NADH Benefits

The alleged benefits of NADH supplementation are many -- ranging from improving memory and alertness to promoting DNA repair. NADH supplements are also claimed to treat several different medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, and Parkinson's. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting these NADH benefits, and more research is needed to determine how NADH would work for these uses.

 

Benefits of NADH: An Overview

NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrate) is a naturally occurring molecule used in numerous important chemical reactions in the human body. Although the body can make its own NADH, it is also available in supplement form. NADH supplements are sometimes claimed to be beneficial for the following conditions:
 
NADH is also used for promoting general health, as it is claimed to be beneficial in the following ways:
 
  • Improving memory, alertness, and concentration
  • Increasing energy
  • Enhancing athletic performance
  • Slowing down the aging process
  • Promoting DNA repair
  • Enhancing the function of the immune system.
     
There is no convincing scientific evidence to support the claims of beneficial NADH supplementation for general health or for any specific medical condition (see Does NADH Work? for more information).
 

How Does NADH Work?

NADH is a molecule that works as a coenzyme in the human body. Coenzymes help other enzymes work in chemical reactions. Many essential chemical reactions in the body use NADH. It is not known exactly how NADH supplementation could work for various conditions, especially since the body can make NADH on its own. NADH may have antioxidant activity, and this may potentially be one way that it works for various conditions.
 
(NADH Benefits Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;