How to Buy NMN: Purity, Specs and COA

-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN, CAS 1094-61-7) is a high-value nutraceutical ingredient, so the specification – not just the price – decides whether a batch is usable. This guide covers the parameters to confirm, why purity and heavy metals matter, and how the physical properties affect your process.

1. The specification to confirm

Parameter	Typical specification	Why it matters
Appearance	White to yellowish crystalline powder	Visual acceptance; colour can indicate degradation
Assay (HPLC)	99.0% min	Active content
Purity (HPLC)	99.5% min	Freedom from related substances
Heavy metals (Pb/As/Hg/Cd)	0.5 ppm max each	Safety limits for supplement and cosmetic use
Water content	1.0% max	Stability; NMN is hygroscopic
pH (solution)	2.0 – 4.0	Formulation and compatibility
Ethanol (GC)	0.5% max	Residual solvent; clean-label compliance
Particle size	100% pass 40 mesh	Blending, filling and uniformity
Loose / tight density	0.59 / 0.66 g/ml	Fill weight and tabletting behaviour
Microbiology	Total count 750 cfu/g max; coliforms 3.0 MPN/g max	Safety for oral and topical use

2. Why purity is the headline number

NMN is sold to consumers at high doses, so impurity profile matters: related substances, residual solvents and heavy metals all have to be controlled. Ask for HPLC purity (and a chromatogram) plus assay, and for the heavy-metal and microbiological results on the certificate of analysis. “99%” without the method and the eCOA is not enough.

3. Physical parameters: the ones formulators overlook

Particle size (40 mesh pass) – governs blending uniformity and capsule filling.
Loose and tight density – sets the fill weight you can achieve and how the powder behaves on a tabletting press or encapsulation machine.
Water content – low moisture protects stability and avoids caking.
pH (2.0 – 4.0) – acidic in solution; check compatibility with other ingredients.

Get these on the specification sheet up front – changing them later can mean refilling a whole batch.

4. Packaging and storage

Item	Detail
Packaging	Foil bags and drums for small-pack nutraceutical use; larger packs on request
Storage	Sealed, cool, dry, protected from light – NMN is hygroscopic and heat-sensitive

5. Regulatory check before you buy

NMN’s status for food/supplement use varies by market and is evolving. Before ordering, confirm whether your destination permits NMN for the intended use (food/supplement or cosmetic). See the regulatory guide. State the intended use and destination on the enquiry so the right documentation is supplied.

6. Supplier checklist

States assay and HPLC purity, with a chromatogram, and heavy-metal/microbiological limits in writing.
Provides a per-batch certificate of analysis and the SDS.
Confirms particle size, density, water content and residual solvent.
Supplies in moisture- and light-protective packaging.
Is clear about the regulatory status for your market and use.
Quotes FOB or CIF to your destination, with lead time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What purity should I buy NMN at?

High-purity material is typically 99.5% min by HPLC, assay 99.0% min, with heavy metals at 0.5 ppm max each. Ask for the method and a chromatogram.

Why do particle size and density matter?

They determine how NMN blends, fills and tabletts – and therefore your fill weight and uniformity. Confirm them on the specification sheet.

How should NMN be stored?

Sealed, cool, dry and protected from light; NMN is hygroscopic and sensitive to heat and moisture.

Do I need to check regulations?

Yes – NMN’s food/supplement status varies by market. Confirm it for your destination and intended use before ordering.