NMN vs NR — which NAD+ precursor actually delivers results?
So I’ve been down the NAD+ rabbit hole for the past month and I’m honestly more confused than when I started. Everyone seems to have strong opinions about NMN vs NR but I can’t figure out which one actually works better?
I’m 38F, been on tirz for 6 months (down 32lbs, feeling great), but my energy levels are still pretty meh. My functional medicine doc suggested looking into NAD+ precursors to help with cellular energy and potentially the loose skin situation. She mentioned both NMN and NR but said the research is still evolving and left it up to me.
From what I’ve read, NMN might be more direct since it converts to NAD+ without needing to go through as many steps? But then I see people saying NR is more stable and has better absorption. Price-wise they’re pretty similar from what I’ve found.
Has anyone here actually tried both and noticed a real difference? I’m talking actual results not just what the studies say. Looking for real world experience here – better energy, skin quality, workout recovery, anything tangible. I don’t want to waste money on something that’s just expensive pee lol
I’ve been on NMN for about 8 months now (500mg sublingual every morning). Honestly didn’t notice much the first few weeks but around week 5-6 my recovery from workouts def improved. I’m 45M and lift 4x week. The difference was noticeable enough that my wife asked what I was doing differently.
Never tried NR though so I can’t compare directly. My understanding is that NMN has a larger molecule so absorption was questioned for a while, but newer research suggests it might have its own transporter. I just keep it under my tongue for a few minutes before swallowing. Could be placebo but I feel like it works better that way than just swallowing the capsules.
The debate between these two is kinda overblown imo. They both eventually convert to NAD+ in your cells, just through slightly different pathways. What matters more is the quality of what you’re buying and whether you’re addressing other factors that tank your NAD+ levels in the first place.
Like are you getting enough sleep? Managing stress? Those things deplete NAD+ faster than any supplement can replenish it. I tried NR last year and felt nothing, but I was also sleeping 5 hours a night and stressed out of my mind at work. Now I’m on NMN with better lifestyle habits and feel great, but I can’t say if it’s the supplement or everything else tbh.
I actually did try both! Started with NR (300mg daily) for 3 months and didn’t notice anything significant. Switched to NMN (1g daily, split morning and afternoon) and within about a month I felt like my brain fog lifted. This was while on sema btw.
But here’s the thing – what ResearchRabbit said about quality is SO important. I was buying cheap NR from Amazon the first time around and it was probably degraded or fake. When I switched to NMN I went with a reputable brand that does third party testing. That might’ve been the actual difference more than NMN vs NR. Just something to consider before you spend a bunch of money testing both!