Nadh

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

NADH stands for "nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)." This chemical occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in the chemical process that generates energy. People use NADH supplements as medicine.

NADH is used for improving mental clarity, alertness, concentration, and memory; as well as for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Because of its role in energy production, NADH is also used for improving athletic endurance and treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Some people use NADH for treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, jet lag, depression, and Parkinson’s disease; boosting the immune system; opposing alcohol’s effects on the liver and the hormone testosterone; reducing signs of aging; and protecting against the side effects of an AIDS drug called zidovudine (AZT).

Healthcare providers sometimes give NADH by intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection for Parkinson's disease and depression.

How does it work?

NADH produced by our bodies is involved in making energy in the body. While there is some evidence that suggests NADH supplements might reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, help chronic fatigue syndrome by providing energy, and increase nerve signals for people with Parkinson's disease, there isn't enough information to know for sure how or if these supplements work.

Possibly Ineffective for...

• Mental decline (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease and other conditions.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). There is some early evidence that NADH might reduce the symptoms of CFS when used along with traditional medications.
• Parkinson's disease. So far, study results don’t agree about the effectiveness of NADH in treating Parkinson’s disease.
• Depression.
• Jet lag.
• High blood pressure.
• Improving athletic performance.
• Increasing energy.
• Improving memory and concentration.
• Boosting immune function.
• Reducing signs of aging.
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Protecting against side effects of the drug zidovudine (AZT) used to treat AIDS.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of NADH for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

NADH seems safe for most people when used appropriately and short-term, up to 12 weeks. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking the recommended amount each day, which is 10 mg.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of NADH during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

The appropriate dose of NADH depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for NADH. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.