General Description
NADH (also known as coenzyme 1 or codehydrogenase 1) is a natural
coenzyme found widely in nature and involved in numerous enzyme
reactions. Although it is present in every human cell, NADH is not
considered an essential nutrient because it is synthesized from
niacinamide (vitamin B-3) in the body. Consequently, NADH deficiency
is rarely found outside the presence of vitamin B-3 deficiency.
Dietary sources of NADH include meat, fish, poultry, and yeast.
It is also available as a supplement.
Health applications
Primary functions
As a coenzyme, NADH participates in many biochemical reactions
in the body. It is required for the manufacture of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP), the principal source of energy for all cellular functions.
In the brain, NADH plays an important role in the production of
vital neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinepherine,
and epinepherine.
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder that causes muscle tremors,
weakness, stiffness, and motor difficulties, is marked by dopamine
deficiency and is typically treated with the dopamine precursor
levodopa (L-dopa). Because NADH stimulates the body's natural
L-dopa production, some scientists believe it may be useful in
the treatment of Parkinson's disease.1 Preliminary
studies have shown significant improvement of Parkinson's disease
symptoms in patients given intravenous NADH, apparently as a result
of increased L-dopa synthesis.2-4 The results
from another study indicate that NADH capsules may have a comparable
effect.5 Because Alzheimer's disease (AD)
is typified by reduced dopamine and epinepherine levels similar
to those found in Parkinson's disease, it has been suggested that
NADH may also be useful in AD treatment. One small study showed
improvement of cognitive function in 17 patients with dementia
of Alzheimer type who were given NADH.6 However,
larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed before any definitive
conclusions can be drawn about NADH's efficacy in the treatment
of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Because NADH is known to play an essential role in cellular energy
production, its potential in the treatment of chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS) is under investigation. In a study of 26 CFS patients,
8 out of 26 (31 percent) responded favorably to NADH treatment,
in contrast to 2 out of 26 (8 percent) to placebo.7
In light of these encouraging preliminary findings, further studies
are planned on larger patient groups.
Dosage/toxicity
The most commonly recommended dose for NADH is 10 mg per day,
but clinical studies on NADH have used up to 50 mg per day with
no significant side-effects. Although studies have shown no toxic
effects with up to a year or more of use, the safety of long-term
NADH use has not been evaluated. |
