Misconception! Is it true that higher purity NMN powder is always better?
The quality of NMN powder is judged from multiple dimensions, not solely based on the pursuit of the highest purity level.
Release time：
2025-12-11
Source：
In the anti-aging plant extract ingredient market, NMN (β-nicotinamide mononucleotide) powder has become a popular choice for health supplement and functional food companies due to its core value of "activating NAD+ and delaying cellular aging."However, the industry has long been dominated by the simplistic notion that "purity equals quality," leading many customers into the misconception of "blindly pursuing 99.9%+ high purity." In reality, the definition of high-quality NMN powder should be based on a multi-dimensional system encompassing "purity threshold + isomer control + stability + safety + suitability for specific applications." Excessive pursuit of extreme purity not only increases costs but may also compromise the product's practicality and safety.
一、The root of the misconception: Why is "purity above all else" a misleading concept in the industry?
1. Purity does not equal activity: Isomers are the "key to activity."
NMN powder exists in two isomeric forms: β-NMN and α-NMN. The human body can only absorb β-NMN and convert it into NAD+, while α-NMN is not only inactive but may also compete for metabolic pathways, affecting absorption.
2. Extreme purity does not equal stability: high purity can easily lead to oxidative degradation.
NMN powder is a water-soluble active substance. The higher its purity (especially >99.9%), the more unstable its molecular structure becomes, making it susceptible to oxidation caused by light, temperature, and humidity, leading to the formation of inactive impurities such as nicotinamide.
3. High purity does not equal safety: the type of impurities is more critical than the impurity content.
Customers often focus only on the "total impurity content" but overlook the "toxicity risk" of the impurities – some high-purity NMN powders may contain residual solvents or heavy metals from the synthesis process, or unknown byproducts due to defects in the synthesis process.
二、The 5 core standards for high-quality NMN powder (purity is only the third most important factor)
| / | Core requirements | Importance Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Isomer control | β-NMN content ≥98.5%, α-NMN ≤0.5% (detected by HPLC chiral column) | 1 |
| Stability indicators | Stored at room temperature (25℃) for 12 months, the activity retention rate is ≥90%; accelerated stability testing (40℃, RH75%) for 6 months shows a retention rate of ≥85%. | 2 |
| Purity threshold | Total purity ≥99% (HPLC detection, excluding interference from isomers) | 3 |
| Security metrics | Solvent residue (methanol/acetonitrile ≤ 20 ppm), heavy metals (lead ≤ 0.1 mg/kg), and microorganisms were not detected. | 4 |
| Scene adaptability | The particle size, dissolution rate, and flowability meet the requirements of downstream dosage forms (e.g., powder for capsules requires a particle size of 100 mesh and should dissolve quickly without sedimentation). | 5 |
三、Common Misconceptions Clarified: Breaking the Myth of NMN Powder Purity Numbers
Misconception 1：“99.9% purity is better than 99%, and the effect is more significant”—This is incorrect. The difference in effective β-NMN content between the two may be less than 0.5%, which the human body cannot perceive. However, the 99.9% product costs more than 30% more and has poorer stability;
Misconception 2："NMN with a purity below 99% is ineffective" - This is incorrect. As long as the β-NMN content is ≥98.5% and the α-NMN content is ≤0.5%, even with a total purity of 98%, its active conversion efficiency can meet the body's needs, and it is also less expensive and more stable;
Misconception 3：“Imported NMN has higher purity and better quality” – This is incorrect. The key to high-quality NMN lies in the manufacturing process and quality control. NMN produced using bio-enzymatic methods by leading domestic plant extraction companies has surpassed some imported products in terms of isomer control and stability, and offers better value for money.
Misconception 4："The whiter the powder, the higher the purity and the better the quality" - This is incorrect. The natural color of NMN is off-white to light yellow. Excessive whiteness may indicate the addition of bleaching agents, which poses a safety risk. High-quality NMN should be a uniform off-white powder with no significant color variations.
Assessing the quality of NMN powder essentially involves a multi-dimensional balance of "activity, stability, safety, and compatibility," rather than simply pursuing the highest possible purity level.
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