Over the next few weeks I'm going to spotlight the ingredients I've chosen.
Today is all about NR one of the main ingredients. I chose it for it's incredible energy-boosting ability.
Let's take it a step back and bear with me because this is a little bit sciencey...
What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)?
NR is a direct precursor to NAD+. It bypasses the cellular membrane without conversion and transforms into NAD+ inside the cell through enzymatic reactions, boosting NAD+ levels.
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a cornerstone molecule in some of the body’s most vital processes, such as energy metabolism, DNA repair, and maintaining epigenetic balance. As we age, our natural production of NAD+ declines, yet our bodies require more of it, highlighting its role in the aging process.
Why Not Just Supplement NAD+ Directly?
Direct NAD+ supplementation isn’t effective due to its poor bioavailability when taken orally. Instead, precursors to NAD+, such as Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), offer a more efficient pathway by enhancing absorption and increasing NAD+ levels within the body.
Clinical Insights and Benefits of NR Supplementation:
- Energy Production: NAD+ is crucial for mitochondrial function, enhancing energy production and overall cellular health. Increasing NAD+ via NR supplementation can stimulate energy production and improve mitochondria function.
- Antioxidant Support and DNA Repair: NAD+ helps maintain cellular redox balance and activates sirtuins, enzymes that protect against oxidative damage and aid in DNA repair.
- Epigenetic Influence: By affecting epigenetic modifications, NAD+ plays a crucial role in gene expression crucial for reproductive health, influencing everything from oocyte and sperm development to early embryo growth. Which is especially incredible for those taking MitoMag whilst conceiving or pregnant!
- Enhanced Cellular Signaling: NAD+ supports key reproductive events like folliculogenesis and embryo implantation by modulating cellular signaling and metabolism. Again, amazing for those pregnant and taking MitoMag.
- Bioavailability: NR is orally bioavailable and has shown superior absorption compared to other NAD+ precursors such as NMN which isn't approved by the TGA.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recognised NR as safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding at the dose within MitoMag. Yay!