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NADH

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. NADH supplements are used by some people as medicine. NADH is used to improve mental clarity, alertness, concentration and memory, as well as to treat Alzheimer's disease. Because of its role in energy production, NADH is also used to improve athletic endurance and to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. Some people use NADH to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, jet lag, depression and Parkinson's disease, to boost the immune system, to counteract the effects of alcohol on the liver, to reduce the signs of aging and to protect against the side effects of the AIDS drug zidovudine (AZT). Doctors sometimes administer NADH intravenously or intramuscularly as an injection for Parkinson's disease and depression.

How does NADH work?

The NADH produced by the body is involved in energy production in the body. Although there is evidence that NADH supplements may lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, help with chronic fatigue syndrome by providing energy and boost nerve signals in Parkinson's patients, there is not enough scientific information to say with certainty whether or how these supplements might work.

How effective is NADH?

NADH may be effective for dementia associated with Alzheimer's or other diseases.

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of NADH for the following conditions:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome: There is some early evidence that NADH may reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome when used in conjunction with a traditional medication.
  • Parkinson's disease: So far, different study results regarding the effectiveness of NADH in the treatment of Parkinson's disease are not consistent with each other.

There is also a lack of scientific information regarding the effectiveness of NADH for depression, jet lag and high blood pressure, as well as its use to enhance athletic performance, increase energy, improve memory and concentration, strengthen the immune system, reduce signs of aging, lower cholesterol levels and protect against the side effects of the AIDS drug zidovudine (AZT). More scientific information is needed to assess the effectiveness of NADH in these applications.

Safety and side effects

NADH appears to be safe for most people with appropriate short-term use for up to 12 weeks. Most people do not experience side effects when using the recommended daily amount, which is 10 mg.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of NADH during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid NADH.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of NADH with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of NADH depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for NADH. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Birkmayer JG, Vrecko C, Volc D, Birkmayer W. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) - a new therapeutic approach to Parkinson's disease. Comparison of oral and parenteral application. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl 1993;146:32-5.
  2. Budavari S, ed. The Merck Index. 12th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co, Inc, 1996.
  3. Bushehri N, Jarrell ST, Lieberman S, et al. Oral reduced B-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) affects blood pressure, lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile in hypertensive rats (SHR). Geriatr Nephrol Urol 1998;8:95-100.
  4. Bushehri N, Jarrell ST, Lieberman S, et al. Oral reduced B-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) affects blood pressure, lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile in hypertensive rats (SHR). Geriatr Nephrol Urol 1998;8:95-100.
  5. Dizdar N, Kagedal B, Lindvall B. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with NADH. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;90:345-7.
  6. Forsyth LM, Preuss HG, MacDowell AL, et al. Therapeutic effects of oral NADH on the symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1999;82:185-91.
  7. Hawkins EB. NADH: Advanced supplementation for more energy and slower aging. Natural Pharmacy 1998;2:10.
  8. Kuhn W, Muller T, Winkel R, et al. Parenteral application of NADH in Parkinson's disease: clinical improvement partially due to stimulation of endogenous levodopa biosynthesis. J Neural Transmiss (Budapest) 1996;103:1187-93.
  9. Rainer M, Kraxberger E, Haushofer M, et al. No evidence for cognitive improvement from oral nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in dementia. J Neural Transm 2000;107:1475-81.
  10. Swerdlow RH. Is NADH effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease? Drugs Aging 1998;13:263-8.
  11. Vrecko K, Birkmayer JG, Krainz J. Stimulation of dopamine biosynthesis in cultured PC 12 phaeochromocytoma cells by the coenzyme nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide (NADH). J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect 1993;5:147-56.
  12. Vrecko K, Storga D, Birkmayer JG, et al. NADH stimulates endogenous dopamine biosynthesis by enhancing the recycling of tetrahydrobiopterin in rat phaeochromocytoma cells. Biochim Biophys Acta 1997;1361:59-65.