Nicotinamide riboside vs NMN
In the conversation around longevity and cellular energy, two ingredients continue to attract attention: nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Both are precursors to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a critical molecule that fuels mitochondrial function, supports DNA repair, and plays a central role in how we age. But despite their shared goal - raising NAD+ levels - they differ in how they work, how they’re absorbed, and how well they are supported by clinical data.
What is nicotinamide riboside (NR)?
NR is a form of vitamin B3 that converts efficiently into NAD+ through a well-characterised and direct metabolic pathway. It has strong human clinical evidence showing its ability to elevate NAD+ levels, support mitochondrial function, and improve markers related to energy metabolism, cognitive function, and inflammation. Importantly, NR is bioavailable when taken orally, making it practical for consistent supplementation.
What is NMN?
NMN is also a NAD+ precursor, one step closer in the metabolic pathway. However, the absorption and transport of NMN have come under scrutiny, with doubts around how well it crosses cellular membranes - it appears it is converted into NR before entering cells. While early preclinical research on NMN is promising, the body of human clinical data remains smaller and less consistent compared to NR.
How do the two compare?
When it comes to stability, regulatory clarity, and clinical data, NR has a clear advantage. NR is supported by multiple peer-reviewed human studies and is authorised for use in food supplements in regions like the US, EU, and UK. NMN, by contrast, faces regulatory scrutiny in certain markets and has been flagged in the US as potentially requiring pharmaceutical classification. For brands operating in highly regulated markets, NR offers both a safer and more science-backed route.
Why Vivorum uses NR
Cellular Renewal uses bioavailable Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride for one simple reason: the science supports it. With its robust safety profile, proven efficacy in humans, and superior stability, NR is the most reliable and clinically grounded NAD+ precursor currently available. For those seeking measurable results in energy, cognition, and cellular ageing, NR is the gold standard.
