What Is NADH?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NADH, is a coenzyme made from vitamin B2, or niacin. It’s present in all living cells. As a coenzyme, NADH serves an important role in helping enzymes to function as they should. (An enzyme is a protein that works like a catalyst in the body to prompt chemical changes in other substances; breaking down food into energy is an example.) Most coenzymes are synthesized from vitamins, and for optimal energy production, the body needs good amounts of them. The coenzyme, NADH, is no exception. In people, NADH stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a compound that regulates the release of energy stored in cells. The more NADH a cell has, the more chemical energy it produces. Research findings indicate that increased concentrations of NADH in the brain may boost the production of neurotransmitters brain chemicals vital to sound mental function. Until recently, NADH could only be given intravenously because stomach acid would rapidly destroy the delicate molecule. But a new enteric-coated, oral tablet containing NADH is now available.

Health Benefits

Oral NADH supplementation has been used to combat simple fatigue as well as such mysterious and energy-sapping disorders as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Researchers are also studying the value of NADH supplements for improving mental function in people with Alzheimer's disease, and minimizing physical disability and relieving depression in people with Parkinson's disease. Some healthy individuals also take NADH supplements orally to improve concentration and memory capacity, as well as to increase athletic endurance. However, to date there have been no published studies to indicate that using NADH is in any way effective or safe for these purposes. Specifically, NADH may help to: Relieve chronic fatigue syndrome. A recent study supported by the Food and Drug Administration found that the oral form of NADH helped a small group of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. In the study, 31% of the participants said they felt more vigorous and mentally alert when taking daily NADH. Only 8% of those taking the placebo reported such improvements. Lift general fatigue as well as fibromyalgia-related exhaustion. Because NADH increases energy in cells, some researchers speculate that it may also boost energy in people with fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by muscle pain and fatigue. NADH may also keep simple, daily fatigue at bay by helping to supply muscle cells with energy. Relieve depression. Imbalances in brain chemicals are a primary cause of certain types of depression. Because NADH stimulates the production of many key chemicals called neurotransmitters, it may have a role to play in relieving the symptoms of depression. No clinical trials to demonstrate this effect have been conducted so far, however. Complement Parkinson's therapy. There is early evidence that NADH supplements may raise levels of dopamine, a compound crucial to slowing the physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease and relieving the depression that often accompanies them. (People with Parkinson’s disease have dwindling supplies of dopamine.) Improve Alzheimer's symptoms. Some European studies of NADH have shown promise for treating people with Alzheimer's disease, but as of yet, no well-designed double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have been conducted to demonstrate this effect. One preliminary study did show that cognitive dysfunction improved in a very small group of Alzheimer's patients taking NADH.

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