Nadh
OTHER NAME(S): coenzyme I, dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and hydrogen (NADH), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
Overview
NADH is a substance that your body uses to make energy. It is available over the counter as a supplement and is used for many different reasons. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects may include an upset stomach. Before taking NADH, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is NADH used for?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and hydrogen (NADH) is used for many different reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use NADH include the following.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Dementia
- Heart problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- To improve memory and thinking skills
- To boost energy levels
- To slow down aging
Note: The FDA has not reviewed NADH for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does NADH work (mechanism of action)?
NADH is made from nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that is also known as niacinamide. NADH is related to another chemical, called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD or NAD+). Your body naturally makes both NAD+ and NADH from nicotinamide so that your cells can make energy. Some research has found that NADH may play an important role in cell aging, and that your body makes less NADH as you age.
Your cells need NADH to make energy, and it may also play a role in aging, so there is interest in using NADH to slow aging, increase energy levels, and treat a wide variety of conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, memory problems, heart problems, and more. But the benefits of NADH for any purpose are not well defined. Although some people report that their quality of life is better while taking NADH, more research is needed to confirm whether NADH is beneficial for any use.
How should I store NADH?
You should store NADH according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of NADH?
The most common side effect of NADH is an upset stomach. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of NADH that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of NADH?
While less common, the most serious side effects of NADH are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. NADH may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking NADH and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use NADH?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take NADH.
- NADH
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific NADH products they stock.
What should I know about NADH before using it?
NADH is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep NADH out of the reach of children.
Do not confuse NADH with ingredients that have similar names, such as nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) and nicotinamide riboside[1] . NADH is made from nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. Read the product label carefully to see which ingredients it contains.
The FDA has not tested NADH products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using NADH?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if NADH is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how NADH could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if NADH passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does NADH interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between NADH and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect NADH.
Does NADH interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between NADH and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between NADH and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with NADH is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking NADH with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much NADH?
If you or someone else has used too much NADH, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take NADH safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Aging and Disease: “Pharmacology and potential implications of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors.”
- American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism: “Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: A systematic review.”
- Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Therapeutic effects of oral NADH on the symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.”
- EFSA Journal: “Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for niacin.”
- PubChem: “NADH.”