Nadh/Nad
Updated Mar. 03rd, 2022
What is it?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) that is also sometimes called coenzyme 1. Our body can make NADH from dietary niacin or niacinamide. Because of this, deficiency is rare. NADH is necessary for the production of energy inside each of our body's cells. It also plays a role in the cellular repair of our DNA, the genetic template in each of our cells and in the synthesis of some neurochemicals and hormones involved in brain and mental health.
Energy and Metabolism
It increases the rate of chemical reactions in our mitochondria (the metabolic power plant of our cells) and also helps the cell repair the cellular genetic material (DNA). Any NADH in the body that is not currently in use for chemical reactions can act as an antioxidant, protecting the cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that are extremely reactive, and damage surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. Because of its role in metabolism, NADH is often used for conditions requiring an increase in energy and cellular repair.
Neurologic Effect and Mental Health
NADH also supports the production of certain neurochemicals and hormones in the body, such as adrenaline and dopamine. Low dopamine levels have been implicated in Parkinson's disease and possibly Alzheimer's disease, so increasing NADH can help to prevent these conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by low energy, and is also helped by supplemental NADH, perhaps because of increased adrenaline production. In general, ensuring adequate NADH is a good step towards improving the brain health, and neurochemical balance. Thus, NADH can play a role in improved mental health and brain function.
How can I get more NADH?
This supplement can be found alone in capsules or tablets and is also found in combination formulas for energy enhancements. NADH can be directly supplemented at a dose between 2.5 and 10mg daily. Supplementation of niacin or niacinamide can allow the body to create the amount of NADH it needs naturally.
Important Information
Doses greater than 5mg daily for prolonged periods have been shown to cause insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, and stomach upset. There are no known contraindications reported for the use of NADH.
You have an article on this product on your home page, but you don't carry it .....why??
Hello, Lyla: That is a good question. When one of our naturopathic doctors first wrote the NADH article a few years back, NADH was available for sale in Canada. Since then, Health Canada changed its status and for the past little while we have not been able to sell it because of those changes. The purpose of our articles is always first to help our customers educate themselves about the products that they are taking, or considering taking, so we have left it active for our visitors to read. I hope that helps provide the information that you are looking for. Just ask is there's anything else that we can do. :-)