The Dylan Gemelli Podcast – Episode #83
Title: Uncovering the TRUTH about NAD supplements! NAD VS. NMN VS. NR!
Date: January 20, 2026
Host: Dylan Gemelli

Overview

In this solo episode, Dylan Gemelli delves deep into the science and hype surrounding NAD supplements, focusing on the key differences and efficacy between NAD, NMN, and NR. Drawing on his own research and insights from leading experts like Dr. Andrew Saltzman and Baron Delaber, Dylan separates fact from fiction in the world of longevity and energy supplementation. He highlights why certain products may be a waste of money, explains fundamental cellular biology, and shares actionable guidance on optimizing NAD levels for health, metabolic function, and anti-aging—all in his signature, energetic, no-nonsense style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why the Focus on NAD, NMN, and NR?

• Dylan acknowledges confusion and misinformation dominating the supplement industry, especially regarding NAD products.
• Quote [03:27]:
  Dylan: “NAD has become one of the more polarizing topics of discussion. There’s a lot of confusion. There’s a lot of people … bad actors out there that know that NAD supplements themselves don’t directly work. Yet they sell these and market these.”
• His mission: clarify how NAD, NMN, and NR work, explain their scientific differences, and empower listeners to make informed choices.

2. What is NAD and Why Is It Important?

• NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is vital for cellular health, DNA repair, mitochondrial function, energy production, and longevity.
• As we age, NAD production significantly declines, leading to slower recovery, lower energy, and signs of aging (e.g., graying hair, wrinkles).
  Quote [06:09]: Dylan: "It is the molecule that absolutely keeps us young. All right, so keep in mind as we go through this, the absolute importance of NAD in itself and keeping those levels high in our bodies."

3. Why NAD Supplements Don’t Work (Directly)

• Direct NAD supplementation (even IV) does not efficiently boost cellular NAD because:
  • NAD is a large molecule and struggles to cross the cell membrane.
  • Cells protect and retain NAD, making absorption from oral or IV sources ineffective.
• The solution: Use precursors—smaller molecules that can enter cells and convert to NAD.

4. NMN vs. NR: What’s the Difference?

• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide):
  • Has an extra phosphate group, making it the most direct precursor.
  • Equipped with its own transporter for direct cell entry.
  • Immediate precursor to NAD—bypasses the need for conversion from NR.
• NR (nicotinamide riboside):
  • Needs to be converted into NMN first, then to NAD—one extra step.
• Quote [10:27]: Dylan: “In order for NR to actually convert to NAD in the cells, it actually has to first be converted to NMN. So… if you take NMN directly, it actually eliminates this entire step. That's something that a lot of people don’t know or understand.”

5. Which is Best and Why?

• Both NMN and NR are effective; NMN is the most efficient due to its direct pathway and higher bioavailability.
• NMN can be easily taken daily (tablet, capsule, powder), is safe, and offers gradual, sustained NAD increases.
• Advice: NMN “has the edge” for straightforward NAD boosting, but NR is still a good option for many.

6. The Role of CD38: The ‘NAD Sink’ Problem

• CD38: An enzyme that actively drains NAD, particularly during aging or inflammation.
  • High CD38 activity leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic decline, inflammation, and disease.
• Inhibiting CD38 protects NAD levels and cellular health.
• Product mention: Dylan praises Wonderfeel, a supplement brand that includes CD38 inhibitors and a research-backed NMN dose (900mg/day).

7. The ‘Wonderfeel’ Formulation: Beyond Just NMN

• Wonderfeel’s NMN includes:
  • NMN (900mg, supported by peer-reviewed studies)
  • Ergothioneine (powerful antioxidant)
  • Resveratrol (supports brain, heart, longevity)
  • Hydroxytyrosol (anti-inflammatory, supports metabolism)
  • Vitamin D (supports overall health, stem cell generation in the gut)
• The comprehensive formula addresses both boosting NAD and preventing its depletion.

8. Personalization and Dosing

• “Everyone is different”: Response to NMN/NR is highly individual.
• Start with a lower dose and titrate up based on tolerance.
• Example [25:40]:
  Dylan: “My wife could not do the 900 milligram dose of NMN, but when we cut it in half, she has responded extremely well.”
• Importance of listening to your body, adjusting dose, and recognizing individual thresholds.

9. General Guidance on NAD Supplementation

• Always research the studies and backgrounds of experts behind a product.
• Look for both scientific evidence and real-world effects.
• Beware of marketing claims, over-promising, and supplements that don't address CD38.

10. Final Words of Caution and Inspiration

• “Be aware, be smart, ask questions … even the most brilliant people in the world still always ask questions and do what's best for you.” [27:50]
• Dylan’s advice: Remain skeptical, do your own research, and prioritize safe experimentation over hype.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On lifelong learning:
  [02:15] “Michael Jordan didn’t stop shooting jump shots. Tom Brady didn’t stop throwing … You stay sharp by staying on your game.”
• On supplement scams:
  [03:32] “There’s a lot of bad actors out there that know that NAD supplements themselves don’t directly work. Yet they sell these and market these.”
• Demystifying scientific jargon:
  [05:06] “Nicotinamide mononucleotide. NR stands for nicotinamide riboside. And NAD, the real fun one to say, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Okay, that was fun. We’re gonna stick to the short form from here on out…”
• On personal experience:
  [25:40] “My wife could not do the 900 milligram dose of NMN, but when we cut it in half, she has responded extremely well. No problems, no side effects, no nothing. And you can see the vibrancy.”

Important Timestamps

• Introduction & Purpose of Episode — [01:12]
• What is NAD? Why does it matter? — [05:38]
• Direct NAD supplementation: why it doesn't work — [08:10]
• NMN vs NR: The science & differences — [09:58]
• Why NMN is the superior precursor — [11:20]
• The CD38 factor and NAD depletion — [14:27]
• Wonderfeel’s multi-ingredient approach — [15:57]
• Dosing, individualization, and practical tips — [24:33]
• Final cautions and summary — [27:16]

Summary Table: NAD, NMN, and NR

| Molecule | Full Name | Role | Absorption & Efficacy | Notes | |:--------------|:----------------------------------|:-----------------------|:-----------------------------------------|:---------------------| | NAD | Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide| Essential for cellular health, DNA repair | Cannot easily cross cell membrane; direct supplementation ineffective | Declines with age | | NMN | Nicotinamide mononucleotide | Immediate NAD precursor | Direct cell uptake, high bioavailability; most efficient conversion to NAD | Best for direct NAD boosting | | NR | Nicotinamide riboside | Precursor to NMN, then NAD | Must convert first to NMN, then to NAD; effective but less direct | Still useful |

Conclusion

Dylan’s deep dive cuts through the noise around NAD and its precursors, laying out a practical, science-backed approach for those seeking health, energy, and longevity benefits from supplementation. The upshot: skip direct NAD, focus on NMN (with CD38 inhibition, ideally), personalize dosage, and always stay skeptical of hyped-up claims. Dylan leaves listeners educated, empowered, and motivated to take control of the aging process—one smart step at a time.