Can You Take NMN and NR Together?

You can take nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplements together, but it might not be necessary. 

NMN and NR are precursor compounds to the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which our body uses to convert food into energy and maintain the health of our cells. Having healthy NAD+ levels is correlated with improved mitochondrial function, efficient cell function, and an overall better aging process [1].

Stacking NMN and NR supplements isn't harmful as they have different metabolic pathways for increasing NAD+ levels. However, little research says that taking both has more benefits than choosing one over the other.

NR and NMN Together: Effects of Stacking

Since nicotinamide riboside converts into nicotinamide mononucleotide before eventually becoming NAD+ in the cells, some people stack these two precursors, hoping to enhance their effects.

There's no harm in combining NR and NMN (besides the high cost to your wallet). Both are well-tolerated, but research hasn't shown that stacking these NAD precursors will give you an advantage over taking one.

Here are some reasons we can see why people are stacking NMN and NR together:

• An advanced user who is focused on optimal aging and cellular performance

• Supplementing during periods of high stress or intense training

• Someone curious about how each precursors makes you feel

What Does it Feel Like to Take NMN and NR Together?

Taking NR and NMN supplements together won't give you a noticeable energy boost like caffeine, but some people report subtle improvements over time in sustained focus and energy levels, improved workout recovery, and better sleep, especially if they're consistent about their wellness routine, dosage, and timing.

However, there are just as many reports of people not experiencing much difference in stacking NMN and NR.

In these instances, they'd choose one supplement and stick with it.

Can You Buy NMN and NR Supplement Formulations?

Most NAD supplements focus on either nicotinamide mononucleotide or nicotinamide riboside as the main active ingredient. We couldn't find a combination of both in a single dietary supplement.

The FDA has flagged NMN as being under investigation as a potential drug. Once a compound is in the drug approval process, it can no longer be marketed as a supplement under current FDA rules.

Given the recent regulatory changes, NMN supplements have become less accessible in the United States, so NR supplements are seen as the best alternative for supporting NAD+ levels.

The most popular NMN Alternatives on Amazon will be NR supplements from brands like Neurogan Health, TruNiagen, and DoubleWood.

Absorption: NMN vs. NR

One of the most important differences between NMN and NR is how your body absorbs them and turns them into NAD+.

Nicotinamide riboside is taken up by the cells using an enzyme pathway called nicotinamide riboside kinase (NRK) pathway, which quickly converts the supplemented NR into NMN and then turns into NAD+ within the cells.

Studies in humans have shown that NR is efficiently absorbed within the cell membrane and raises NAD+ levels, often within just a few hours of taking it [2].

Another interesting finding is that NR seems to have a strong uptake in tissues like muscle, liver, and brain, which is why it's being studied to delay signs of aging, metabolism, and cognitive function.

Now, let's take a closer look at nicotinamide mononucleotide.

NMN was once thought to be too large to enter cells directly, but newer research has found that NMN uses a specific transporter (SLc12a8) in the gut that allows NMN to be absorbed and used for NAD+ production [3].

Animal studies and some human trials show that NMN supplements can also increase NAD+ levels, though it works differently across various tissues. Depending on the transporter's activity, its absorption might be more targeted to the gut and specific organs [4].

Because NMN bypasses one conversion step, it doesn't need to become NR first, so it might be faster for uptake in certain tissues [5].

Do You Have To Choose NMN or NR Supplements?

You don't necessarily have to choose one over the other. While most people only take one oral NAD supplement, some people may take both NMN and NR to support NAD+ production through different pathways.

Your body uses both compounds to make NAD+, but they follow different routes, which can, in turn, affect different tissues or systems more directly.

If you're choosing one:

• Nicotinamide riboside is backed by more human clinical research and is widely available.

• Nicotinamide mononucleotide has promising results and may offer faster effects in the gut, immune system, and muscle health. However, NMN's availability as a dietary supplement has become more limited in the U.S.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to choose one or the other, but you probably don’t need both. Start with the one that fits your health goals, budget, and availability — and give it time to work.

Resources:

1. Covarrubias, A. J., Perrone, R., Grozio, A., & Verdin, E. (2021). NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 22(2), 119-141.

2. Trammell, S. A., Schmidt, M. S., Weidemann, B. J., Redpath, P., Jaksch, F., Dellinger, R. W., ... & Brenner, C. (2016). Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans. Nature communications, 7(1), 12948.

3. Grozio, A., Mills, K. F., Yoshino, J., Bruzzone, S., Sociali, G., Tokizane, K., ... & Imai, S. I. (2019). Slc12a8 is a nicotinamide mononucleotide transporter. Nature metabolism, 1(1), 47-57.

4. Yi, L., Maier, A. B., Tao, R., Lin, Z., Vaidya, A., Pendse, S., ... & Kumbhar, V. (2023). The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial. Geroscience, 45(1), 29-43.

5. Shade, C. (2020). The science behind NMN–A stable, reliable NAD+ activator and anti-aging molecule. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 19(1), 12.