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NADH

Also known as: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD, NADH, NAD+, Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)

Overview

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its reduced form, NADH, are essential coenzymes involved in numerous biological processes, including cellular energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. Naturally present in cells and available through certain foods, supplementation is often pursued to elevate NAD+ and NADH levels. These coenzymes play a critical role in redox reactions and ATP production within the mitochondria. Supplementation is commonly used to combat fatigue, enhance energy metabolism, and improve overall health, particularly in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that NADH supplementation may improve quality of life, reduce fatigue intensity, and enhance sleep quality. The bioavailability of oral NADH supplements is generally good, and they are well-tolerated, making them a viable option for individuals seeking to boost their energy levels and overall well-being.

Benefits

NADH supplementation has shown promise in improving various health parameters. A systematic review indicated that NADH supplementation was associated with improved quality of life, reduced fatigue intensity, and enhanced sleep quality in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It also showed a decrease in anxiety conditions and maximum heart rate after stress tests, and increased muscle insulin sensitivity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation improved fatigue perception and health-related quality of life in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Furthermore, NADH supplementation has been linked to reduced inflammatory cytokines, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Patients with CFS, older adults, and those with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases may experience improved energy levels and quality of life.

How it works

NADH functions primarily by participating in oxidative phosphorylation, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, all crucial for ATP production. It interacts with various cellular systems, including mitochondrial function, insulin signaling pathways, and inflammatory response mechanisms. NAD+ and NADH interact with enzymes such as sirtuins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and other redox-sensitive proteins. These interactions influence cellular energy production, DNA repair, gene expression, and calcium-dependent signaling. The bioavailability of oral NADH supplements allows for improved cellular levels of NAD+ following supplementation, thereby enhancing these biological processes.

Side effects

NADH supplementation is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of side effects. Common side effects reported include muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and headaches. There were no serious or rare side effects reported that posed a significant risk to health. While there is limited evidence on significant drug interactions, caution should be exercised when using NADH with other energy metabolism supplements or medications. Individuals with hypersensitivity to NADH or related compounds should avoid supplementation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with underlying medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before starting NADH supplementation to ensure safety and avoid potential adverse effects.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of NADH varies, but studies often use doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg per day. Optimal dosages are not well-established, but doses between 10 to 20 mg per day have been used in clinical trials with positive outcomes. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 20 mg per day are less commonly studied. It is often recommended to take it in the morning to align with natural energy cycles. Oral supplements are the most common form, but intravenous and sublingual forms may also be used. Bioavailability can be influenced by the form of the supplement and individual metabolic factors. Co-supplementation with other energy metabolism enhancers like coenzyme Q10 may be beneficial.

FAQs

How long does it take to see benefits from NADH supplementation?

Benefits from NADH supplementation typically manifest over several weeks to months with consistent use.

Are there any interactions between NADH and other medications?

Limited evidence suggests significant drug interactions, but caution is advised when combining NADH with other energy metabolism supplements or medications. Consult with a healthcare provider.

What are the common side effects of NADH supplementation?

Common side effects include muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and headaches. These are generally mild and transient.

When is the best time to take NADH?

It is often recommended to take NADH in the morning to align with natural energy cycles and maximize its potential benefits throughout the day.

Can NADH be used by everyone?

Generally, yes, but special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with underlying medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before use.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37971292/ – This systematic review of randomized clinical trials involving 489 participants found that NADH supplementation was associated with improved quality of life, reduced fatigue, and enhanced sleep quality. It also showed a decrease in anxiety conditions and maximum heart rate after stress tests and increased muscle insulin sensitivity, suggesting potential benefits for various clinical conditions.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/8/2658 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on 80 patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) found that coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation improved fatigue perception and health-related quality of life. The study demonstrated a reduction in fatigue scores and improved sleep quality, highlighting the potential synergistic effects of CoQ10 and NADH in managing ME/CFS symptoms.
https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current/chapter-11 – This Cochrane Handbook chapter provides guidance on conducting systematic reviews of interventions, including defining the review question, searching for evidence, and assessing the risk of bias. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous methodology to ensure the reliability and validity of review findings.
https://jmla.pitt.edu/ojs/jmla/article/download/1223/1368 – This resource discusses the importance of grey literature in systematic reviews, highlighting its role in reducing publication bias and providing a more comprehensive evidence base. It offers guidance on identifying and incorporating grey literature sources to enhance the robustness of systematic review findings.
https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current/chapter-10 – This Cochrane Handbook chapter focuses on assessing risk of bias in included studies for systematic reviews, covering various types of bias and methods for evaluation. It underscores the significance of critically appraising study quality to ensure the reliability and validity of systematic review conclusions.