Only A Small Quantity of NMN Capsules can sometimes bypass the liver
It has long been noticed that a small quantity of NMN can reach the bloodstream in minutes. The answer on how this happens was revealed in a study published Jan 2019 that shows the newly identified Slc12a8 protein can transport NMN to NAD+ in the small intestine, avoiding digestion to NAM.
It does not seem to be a significant amount
The study does not publish results showing HOW MUCH NMN the Slc12a8 enzyme can transport, but all previous studies such as the Liu research could not find evidence of any NAD+ at all that was created through this pathway.
According to the authors:
It is important to note that the discovery of an NMN transporter by no means diminishes the importance of uptake via dephosphorylation
It must also be noted that Slc12a8 transporter is most prominent in the small intestine, but does not have a pathway to the rest of the body.
There is hope Slc12a8 can be useful in future products
Future products may soon hit the market that target this pathway to help solve the bioavailability problem of NMN capsules. According to the study:
“Dr Imai’s lab already has identified small molecules that can stimulate production of the Slc12a8 NMN transporter, applied for patents, and licensed this technology to a company in Japan”