they age, their efficiency drops, demanding more NAD⁺ while producing more harmful by-products.

 

To help support mitochondrial performance, the Booster includes CoQ10 (Ubiquinol), which:

  • Improves how mitochondria produce energy, ensuring they function more efficiently.
  • Reduces damage caused by harmful by-products, preserving NAD+ for other critical functions.

While NMN gives your cells the energy base they need to function, by supporting mitochondrial health, the Booster ensures your body maintains its energy levels and NAD+ reserves for long-term health.

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The result: a smarter approach to NAD⁺ optimisation

When taken together, NMN and the Booster work synergistically to:

  • Stimulate NAD⁺ production
  • Enhance recycling and bioavailability
  • Preserve cellular NAD⁺ stores
  • Support healthy mitochondrial function

This combination forms the Vitality Bundle - a clinically informed, systems-based solution for anyone serious about longevity and long-term cellular health.

About the Author

Dr. Matilde Mantovani

Molecular Biologist & Scientific Research Manager

Matilde possesses a strong academic experience as she holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Life Sciences from the University of Zurich. 

Her research focused on understanding how error during protein synthesis can impact our health and contribute to ageing. 

She combines her scientific background with a passion for photography, volunteering as a photographer in various events that aim to connect science and society.

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