NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a molecule involved in the body's production of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme that plays an important role in cellular energy metabolism.

NAD+ is present in cells throughout the body and is involved in processes that help convert nutrients into usable cellular energy. NMN acts as a precursor to NAD+, meaning it can be used by the body in pathways that produce NAD+.

Interest in NMN has grown alongside research into NAD+, cellular metabolism and ageing. Research into NMN supplementation in humans is still developing, however, and NMN should not be regarded as a treatment for age-related changes or medical conditions.

Why are people interested in NMN supplements?

Interest in NMN supplements largely comes from the relationship between NMN and NAD+. NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and numerous cellular processes, while NMN is one of the precursors the body can use to produce it.

This relationship has led to growing scientific interest in NMN, NAD+ and their roles in cellular metabolism and ageing. NMN is also found naturally in small amounts in certain foods.

What is the difference between NMN and NAD+?

NMN and NAD+ are different but closely related molecules. NMN is a precursor used by the body in pathways that produce NAD+, while NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and many other cellular processes.

In simple terms, NMN is one of the substances the body can use to produce NAD+. This is why NMN and NAD+ are frequently discussed together, but they are not the same compound.

How does NMN work?

NMN acts as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). The body uses NMN within pathways that produce NAD+, a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and many other cellular processes.

NAD+ plays an important role in reactions that help cells convert nutrients into usable energy. This relationship between NMN and NAD+ is why NMN has become an area of scientific interest, particularly in research into cellular metabolism and ageing.

NMN FAQs

What does NMN stand for?

NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide. It is a molecule involved in the body's production of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme found in cells throughout the body and is involved in cellular energy metabolism, including processes that help convert nutrients into usable cellular energy.

What is the difference between NMN and NAD+?

NMN and NAD+ are different but closely related molecules. NMN is a precursor used by the body in pathways that produce NAD+, while NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and many other cellular processes.

What foods contain NMN?

NMN occurs naturally in small amounts in foods including broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, avocado and edamame. The amounts found in foods are generally small compared with those provided by NMN supplements.

Why are NMN and NAD+ often discussed together?

NMN and NAD+ are often discussed together because NMN is one of the precursors the body can use to produce NAD+. This relationship has led to scientific interest in NMN alongside research into NAD+, cellular metabolism and ageing.

When is the best time to take NMN?

There is no established requirement to take NMN at a particular time of day. For Lily & Loaf NMN 600, we recommend taking two capsules daily with plenty of water, preferably with a meal. Taking them at a consistent time can make supplementation easier to incorporate into your routine.

How much NMN is in Lily & Loaf NMN 600?

Lily & Loaf NMN 600 provides 600mg of nicotinamide mononucleotide per recommended daily serving of two capsules. Each bottle contains 60 vegan capsules, providing a 30-day supply when taken as directed.

Can NMN be taken with other supplements?

NMN may form part of a wider supplement routine, but individual requirements vary. If you take other supplements or medicines, have an existing medical condition or are unsure whether NMN is appropriate for you, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.

Is Lily & Loaf NMN 600 suitable for vegans?

Yes. Lily & Loaf NMN 600 is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. The capsules are vegetable-based, and the product is also gluten-free.

What should I look for when choosing an NMN supplement?

When comparing NMN supplements, check the amount of NMN provided per daily serving, recommended dosage, number of servings, full ingredient information and dietary suitability. Clear labelling and information about the manufacturer or supplier can also help you compare products accurately.

Who is NMN suitable for?

NMN supplements are generally intended for adults. They are not recommended for children, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

If you take prescription medication, have an existing medical condition or are unsure whether an NMN supplement is appropriate for you, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional before use.

What does the research say about NMN?

Human research into NMN supplementation is still developing. Clinical studies have investigated its relationship with NAD+ levels, metabolism, physical function and other measures, but studies to date have generally been relatively small and short-term.

Some trials have found that oral NMN supplementation can increase blood NAD+ concentrations. However, this does not mean that all proposed benefits of NMN have been established in humans. Systematic reviews have found that evidence for wider metabolic and physical benefits remains limited or inconsistent, and further high-quality, longer-term research is needed.

NMN: A Comprehensive Guide

Yi L, et al. (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. DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00705-1.

Chen F, et al. (2024). Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Current Diabetes Reports, 25(1), 4. DOI: 10.1007/s11892-024-01557-z.

Zhang J, Poon ETC, Wong SHS. (2025). Efficacy of oral nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism for adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 65(22), 4382–4400. DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2387324.