NMN vs NR: Key differences
A brand-new authoritative study is here! A 2025 experiment by the Northwest A&F University team, published in the Journal of Microbiology (Core Journal, DOI: 10.13343/j.cnki.wsxb.20250174), revealed with rigorous data the true health effects of NMN and NR—two NAD+ precursors that both support gut health, fight inflammation and oxidation, yet each has its own distinct strengths. After reading this, you’ll never have to struggle over which to choose again!
PART 01
The Common Power: NMN and NR Both Build the Body’s Foundation
The study divided 45 C57 mice into three groups: one control group drinking plain water, and two groups gavaged with NMN or NR (400 mg/(kg·d), 5 times per week). After 8 weeks, the results were astonishing: both compounds achieved consensus in regulating gut health and metabolism.
Rebalancing the Gut Microbiota: More Beneficial Bacteria, More Stability
The gut microbiota functions like a “miniature ecosystem”—the richer and more balanced it is, the healthier the host. The experiment found that after NMN or NR supplementation, the “richness” (Chao1 index) and “diversity” (Shannon index) of gut microbiota in mice increased significantly, meaning more beneficial bacteria and fewer harmful ones.
Figure 1: Effects of NMN and NR feeding on intestinal microbial diversity in mice.
A: Comparison of intestinal microbial α-diversity between the control and NMN groups;
B: Comparison of intestinal microbial α-diversity between the control and NR groups.
The dominant bacterial phyla also shifted: Bacteroidota (responsible for nutrient absorption and immune regulation) and Pseudomonadota increased, while Actinomycetota (associated with inflammation when imbalanced) decreased, without causing dysbiosis—essentially adding a “stabilizer” to the gut.
Figure 2: Effects of NMN and NR feeding on intestinal microbial diversity in mice.
C: Phylum-level species abundance in the NMN-fed group;
D: Phylum-level species abundance in the NR-fed group
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Double Boost: Protecting Health from Metabolism to Genes
Inflammation and oxidative damage are root causes of many disorders. NMN and NR counter them from both sides:
Metabolically: both significantly upregulated anti-inflammatory fatty acid metabolites such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, as well as antioxidant metabolites like salicylic acid—adding a “natural defense shield” to the body.
Figure 3: Heat map of differential metabolites in the NMN-fed group
Figure 4: Heat map of differential metabolites in the NR-fed group
Genetically: quantitative PCR testing confirmed that both compounds inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, effectively reducing inflammation at its source.
Figure 5: Effects of feeding NMN and NR on intestinal inflammatory factors in mice.
A: PCR expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α);
B: PCR expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6);
PART 02
Key Differences: Choosing NMN or NR for Precise Health Optimization
While they share core benefits, the study clearly identified each compound’s area of expertise. Choose according to your needs for double the results.
NMN: The “Guardian” of Gut Barrier Health
If you often experience gut discomfort or worry about mucosal damage, NMN is the better choice. It significantly increases the number of goblet cells in the colon—these “mucus factories” secrete protective mucus that forms a physical barrier between harmful bacteria and intestinal epithelium, enhancing gut resistance. NMN also more strongly modulates gut microbiota diversity and strengthens local immunity through the “Bacteroidota–fatty acid” axis—essentially a personalized gut health solution.
Figure 6: Statistics of goblet cells in mouse colon
Figure 7: Comparison of intestinal microbial α-diversity among mice in the control, NMN, and NR groups
NR: The “Booster” for Muscle Vitality
Want to improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue? NR shines here! Surprisingly, mice in the NR group showed significantly higher grip strength than those in the NMN and control groups. Mechanistically, NR upregulates metabolites like arachidic acid (for membrane repair) and L-asparagine (for energy optimization), activates core energy pathways such as the TCA cycle, and downregulates oxidative stress markers like hydroquinone—essentially “energizing and unburdening” muscles for peak performance.
Figure 8: Statistics of mice’s grasping ability
PART 03
Choose According to Your Needs—Science Over Guesswork
The 2025 findings make it clear: NMN and NR are not substitutes but complementary options. Whether your goal is protecting gut health or enhancing physical vitality, choosing the right NAD+ precursor backed by authoritative literature gives your health a double layer of assurance.
PART 04
Bontac Bio’s NR Malate: Excellence in NR Technology and Quality
Since 2012, Bontac Bio has been a high-tech enterprise specializing in biocatalysis technology. In developing and producing NR Malate (NRHM), the company integrates its unique expertise and innovation, showcasing outstanding technical and product advantages.
Exclusive Technological Edge: Bontac Bio’s NR Malate holds the world’s first crystal form patent, achieving a molecular-level breakthrough that optimizes product performance. As a pioneer in the NMN industry, Bontac applies its globally original all-enzyme catalytic process—an innovation leading the industry. To date, the company has filed over 200 domestic and international invention patents and established China’s first provincial Coenzyme Engineering Technology Research Center, building strong competitive advantages through solid R&D strength.
Uncompromising Product Quality: Bontac enforces rigorous quality control standards. Third-party testing by CTI confirmed that NR Malate contains no detectable cadmium, mercury, lead, or arsenic—ensuring safety from the source. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed almost no impurity peaks, while moisture and microbial indicators far exceeded industry standards, reflecting exceptional purity. Critically, stability testing showed that under normal light-protected conditions, Bontac NR Malate degraded at only half the rate of regular NR (NRCL), ensuring reliable quality in both long-term storage and product applications.
Compliance and Certification: Bontac holds FSSC 22000, Self-GRAS, FDA, Kosher, and HALAL international certifications, ensuring full compliance with global standards from R&D to production. Additional studies, including anti-photoaging and zebrafish NAD+ level tests, further verified its efficacy and potential.
Today, Bontac NR Malate is steadily advancing in compliant applications. For more insights into NR technology or premium product development, follow Bontac Bio—an industry leader in coenzyme biotechnology dedicated to sharing its R&D stories and quality standards.
PART 01
The Common Power: NMN and NR Both Build the Body’s Foundation
The study divided 45 C57 mice into three groups: one control group drinking plain water, and two groups gavaged with NMN or NR (400 mg/(kg·d), 5 times per week). After 8 weeks, the results were astonishing: both compounds achieved consensus in regulating gut health and metabolism.
Rebalancing the Gut Microbiota: More Beneficial Bacteria, More Stability
The gut microbiota functions like a “miniature ecosystem”—the richer and more balanced it is, the healthier the host. The experiment found that after NMN or NR supplementation, the “richness” (Chao1 index) and “diversity” (Shannon index) of gut microbiota in mice increased significantly, meaning more beneficial bacteria and fewer harmful ones.
Figure 1: Effects of NMN and NR feeding on intestinal microbial diversity in mice.
A: Comparison of intestinal microbial α-diversity between the control and NMN groups;
B: Comparison of intestinal microbial α-diversity between the control and NR groups.
The dominant bacterial phyla also shifted: Bacteroidota (responsible for nutrient absorption and immune regulation) and Pseudomonadota increased, while Actinomycetota (associated with inflammation when imbalanced) decreased, without causing dysbiosis—essentially adding a “stabilizer” to the gut.
Figure 2: Effects of NMN and NR feeding on intestinal microbial diversity in mice.
C: Phylum-level species abundance in the NMN-fed group;
D: Phylum-level species abundance in the NR-fed group
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Double Boost: Protecting Health from Metabolism to Genes
Inflammation and oxidative damage are root causes of many disorders. NMN and NR counter them from both sides:
Metabolically: both significantly upregulated anti-inflammatory fatty acid metabolites such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, as well as antioxidant metabolites like salicylic acid—adding a “natural defense shield” to the body.
Figure 3: Heat map of differential metabolites in the NMN-fed group
Figure 4: Heat map of differential metabolites in the NR-fed group
Genetically: quantitative PCR testing confirmed that both compounds inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, effectively reducing inflammation at its source.
Figure 5: Effects of feeding NMN and NR on intestinal inflammatory factors in mice.
A: PCR expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α);
B: PCR expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6);
PART 02
Key Differences: Choosing NMN or NR for Precise Health Optimization
While they share core benefits, the study clearly identified each compound’s area of expertise. Choose according to your needs for double the results.
NMN: The “Guardian” of Gut Barrier Health
If you often experience gut discomfort or worry about mucosal damage, NMN is the better choice. It significantly increases the number of goblet cells in the colon—these “mucus factories” secrete protective mucus that forms a physical barrier between harmful bacteria and intestinal epithelium, enhancing gut resistance. NMN also more strongly modulates gut microbiota diversity and strengthens local immunity through the “Bacteroidota–fatty acid” axis—essentially a personalized gut health solution.
Figure 6: Statistics of goblet cells in mouse colon
Figure 7: Comparison of intestinal microbial α-diversity among mice in the control, NMN, and NR groups
NR: The “Booster” for Muscle Vitality
Want to improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue? NR shines here! Surprisingly, mice in the NR group showed significantly higher grip strength than those in the NMN and control groups. Mechanistically, NR upregulates metabolites like arachidic acid (for membrane repair) and L-asparagine (for energy optimization), activates core energy pathways such as the TCA cycle, and downregulates oxidative stress markers like hydroquinone—essentially “energizing and unburdening” muscles for peak performance.
Figure 8: Statistics of mice’s grasping ability
PART 03
Choose According to Your Needs—Science Over Guesswork
The 2025 findings make it clear: NMN and NR are not substitutes but complementary options. Whether your goal is protecting gut health or enhancing physical vitality, choosing the right NAD+ precursor backed by authoritative literature gives your health a double layer of assurance.
PART 04
Bontac Bio’s NR Malate: Excellence in NR Technology and Quality
Since 2012, Bontac Bio has been a high-tech enterprise specializing in biocatalysis technology. In developing and producing NR Malate (NRHM), the company integrates its unique expertise and innovation, showcasing outstanding technical and product advantages.
Exclusive Technological Edge: Bontac Bio’s NR Malate holds the world’s first crystal form patent, achieving a molecular-level breakthrough that optimizes product performance. As a pioneer in the NMN industry, Bontac applies its globally original all-enzyme catalytic process—an innovation leading the industry. To date, the company has filed over 200 domestic and international invention patents and established China’s first provincial Coenzyme Engineering Technology Research Center, building strong competitive advantages through solid R&D strength.
Uncompromising Product Quality: Bontac enforces rigorous quality control standards. Third-party testing by CTI confirmed that NR Malate contains no detectable cadmium, mercury, lead, or arsenic—ensuring safety from the source. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed almost no impurity peaks, while moisture and microbial indicators far exceeded industry standards, reflecting exceptional purity. Critically, stability testing showed that under normal light-protected conditions, Bontac NR Malate degraded at only half the rate of regular NR (NRCL), ensuring reliable quality in both long-term storage and product applications.
Compliance and Certification: Bontac holds FSSC 22000, Self-GRAS, FDA, Kosher, and HALAL international certifications, ensuring full compliance with global standards from R&D to production. Additional studies, including anti-photoaging and zebrafish NAD+ level tests, further verified its efficacy and potential.
Today, Bontac NR Malate is steadily advancing in compliant applications. For more insights into NR technology or premium product development, follow Bontac Bio—an industry leader in coenzyme biotechnology dedicated to sharing its R&D stories and quality standards.
