NADH supplementation may improve energy, health

Better Nutrition, June, 1998 by Ray Sahelian

There are several nutrients available that stimulate brain function. NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is one that has been recently introduced to the health market. This compound has interesting properties and shows promise as an aid in the therapy of certain medical conditions.

NADH is naturally found in meat, fish, and poultry. The content of NADH in fruits and vegetables is minimal.

Making energy. The body, just like a car, needs fuel. Our primary source of fuel is through fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in our diet. After digestion in the stomach, foodstuffs are absorbed into the blood and circulate to various tissues and cells where they are broken down into even smaller particles. One of these is a two-carbon molecule known as acetyl. Enzymes help break down these fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into acetyl and they then help extract the final energy from acetyl. Enzymes also need helpers, and these helpers are called coenzymes. Most of the coenzymes are partly made from vitamins, such as vitamins E, C, lipoate, and riboflavin (vitamin B-2). NADH is a coenzyme, partly made from nicotinamide (vitamin B-3).

NADH, through a series of reactions with acetyl and oxygen, is able to produce energy. This energy is in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Therefore, a good supply of NADH optimizes energy production in the body. Another function of NADH is its ability to help transform an amino acid called tyrosine into the important brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine is involved in mood, energy, sexual drive, concentration, memory, and muscle movement.

The claims. NADH was introduced to the U.S. health market in 1995. According to a booklet entitled NADH: The Energizing Coenzyme, written by Georg Birkmayer, M.D., an Austrian researcher, "[NADH] energizes both body and brain activity, improves alertness, concentration, emotion, drive, hormone secretion and overall mood enhancement."

The research. A small number of short-term studies done with an oral form of NADH have shown slight to moderate benefits for depression, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. An eight-week, double-blind study done at George-town University Medical Center found 30 percent of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome to bene fit from 10 mg of NADH compared to 8 percent of the controls.

Practical uses of NADH. Based on the preliminary research published thus far, there seems to be some indication that NADH may play a minor role in a number of neurological conditions. However, since the studies have been of short duration, it is difficult to give definitive recommendations on the long-term benefits of NADH. It is unlikely that NADH, by itself, will be the magic bullet in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other conditions. However, if longer-term studies do confirm some of the minor positive benefits from preliminary findings, it is quite possible that NADH will be an additional supplement to add to our armamentarium in the fight against certain chronic diseases. It may also be useful in age-associated cognitive decline.

Dosage. Most supplements come in 2.5 mg and 5 mg dosages. NADH is best taken in the morning, generally on an empty stomach. Effects, if noticed, can come within a few hours, although it may take several days, and increasing dosages, to feel the alertness and mental clarity. Once you notice the effects, you can cut down the dosage. Some people may only need 2.5 mg every other day or every third day.

Side effects. Reports of side effects from the use of 2.5 or 5 mg of NADH are infrequent. Higher dosages can lead to the feeling of being overstimulated, insomnia, and anxiety. As more individuals start taking NADH, we may come across additional reports of side effects.

Summary. Until more information is published, I would recommend limiting your continuous, daily use of NADH to no more than four months. After a break of a month, it can be restarted again. Another option is to take NADH two or three times a week. It would be wise to be under the guidance of a health-care practitioner familiar with natural therapies when adding NADH to your current supplement regimen.

Ray Sahelian, M.D., is the bestselling author of books on DHEA, creatine, pregnenolone, melatonin, saw palmetto, glucosamine, St. John's wort, Co-Q10, kava, stevia, 5-HTP, and lipoic acid. To inquire about Dr. Sahelian's hormone books, including DHEA: A Practical Guide and Pregnenolone: Nature's Feel Good Hormone, ask your retailer to call: 310-821-2409.