What is NMN, and how does it work?

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

In this article

What is NAD+?

Can I take NAD+ supplements to boost NAD+ levels?

NMN vs NR?

Why Avea uses NMN

Benefits of NMN

Maximise the impact of NMN by upgrading to Avea Vitality Bundle

Real results: Increasing NAD+ levels with AVEA Vitality Bundle

How to choose the best NMN supplement?

Does NMN have side effects?

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is a fundamental molecule which is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes throughout your body. Its most crucial roles include helping turn nutrients into energy and working as a fuel for the enzymes involved in DNA protection and repair. In many ways, NAD+ is key for healthy energy levels and your body's repair and recovery mechanisms.


Unfortunately, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, whilst our body starts to show the typical signs of ageing.A 50-year-old, for example, has roughly half the levels of NAD+ as a 20-year-old. You can live with low levels of NAD+, but it will accelerate the ageing process and reduce your health span. 

As NAD+ decreases, so does your body's ability to perform efficiently.

Signs of low NAD+ levels

Fatigue and low energy levels

Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Reduced physical endurance and strength

Slower recovery from exercise or injuries

Poor sleep quality

Weakened immune function

Premature signs of ageing, like skin changes

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.

Can I take NAD+ supplements to boost NAD+ levels?

NAD+ supplements aren’t bioavailable in their direct form, and whilst NAD IV infusions exist, the process is often uncomfortable, causing nausea, cramping, and heightened sensitivity to noise—making it an unpleasant experience overall. Plus, it’s not something you can do every day.


On the other hand, scientists have explored alternative molecules that convert into NAD+ via enzymatic reactions, with NMN and NR being the most studied and renowned as longevity supplements. Multiple studies show that supplementing with NMN or NR can increase NAD+ levels in the body, thereby supporting the various cellular functions that rely on this essential coenzyme.

NMN vs NR?

NMN and NR are direct precursors of NAD+, naturally present in many foods and our body. These molecules act as building blocks, enabling NAD+ production through metabolic pathways once consumed.


NMN is naturally found in some foods, such as edamame, broccoli, cucumber, and cabbage, but at low levels (0.25-1.88 mg of NMN per 100 g).

To make matters worse, premature collagen loss is also triggered by:

 

1. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): NMN consists of three components: nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3), ribose (a sugar molecule), and a phosphate group attached to the ribose. 


2. NR (Nicotinamide Riboside): NR is a simpler molecule within the vitamin B3 family, composed of nicotinamide and ribose bonded together. Unlike NMN, it lacks the phosphate group, which makes it smaller.

Why AVEA uses NMN

1. As an intermediate, NMN is already one step ahead on its path to becoming NAD+ in your cells.

2. NMN is quite stable in blood. It is reported that NR breaks down quickly into nicotinamide in mouse blood or certain lab mediums, but not NMN. In another study, 93%–99% of NMN was maintained intact in drinking water at room temperature for 7–10 days.

3. NMN has shown a wider range of benefits in clinical and preclinical studies, especially regarding metabolic health, cardiovascular function, and neuroprotection.

 

4. Esteemed experts are already consuming NMN supplements. For example Dr Prof. David Sinclair at Harvard University or Dr Shin-ichiro at Washington University School of Medicine.

Benefits of NMN

Many preclinical studies show how NMN is rapidly converted into NAD+ upon ingestion. Once absorbed, NMN rapidly elevates NAD+ levels in essential tissues like the heart, liver, muscles, kidneys, and even the brain. 


NAD+ plays a critical role in mitochondrial function, driving ATP production—the cell’s main energy source. It also activates sirtuins, proteins that regulate DNA repair, inflammation, and stress responses, promoting cellular health and longevity. 


While there are many more studies underway on this breakthrough supplement, 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

By boosting NAD+, NMN helps maintain cellular energy, repair mechanisms, and overall resilience, countering age-related cellular decline.

Maximise the impact of NMN by upgrading to AVEA Vitality Bundle

Whilst NMN lays the foundation for boosting NAD+ levels, research shows that a multi-target approach can further maximise its benefits. Supporting NAD+ from every angle includes:

 

  • Optimising how NAD+ is produced and used
  • Protecting NAD+ from depletion
  • Enhancing the recycling cycle of NAD+


NAD+ levels are most effectively restored when NMN is paired with scientifically researched ingredients targeting these key pathways. That’s why Avea created the Vitality Bundle, an innovative duo combining NMN with the Booster.


Our Booster contains six potent antioxidants, each working in synergy with NMN to provide the best solution for boosting NAD+ levels.

  1. Resveratrol and Pterostilbene activate longevity proteins called sirtuins, ensuring NAD+ is used efficiently for key processes and not wasted.
  2. CoQ10 improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. This protects cells from damage that would otherwise deplete NAD+.
  3. Apigenin inhibits CD38, an enzyme that accelerates NAD+ depletion, especially as you age. Lower CD38 activity preserves NAD+ for vital processes.
  4. Betaine, a methyl donor, supports the recycling of NAD+ by providing the resources your body needs to keep NAD+ levels steady, even during stress.
  5. Nicotinamide provides the raw materials needed to recycle and produce NAD+. This ensures a consistent supply of NAD+ required for energy and repair.

The Vitality Bundle allows you to target multiple pathways of NAD+ metabolism, promoting energy, cellular repair, and long term overall health.
 

Real results: Increasing NAD+ levels with AVEA Vitality Bundle

What happens when you stop taking AVEA's NMN and Booster—and what changes when you start again?


AVEA’s CSO, Sophie Chabloz, put it to the test. After a month without supplementation, she resumed taking the Vitality Bundle and tracked her NAD+ levels for eight weeks to measure its impact on energy, immunity, and resilience.

Key results:

  • Baseline (No supplementation): NAD+ levels dropped to 15.4 µM, coinciding with lower energy, weaker immunity, and dull mornings.
  • 250mg NMN + Booster (Weeks 1-4): NAD+ levels rose to 20.4 µM, energy improved, and waking up felt easier again.
  • 500mg NMN + Booster (Weeks 5-8): NAD+ peaked at 35.2 µM, leading to sharper focus, better recovery, and sustained resilience during high-demand periods.

Higher NAD+ levels correlated with noticeable improvements in energy, mental clarity, and immune support—validating the powerful effects of AVEA’s Vitality Bundle.


Results from our 3 months customer study


Sophie’s experience isn’t unique. After a 3-month customer trial of the Vitality Bundle, the results speak for themselves.


After 12 weeks, out of 450 participants:

  • 88.5% reported improved energy and focus.
  • 77% noticed a boost in overall wellbeing.
  • 77% experienced enhanced mood and emotional balance.

Real people, real results. Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Try the AVEA Vitality Bundle today.

How to choose the best NMN supplement?

When choosing an NMN supplement, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Purity of NMN

A recent study revealed many NMN supplements on the market contain far less—or none—of the NMN claimed on their labels, with deviations ranging from -100% to +28.6%. In fact, a 2021 study revealed that more than 50% of products tested contained no NMN at all.


Transparency is central to our values at Avea. Each batch of our NMN is independently tested in a Swiss laboratory, ensuring over 99% purity—giving you supplements that deliver results and prioritise your safety. 

2. Reputable manufacturer

The supplement industry is poorly regulated, and many products come from substandard factories, risking contamination or shorter shelf life. Here’s why Avea’s NMN stands apart:

 

1. GMP-Certified production: Manufactured and encapsulated in Europe under GMP-certified facilities inspected by government authorities.


2. Trusted source: We use the trademarked NMN from Longevir, a Dutch company renowned for its extensive research into safety and shelf stability.


3. Rigorous testing: Every batch is independently tested in a Swiss lab for heavy metals and toxins, ensuring purity and safety.

3. Combo with synergistic supplements

While supplementing with NMN alone already boosts NAD+ levels, you can achieve much better results by targeting NAD+ level increase and maintenance with multiple approaches can deliver even better results. For example, using antioxidants to reduce oxidative degradation of NAD+ increases the NAD+ level your body can actually retain over time and can make your NMN supplementation more effective.


Avea’s proprietary Booster complements NMN with a unique blend of six potent potent and Antioxidants. Resveratrol, Ubiquinol CoQ10, Pterostilbene, Apigenin, Betaine, Nicotinamide) to target cellular ageing and optimise NAD+ production. Enhanced with olive oil for improved absorption—even without food—it’s designed to work synergistically with NMN for maximum impact.

Does NMN have side effects?

NMN is considered safe, with no significant side effects reported according to current research. Animal studies have shown that even at high doses, NMN is non-toxic, and long-term use in mice for up to one year has not resulted in any adverse effects. Early human clinical trials have also been promising, suggesting that NMN is well-tolerated in single doses.


The impact of NMN on patients with serious illnesses such as cancer is not well studied yet and anyone affected by these illnesses should consult their doctor before consuming a supplement such as NMN. 

How much NMN should I take?

Most studies suggest that 250 mg to 500 mg per day of NMN is effective for boosting energy, muscle function, and metabolic health. 


At Avea, we recommend starting with one capsule (250 mg) daily, which is both safe and beneficial based on current research. Our NMN is also

formulated by longevity experts together with 500+ studies

obtained high purity (99%) with only natural stone-ground brown rice flour as a filler

third-party tested for purity, potency, and safety in Switzerland

100% vegan, ensuring a clean and sustainable product

verified to raise NAD+ levels through NAD+ tests

synergistic effects when paired with Avea’s Booster for enhanced benefits.

Premature signs of ageing, like skin changes

Combining NMN with our proprietary Booster in Avea's Vitality Bundle can help you get better effects as the Booster will further support the increase and maintenance of NAD+ levels. 
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