How to Make NMN Work Better, According to New Research

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) has become one of the most talked-about supplements in the world of longevity and anti-ageing for good reason. It’s a direct precursor to NAD+, a molecule essential for energy metabolism, cellular repair, and mitochondrial health.

But a recent 2024 human trial has shown that NMN on its own may not be the most effective way to raise NAD+ levels — especially as we get older. The study offers new insight into how to make NMN work better, using a more intelligent, systems-based approach to support the full NAD+ pathway.

a woman drinking taking a supplement

🔬 What the Study Actually Tested

The trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study carried out by Nuchido Labs. Instead of just using NMN or nicotinamide riboside (NR), the researchers tested a multi-ingredient formulation designed to boost NAD+ through multiple mechanisms.

Their strategy focused on not just giving the body a precursor, but also supporting the enzymes and co-factors involved in converting and recycling NAD+ inside the body.

Core outcomes:

  • Whole blood NAD+ increased by an average of 26.5%, with some subjects seeing increases of over 100%
  • NAMPT — the key enzyme that drives NAD+ production in the salvage pathway — increased significantly
  • Inflammatory markers, particularly IL-2, were reduced
  • Protein glycation dropped, and IgG glycan profiles improved, suggesting a reduction in biological age

This is important because it shows that boosting NAD+ isn’t just about taking more NMN — it’s about supporting the pathway that turns NMN into useful NAD+.

🧬 Why NMN Alone Might Not Be Enough

As we age, our cellular metabolism slows, and the enzymes that keep NAD+ production running — especially NAMPT — become less active.

This creates a bottleneck: even if you take NMN every day, you may not be able to convert it efficiently into NAD+ unless you also address the underlying decline in enzyme activity and mitochondrial function.

This is where Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) becomes relevant.

⚡️ The Role of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production. It has also been shown to:

  • Activate AMPK, a longevity-associated enzyme that regulates metabolism
  • Increase NAMPT expression, helping convert NMN into NAD+ more efficiently
  • Improve redox balance, supporting healthy NAD+/NADH ratios

In short, ALA doesn’t just support energy metabolism — it helps your body use NMN more effectively by upregulating the machinery that converts it into NAD+.

✅ The Smarter Stack: NMN + ALA

When you combine NMN with ALA, you support both:

  • NAD+ synthesis (via NMN, the direct precursor), and
  • NAD+ recycling and conversion (via ALA, which boosts NAMPT and AMPK activity)

This is exactly the type of multi-pathway approach tested in the Nuchido TIME+ study — and it offers a more complete strategy for anyone looking to improve energy levels, cellular health, or healthy ageing outcomes.

💊 Try the NAD+ Activator Bundle

We’ve formulated our NAD+ Activator Bundle based on this systems-level strategy.

It includes:

  • 500mg NMN (β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, 60 capsules – 2-month supply)
  • 300mg Alpha Lipoic Acid (120 capsules – 4-month supply)
  • Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, manufactured in the UK to GMP standards
  • Vegetarian capsules, non-GMO, and free from unnecessary fillers

Together, these supplements offer a complementary, evidence-informed approach to optimising NAD+ — with savings when bought as a bundle, and free UK delivery included.

Explore the NAD+ Activator Bundle now →

Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

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