NMN vs. Urolithin A: What you need to know
Urolithin A is a naturally occurring compound that improves health at the cellular level. Learn what makes Urolithin A a better alternative to NMN
![MNM vs Urolithin A](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/f08dd37fb731f5800617fcfdd19dced8cd365d07-2641x1760.png?rect=1,0,2640,1760&w=3840&h=2560&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
NMN is an anti-aging supplement that has been gaining a lot of popularity among people who are looking to increase their life span and improve their health. Recently this supplement has made headlines as the FDA looks into its potential use as a drug and stops dietary supplement sales.
If you are looking for an NMN alternative, Mitopure, a highly pure form of Urolithin A, might be just what you are seeking.
![MNM](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/6f5d968a973e186bcaaae7aaf6925c79ae937dc5-2641x1428.png?w=3840&h=2076&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
About NMN
NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide. It is a naturally occurring molecule that acts as a direct precursor to NAD+, a critical coenzyme necessary for energy metabolism and cell function. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, which is associated with many age-related chronic conditions such as neurodegenerative disease, metabolic conditions, and certain forms of cancer.[1]
Like Urolithin A, NMN works at the mitochondrial level, where it drives energy production, protects against DNA damage, and plays a role in cellular balance.[2]
Studies have shown that NMN supplementation increases NAD+ synthesis in the body, which is associated with improvements in health and the aging process.[3]
![Hand holding pills](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/55b58c1ef8e386f86f95c8e390f68904fee66fd5-2641x1428.png?w=3840&h=2076&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
Is NMN a supplement or drug?
Currently, in the United States, NMN is sold as a dietary supplement, meaning it can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. However, NMN has come under the scrutiny of the FDA, as a biotech company pursues an NMN-based drug development to treat a variety of conditions associated with aging. [4]If NMN is to be classified as a drug, it can no longer be sold over the counter as a dietary supplement, so sales must be halted.
This order has NMN proponents looking for safe NAD+ alternatives. Urolithin A, which improves the health of the mitochondria, provides people with a great option to promote cellular health.
NMN vs Urolithin A
Urolithin A is a gut-derived molecule that research shows can energize cells, increase muscle strength and improve endurance. Urolithin A and NAD+ boosters both support energy production and play a role in the aging process, but they do so in different ways.
Both NAD+ and Urolithin A help to create new mitochondria through a process called biogenesis; however, Urolithin A has another important function. It optimizes a process called mitophagy, where damaged mitochondria get removed and recycled into newer, more efficient ones.
Mitopure is the first and only Urolithin A dietary supplement that provides a purer and stronger dose than we can get through diet alone. There are over 14 years worth of research demonstrating its benefits. Since Mitopure benefits stem from its impact on the mitochondria, it plays a powerful role in how we age.
What are the benefits of Urolithin A?
There are over 300 clinical trials investigating both the safety and efficacy of Urolithin A. In human clinical trials, supplementing with Mitopure demonstrated significant improvements in muscle health when compared to placebo. This includes:
![Mitopure benefits](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/5b118935ddd8a1cbbf4f40bbe8b88770d3acb092-2641x807.png?w=3840&h=1173&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
Is Urolithin A safer than NMN?
Several human trials have demonstrated that Urolithin A is safe, and there are no known Mitopure side effects.[5] This makes Mitopure a great alternative for people looking for a safe NAD+ alternative or who are concerned with the fact that NMN is being investigated as a drug.
Additionally, Mitopure is FDA GRAS approved, and NSF Certified for Sport, which speaks to its safety and quality.
Final thoughts
Both NMN and Urolithin A promote healthy aging and increased life span by acting on the mitochondria. With the recent concerns around sales of NMN, Mitopure offers a safe and effective alternative.
![Mitopure Powder being poured into a bottle of water](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/66bef0d995c684ac787470efa248bb26d581dbb4-2641x1428.png?w=3840&h=2076&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
If you are interested in trying Mitopure, head on over to Timeline Nutrition’s store and order some today.
References
- ↑
Yaku K, Okabe K, Nakagawa T. NAD metabolism: Implications in aging and longevity. Ageing Res Rev. 2018;47:1-17. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2018.05.006 (https://www.zotero.org/google-docs/?80ZMeR)
- ↑
Yaku K, Okabe K, Nakagawa T. NAD metabolism: Implications in aging and longevity. Ageing Res Rev. 2018;47:1-17. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2018.05.006 (https://www.zotero.org/google-docs/?80ZMeR)
- ↑
Yoshino J, Baur JA, Imai S ichiro. NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):513-528. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2017.11.002 (https://www.zotero.org/google-docs/?80ZMeR)
- ↑
nutraingredients-usa.com. FDA’s takedown of NMN raises fairness, transparency concerns. nutraingredients-usa.com. Accessed November 23, 2022. https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2022/11/15/FDA-s-takedown-of-NMN-raises-fairness-transparency-concerns (https://www.zotero.org/google-docs/?80ZMeR)
- ↑
Andreux PA, Blanco-Bose W, Ryu D, et al. The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans. Nat Metab. 2019;1(6):595-603. doi:10.1038/s42255-019-0073-4 (https://www.zotero.org/google-docs/?80ZMeR)
![Dr. Mark Hyman on the TODAY tv show](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/f53e7774df3c88ad00cf06e6f082eea7eb3d9d17-2640x1760.jpg?w=3840&h=2560&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
•
Nutrition•
Dr. Mark Hyman on TODAY: Longevity and Urolithin A
![Sand glass and brain 3d render](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/bxsu76x0/timeline-nutrition/06f0a32216b12e693cf92368d603e2b31d1cd448-2640x1760.jpg?w=3840&h=2560&q=80&fit=crop&auto=format)
•