Two supplements are often at the forefront in the healthy aging department: resveratrol and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These two compounds are linked to supporting the body as it ages but in different ways.
Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant found in grape and berry skin. Its "anti-aging" potential comes from its ability to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals — tiny, unstable molecules that contribute to cellular aging.
NMN is a molecule that helps boost NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in your cells. NAD+ is important because it's like fuel for maintaining cellular health. Without enough NAD+, the cells struggle to make energy and repair themselves, which is also attributed to signs of aging.
When it comes to the conversation surrounding NMN and resveratrol supplements, which one comes out on top? The short and probably unsatisfying answer is that it depends.
If your cells are like a car, NAD+ is the gasoline. NMN helps fill the gas tank, while resveratrol acts like an anti-rust spray, protecting the vehicle from damage. Both are useful and have health benefits to the human body.
What Are the Benefits of Resveratrol and NMN?
NMN and resveratrol supplementation support cellular function as we age, but they work in different ways and may complement each other when taken together.
Resveratrol Benefits
Resveratrol is a polyphenol mostly associated with antioxidants, which are compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress — one of the leading causes of aging.
It's believed to work by blocking processes like lipid and protein damage and activating a protein called SIRT1. This protein is nicknamed the "longevity gene " because research links it to improved cellular health and a longer lifespan [1]. This mechanism can also support heart health and help reduce inflammation, supporting a more active lifestyle as you get older [1].
Another way that resveratrol addresses a healthier aging process is by supporting autophagy. Autophagy is the body's natural system of cleaning out old cells, keeping cells young and functional [2].
NMN Benefits
NMN supplementation is more about boosting the cell's energy levels. NMN is a direct precursor to NAD+, which the body uses for virtually all cellular metabolic processes.
With more years behind us, our natural NAD+ levels decline, often linked to signs of aging. Regular NMN supplements aim to maintain high levels of NAD to keep cellular function running smoothly.
Higher levels of NAD through NMN supplementation benefit healthy brain function, overall energy levels, and muscle function and endurance [3].
Cells are like tiny factories, and NAD+ keeps the power on — without it, production slows down, and it becomes much harder to maintain repairs.
Where Do NMN and Resveratrol Supplements Come From?
Resveratrol comes from natural sources, primarily plants like grape skins or Japanese knotweed. These plants yield very high concentrations of resveratrol, which are then formulated into supplements.
You might even have heard about resveratrol's benefits when people talk about drinking red wine, though you’d need to drink quite a lot to get the same dose as you’d get from a supplement — and at that point, you're doing more damage to your body than good.
NMN, on the other hand, is produced in labs but can be found in trace amounts in foods like broccoli and avocados. Since the concentration in food is so insignificant, most people opt for NMN supplements to get more significant and consistent doses to support healthy aging.
Legality of NMN and Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is much more widely available as a dietary supplement. You can find it at most health food stores, online, and even on platforms like Amazon. It's considered safe for general use and doesn't face any major restrictions.
NMN is another story.
In 2021, NMN was removed from the list of dietary supplements because a company decided to investigate its use as a drug for anti-aging. This decision put NMN in a grey area — you won't find it on popular platforms like Amazon, but it's still available through specific health supplement companies.
We want to reiterate that NMN isn't listed as a dietary supplement because it's dangerous. In fact, it's well tolerated and generally safe. But it's facing this complication because a company thinks it works a little too well and can line its pockets by restricting its competition.
If you want an NAD+ supporting supplement through convenient platforms like Amazon, you can still find NMN adjacent compounds like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and NAD products available.
Should You Take NMN with Resveratrol?
NMN and resveratrol make a great team. NMN supports healthy NAD levels, helping to keep your cells energized and functioning well, while resveratrol helps protect those cells from damage and may even encourage a healthy rate of cellular repair.
Prominent longevity researcher Dr. David Sinclair uses NMN and Resveratrol supplements in his morning routine in a 1:1 ratio as part of an extensive supplement stack geared towards healthy aging.
There's also some research in murine models that suggests resveratrol may enhance the effectiveness of NMN by activating certain genes involved in cellular repair [4].
NMN vs Resveratrol: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re more focused on antioxidant support and protecting your body from the effects of stress, resveratrol supplements are a good option. If you’re more interested in cellular energy and supporting healthy aging from the inside out, NMN could be the way to go.
However, for many, using both can provide complementary benefits, offering energy support and protection against cell damage. We've made it easier to get your daily dose of NMN and resveratrol together in capsule form by combining these ingredients in a 1:1 ratio, with 500 mg of each in every serving.
Resveratrol and NMN aren’t in competition with each other — they each bring something unique to the table, and together, they offer a well-rounded approach to supporting your health.
Resources:
- Hosoda, R., Nakashima, R., Yano, M., Iwahara, N., Asakura, S., Nojima, I., ... & Kuno, A. (2023). Resveratrol, a SIRT1 activator, attenuates aging-associated alterations in skeletal muscle and heart in mice. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 152(2), 112-122.
- Park, D., Jeong, H., Lee, M. N., Koh, A., Kwon, O., Yang, Y. R., ... & Ryu, S. H. (2016). Resveratrol induces autophagy by directly inhibiting mTOR through ATP competition. Scientific reports, 6(1), 21772.
- 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.
- Bai, L. B., Yau, L. F., Tong, T. T., Chan, W. H., Zhang, W., & Jiang, Z. H. (2022). Improvement of tissue‐specific distribution and biotransformation potential of nicotinamide mononucleotide in combination with ginsenosides or resveratrol. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, 10(4), e00986.
