Understand the source comparison
Glow Stack Component Comparison
NAD+ Precursors (NMN, NR) Restores mitochondrial NAD+ levels, fuels ATP synthesis and sirtuin activity Washington U: 40% increase in muscle NAD+ at 250mg/day NMN over 12 weeks 125–500mg daily NMN has higher molecular weight but bypasses one conversion step vs
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This page preserves a source comparison for education. It does not add a rating, recommendation or clinical judgment.
- NAD+ Precursors (NMN, NR)
- Restores mitochondrial NAD+ levels, fuels ATP synthesis and sirtuin activity
- Washington U: 40% increase in muscle NAD+ at 250mg/day NMN over 12 weeks
- 125–500mg daily
- NMN has higher molecular weight but bypasses one conversion step vs NR; sublingual or liposomal forms improve absorption
- Gold standard for mitochondrial energy restoration. The metabolic foundation of any serious longevity stack
- Mitochondrial Peptides (MOTS-C, Humanin)
- Activates AMPK, improves insulin sensitivity, protects against stress-induced apoptosis
- Nature Comms: MOTS-C improved glucose tolerance and mitochondrial respiration by 28% in middle-aged mice
- 5–10mg MOTS-C 3x/week; Humanin 0.5–2mg daily
- Intranasal delivery bypasses hepatic first-pass; subcutaneous offers slower, sustained release
- Underutilized in mainstream stacks despite robust preclinical data. The metabolic rescue signal your mitochondria release naturally under stress
- Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu)
- Upregulates collagen gene transcription via TGF-β signaling; modulates MMP activity
- J Invest Dermatol: 70% increase in Type I procollagen mRNA in fibroblasts; 18% skin density improvement in 12-week human trial
- 1–3mg oral; 0.5–1% topical
- Oral bioavailability limited by gastric degradation; topical application shows superior dermal penetration
- The only peptide with direct evidence for collagen gene activation. Cosmetic peptides rarely show this level of genetic impact
- Collagen Amino Acids (Glycine, Proline, Lysine)
- Provides raw substrates for collagen synthesis; glycine supports glutathione production
- Plasma hydroxyproline (collagen turnover marker) increased 30% with 2:1 glycine:proline dosing at 10g/day
- 5–15g daily, split doses
- Absorption competes with other amino acids; taking with minimal protein reduces competitive inhibition
- Necessary but not sufficient. Provides building blocks but doesn't signal fibroblasts to use them without GHK-Cu or TGF-β activation
- Antioxidants (Glutathione, Vitamin C)
- Protects against oxidative damage; Vitamin C required as cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase in collagen synthesis
- Cochrane review: Vitamin C supplementation (500mg+) associated with 11% reduction in UV-induced erythema
- 500–1000mg Vitamin C; 250–500mg reduced glutathione or NAC precursor
- Liposomal Vitamin C shows 2x higher plasma levels vs ascorbic acid; reduced glutathione has poor oral absorption vs NAC
- Critical support role. Collagen synthesis fails without adequate Vitamin C, and oxidative stress degrades newly synthesized collagen faster than it's deposited