NAD+ is a molecule every cell uses to make energy. You cannot usefully swallow NAD+ itself, so supplements provide building blocks (precursors) such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside), which the body can turn into NAD+. Small human studies show these can raise NAD+ levels in the blood and appear safe in the short term. Whether that slows ageing in people has not been shown.
NAD+, NMN and NR: what is the difference?
| NAD+ | NMN | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | The coenzyme cells use for energy | A direct building block of NAD+ | Another building block, one step earlier |
| How it is taken | Mainly by IV or as a label term | Capsules or powder | Capsules |
| Human evidence | Levels fall with age in some tissues | Small trials, mostly short-term | Small trials, mostly short-term |
| Example we stock | Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator (contains NR) | Primabolics NMN | Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator |
What do human studies show?
- NR: in a 2018 study by Martens and colleagues, healthy middle-aged and older adults who took 1,000 mg of NR a day for six weeks had higher NAD+ levels in their blood. The supplement was well tolerated.
- NMN: in a 2021 study by Yoshino and colleagues, 25 postmenopausal women with prediabetes who took 250 mg of NMN a day for 10 weeks had improved insulin sensitivity in muscle compared with placebo.
- Anti-ageing: most dramatic results come from mice. There is no good evidence yet that NMN or NR extends lifespan or reverses ageing in people.
Products we stock compared
| Product | Per daily serve | Serves | Price | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primabolics NMN | 250 mg NMN (1 capsule) | 60 | $89.95 | $1.50 |
| Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator | 300 mg NR (NIAGEN) (1 capsule) | 30 | $59.95 | $2.00 |
Primabolics NMN gives the same 250 mg daily dose used in the 2021 NMN study. Life Extension's NR product uses the patented NIAGEN form, and the label says it does not cause flushing.
Who might try them, and who should not
- Healthy adults curious to try a precursor should expect subtle effects at most, and should not use them instead of exercise, sleep and a healthy diet, which have far stronger evidence for healthy ageing.
- Avoid them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor first if you take medication, have diabetes, or have a history of cancer.
Our verdict
NMN and NR reliably raise NAD+ levels, and early human research is promising but small. If you want to try one, Primabolics NMN is the best value at a studied dose, and Life Extension NR suits people who prefer the NIAGEN form.
Shop the products in this guide
Primabolics NMN
Life Extension NAD+ Cell RegeneratorBrowse NAD+ and NMN supplements.
FAQs
Is NMN better than NR?
There is no head-to-head evidence showing one is better in people. Both raise NAD+ levels in small studies. NMN is a step closer to NAD+, and NR has a few more published human trials, so choose on dose, price and brand.
Does NMN slow ageing?
It has not been shown to slow ageing in people. The striking anti-ageing results come from animal studies. In humans, small trials show NMN raises NAD+ and, in one study, improved muscle insulin sensitivity in women with prediabetes.
How much NMN should I take?
Follow your label. Human studies have used around 250 mg to 1,000 mg a day. The 2021 study that found a benefit in women with prediabetes used 250 mg a day.
Are NAD+ supplements safe?
Short-term studies of NMN and NR have reported them to be well tolerated. Long-term safety data is limited, so avoid them in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and check with your doctor if you have a medical condition or take medication.
Sources: Martens and colleagues (2018), nicotinamide riboside in older adults; Yoshino and colleagues (2021), NMN in women with prediabetes; product labels and brand nutrition panels, checked October 2026.
Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $99.99 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person. Members can use our member price match on full-priced items.
Prices and stock were checked on 22 October 2026 and can change at any time. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.
