NADH: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

NADH stands for "nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)." It occurs naturally in the body and plays a role in generating energy.

The NADH produced by the body is involved in making energy in the body. Taking NADH supplements might affect blood pressure and have other effects.

People use NADH for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, athletic performance, depression, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse NADH with niacin, niacinamide, or nicotinamide riboside. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Taking NADH by mouth, alone or together with coenzyme Q10, might somewhat reduce symptoms of CFS.

There is interest in using NADH for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: NADH is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: NADH is possibly safe for most people when used for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if NADH is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for NADH overview.

Dosing

NADH has most often been used by adults in doses of 5-10 mg by mouth daily for up to 24 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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. View abstract.

Budavari S, ed. The Merck Index. 12th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., 1996.

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. View abstract.

Castro-Marrero J, Cordero MD, Segundo MJ, et al. Does oral coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation improve fatigue and biochemical parameters in chronic fatigue syndrome? Antioxid Redox Signal 2015;22(8):679-85. View abstract.

Castro-Marrero J, Segundo MJ, Lacasa M, Martinez-Martinez A, Sentañes RS, Alegre-Martin J. Effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation on fatigue perception and health-related quality of life in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients 2021;13(8):2658. View abstract.

Dizdar N, Kagedal B, Lindvall B. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with NADH. Acta Neurol Scand 1994;90:345-7. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

Hawkins EB. NADH: Advanced supplementation for more energy and slower aging. Natural Pharmacy 1998;2:10.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

Santaella ML, Font I, Disdier OM. Comparison of oral nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) versus conventional therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. P R Health Sci J 2004;23(2):89-93. View abstract.

Swerdlow RH. Is NADH effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease? Drugs Aging 1998;13:263-8. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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