NAD and similar compounds
- NAD/NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/phosphate): Biologically active coenzyme
- NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH: maintain the level between oxidizing and reducing agents
NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
- What is it?
NAD⁺ is a vital co-factor in every cell. - Function:
- Plays a central role in energy production (ATP) in the mitochondria.
- Supports DNA repair and regulates cell ageing processes.
- Age effect:
- With increasing age, NAD⁺ levels fall, which is associated with signs of ageing, reduced metabolism and lower cell function.
- Uptake: Can diffuse directly through the cell membrane.
- Advantage: Immediately available for NAD⁺ metabolism in the cell.
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)
Important note on approval:
NMN is currently not approved as a food supplement in the EU and Switzerland. Although some products are available online, they operate in a legally restricted or unclear area.
- What is it?
NMN is a direct precursor of NAD⁺. - Function:
- Is absorbed by the body and converted into NAD⁺.
- Supports energy production, metabolism and cellular health.
- Supplementation:
- NMN is often used as a dietary supplement to increase NAD⁺ levels in old age.
- Initial studies indicate benefits for longevity, metabolic health and energy levels.
- Uptake: Cannot directly penetrate the cell membrane.
- Transport: Must first be converted via specific transporters (e.g. Slc12a8 in mice, not yet fully clarified in humans) or into nicotinamide.
NAM (nicotinamide)
- What is it?
NAM is another form of vitamin B3 and also an NAD⁺ precursor. - Function:
- Supports cell metabolism and DNA repair.
- Plays a role in anti-aging processes.
- How to apply:
- Used both as a supplement and in cosmetic products to combat skin ageing, pigmentation spots and acne.
The easy way to NAD+
NAM can enter our cells directly and, together with ribose and phosphorus, be further converted to NMN and then NAD+.
Summary / Comparison
| Substance | Roll | Special feature |
| NAD⁺ | Co-factor in cells, energy production, DNA repair | Levels fall with increasing age |
| NMN | Direct precursor of NAD⁺ | Not approved as a supplement (EU/CH) |
| NAM | Vitamin B3, NAD⁺-Vorläufer | Auch in Kosmetik gegen Hautalterung |
NAD⁺ is a central building block for energy production and cell health. Precursors such as NAM and NMN can theoretically contribute to supporting NAD⁺ metabolism.
While NAM is well established, NMN is currently not approved as a food supplement in the EU and Switzerland and should therefore be treated with caution.
nadLIFE Energy+ for increased energy & vitality
