NADH

Uses

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is the active coenzyme form of vitamin B3. It plays an essential role in the energy production of every human cell.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
2 Stars
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
10 mg daily
Supplementing with NADH may help your body produce more energy.

(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) helps make ATP, the energy source the body runs on. In a double-blind trial, people with CFS received 10 mg of NADH or a placebo each day for four weeks. Of those receiving NADH, 31% reported improvements in fatigue, decreases in other symptoms, and improved overall quality of life, compared with only 8% of those in the placebo group. Further double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.
2 Stars
Parkinson’s Disease
5 mg twice per day
NADH—the active form of vitamin B3 in the body—has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve brain function in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Drug therapy for Parkinson’s disease has been reported to deplete vitamin B3 in humans. Vitamin B3 may be needed to decrease SAMe levels, and in so doing, may possibly help people with Parkinson’s disease. However, the two main forms of vitamin B3, niacin and niacinamide, when taken in combination with L-dopa, have demonstrated no benefit for people with Parkinson’s disease. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ()—the active form of vitamin B3 in the body—effectively raises the level of dopamine in the brain, making it potentially useful in the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease. In preliminary research, NADH supplementation reduced symptoms and improved brain function in people with Parkinson’s disease. One researcher has recommended 5 mg taken twice per day for people with Parkinson’s disease. However, one small, double-blind, short-term trial using injections of NADH found no significant effects.
1 Star
Alzheimer’s Disease
10 mg per day
A small, preliminary trial showed that oral NADH improved mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

A small, preliminary trial showed that oral (10 mg per day) improved mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Further studies are necessary to confirm these early results.
1 Star
Depression
Refer to label instructions
One study suggested that supplementing with NADH may help people with depression.

An isolated preliminary trial suggests the supplement may help people with depression. Controlled trials are needed, however, before any conclusions can be drawn.

How It Works

How to Use It

Researchers have used 10 mg per day, taken with water only, on an empty stomach.

Where to Find It

NADH is found in the muscle tissue of fish and poultry and cattle, as well as in food products made with yeast. However, it is not known whether the NADH from these sources can be efficiently absorbed or utilized by the body. It is also available as a nutritional supplement.

Possible Deficiencies

NADH deficiency is known to occur only in the presence of vitamin B3 deficiency, which is rare in Western society except in some alcoholics.

Best Form to Take

NADH appears to be a chemically unstable molecule that decomposes rapidly. For this reason, techniques have been developed to stabilize the NADH sold in tablet form. At the present time, it is not known which commercially available NADH products are most effective.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.
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