Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names

NADH

Introduction

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a compound in the body that helps in energy production. It has been used to ease fatigue and improve brain function. NADH can be taken as a pill or powder.

Dosages

10 to 20 milligrams daily

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome —may improve symptoms A1-A6

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

 

References

A. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A1. Alegre J, Rosés JM, et al. [Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome]. Rev Clin Esp. 2010;210(6):284-288.

A2. Alraek T, Lee MS, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Oct 7;11:87.

A3. Reid S, Chalder T, et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ Clin Evid. 2011 May 26;2011. pii: 1101.

A4. Castro-Marrero J, Cordero MD, et al. Does oral coenzyme Q10 plus NADH supplementation improve fatigue and biochemical parameters in chronic fatigue syndrome? Antioxid Redox Signal. 2015;22(8):679-685.

A5. Castro-Marrero J, Sáez-FrancásN, et al. Effect of coenzyme Q10 plus nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplementation on maximum heart rate after exercise testing in chronic fatigue syndrome – A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Clin Nutr. 2016;35(4):826-834.

A6. Campagnolo N, Johnston S, et al. Dietary and nutrition interventions for the therapeutic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2017 Jun;30(3):247-259.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC