What is the Difference Between NMN and NAD+

The main difference between NMN and NAD+ is that NMN or nicotinamide mononucleotide is the precursor of NAD+ whereas NAD+ is a type of nucleotide involved in redox reactions in the metabolism, carrying electrons from one to another reaction.

NMN and NAD+ are two types of nucleotides important in metabolism. NMN is taken through the diet and the body converts NMN into NAD+ within 10 minutes enzymatically. Moreover, NAD+ is the oxidized form of NADH.

Key Areas Covered

• What is NMN
  • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
• What is NAD+
  • Definition, Characteristics, Importance
• Similarities Between NMN and NAD+
  • Outline of Common Features
• Difference Between NMN and NAD+
  • Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

NAD+, NMN, NADH

What is NMN

NMN or nicotinamide mononucleotide is the precursor of NADH, a naturally-occurring form of all living organisms. It contains nicotinamide, ribose, and a phosphate group. Therefore, it is an RNA nucleotide. Furthermore, enzymes convert NMN into NAD+. Thus, NMN boosts the levels of the essential molecule, NAD+ in the body. However, NAD+ levels fall with the age but, increasing NAD+ with NMN improves these ailments.

Figure 1: NMN

Moreover, NMN is considered a potential neuroprotective and anti-aging agent. NAD+ mediates the production of the energy our cells need to function and survive, fueling enzymes to repair DNA damage.  

What is NAD+

NAD+ is the oxidized form of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which is a coenzyme involved in catabolic reactions as an electron carrier. NADH is the reduced state of NAD+. Besides, NAD+ has two phosphate groups linked by an oxygen molecule. Each phosphate group also links with a five-carbon, ribose sugar. Furthermore, one ribose sugar links with an adenine nucleotide while the second ribose sugar links with a nicotinamide moiety. The transition of NAD to NAD+ occurs at the nitrogen molecule of the nicotinamide moiety.

Figure 2: NAD+

Furthermore, the main function of NAD+ is to accept a hydrogen atom or in other words, a proton. Here, accepting a proton represents accepting a pair of electrons. Therefore, NAD+ is involved in the redox reactions of cellular respiration including glycolysis, TCA cycle, and electron transport chain. Moreover, both glycolysis and TCA cycle produce NADH whose reduction energy is used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP. In addition, NAD serves as a coenzyme in the reactions in fatty acid synthesis and sterol synthesis.

Similarities Between NMN and NAD+

• NMN and NAD+ are two types of nucleotides important for the metabolism of the body.
• Moreover, both contain nicotinamide ribose and phosphate groups.
• Also, they both occur in all living cells.

Difference Between NMN and NAD+

Definition

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) refers to a nucleotide that is most recognized for its role as an intermediate of nicotinamide adenine, while NAD+ refers to a critical coenzyme found in every cell in the body, and it’s involved in hundreds of metabolic processes.

Correspondence

Usually, NMN is the precursor of NAD+ while NAD+ is the oxidized form of NADH, a coenzyme.

Components

NMN contains nicotinamide, ribose, and a phosphate group while NAD+ contains nicotinamide ribose and nicotinamide adenine nucleotide bound to nicotinamide ribose through a phosphodiester bond.

Significance

NMN is the precursor of NAD+ while NAD+ is an electron carrier of redox reactions in metabolism.

Conclusion

In brief, NMN and NAD+ are two types of nucleotides important in the metabolism of all living organisms. NMN is the precursor of NAD+. It contains a nicotinamide ribose and a phosphate group. In contrast, NAD+ is the oxidized form of NADH. It also serves as the electron carrier in the redox reactions of metabolism. Moreover, NAD+ contains two nucleotides bound together by a phosphodiester bond. However, the main difference between NMN and NAD+ is their structure and function.

References:

1. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN): Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Side Effects and Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved September 2, 2022.
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, August 8). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 2, 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Nicotinamide mononucleotide” By Ed – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “NAD+” By Wesalius – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia