NADH

Ann Clin Lab Sci 1996 Jan-Feb;26(1):1-9
Coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide: new therapeutic approach for improving dementia of the Alzheimer type.
Birkmayer JG
Forschungs-und Lehreinrichtung des Birkmayer Instituts fur Parkinsontherapie Vienna, Austria

The Coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been used as medication in 17 patients suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer type in an open label trial. In all patients evaluated so far, an improvement in their cognitive dysfunction was observed. Based on the minimental state examination, the minimum improvement was 6 points and the maximum improvement 14 points with a mean value of 8.35 points. The improvement on the basis of the global deterioration scale (GDS) was a minimum of 1 point and a maximum of 2 points with a mean value of 1.82. The duration of therapy was between 8 and 12 weeks. No side effects or adverse effects have been reported from the patients or their caregivers during the observation period which is, in some patients, more than a year. This open label trial represents a pilot study from which no definitive conclusion can be drawn. A double-blind placebo controlled study is necessary to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of NADH. The planning and the fulfillment of all requirements for such a study are in progress.

J Neural Transm 1996;103(10):1187-93
Parenteral application of NADH in Parkinson's disease: clinical improvement partially due to stimulation of endogenous levodopa biosynthesis.
Kuhn W, Muller T, Winkel R, Danielczik S, Gerstner A, Hacker R, Mattern C, Przuntek H
Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Federal Republic of Germany

The Coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) has been used as medication in 17 patients suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer type in an open label trial. In all patients evaluated so far, an improvement in their cognitive dysfunction was observed. Based on the minimental state examination, the minimum improvement was 6 points and the maximum improvement 14 points with a mean value of 8.35 points. The improvement on the basis of the global deterioration scale (GDS) was a minimum of 1 point and a maximum of 2 points with a mean value of 1.82. The duration of therapy was between 8 and 12 weeks. No side effects or adverse effects have been reported from the patients or their caregivers during the observation period which is, in some patients, more than a year. This open label trial represents a pilot study from which no definitive conclusion can be drawn. A double-blind placebo controlled study is necessary to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of NADH. The planning and the fulfillment of all requirements for such a study are in progress.

Product Brand Names: NADH ® (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

1. Description: NADH (Q-1) is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants: it has the highest reduction potential of any compound found in the body's cells. The more NADH you have in your body the better the DNA repair system functions. NADH may retard cell death and tissue degeneration. It can give up to a six-fold production of dopamine, so it is potentially a remedy against Parkinson's disease. NADH has been shown to be effective against Alzheimer's disease and dementia. 1 capsule contains 5.0 mg NADH, 2.0 mg Vitamin B6, 1.6 mg Vitamin B2, 1.4 mg Vitamin B1, 1.0 mcg Vitamin B1.

2. Drug Mechanism: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is the active coenzyme form of vitamin B3. It plays an essential role in the energy production of every human cell.

In the brain, increased NADH concentrations may result in improved production of essential neurotransmitters.1 Large preliminary studies using oral or injected NADH to treat Parkinson’s disease showed reductions in physical disability and in the need for medication;2 3 however, a small, double-blind, short-term trial using injections of NADH found no significant effects.4 A small, uncontrolled study showed that oral NADH improved mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.5 Preliminary research suggests that NADH may also help people with depression6 or chronic fatigue syndrome.7 These promising results come from research conducted by the developer of the oral NADH supplement and require independent confirmation.

3. Where is it found: NADH is found in the muscle tissue of fish and poultry and cattle, as well as in food products made with yeast. However, it is not known whether the NADH from these sources can be efficiently absorbed or utilized by the body. It is also available as a nutritional supplement.

4. NADH is Prescribed for: NADH deficiency is known to occur only in the presence of vitamin B3 deficiency, which is rare in Western society except in some alcoholics.

5. Which form of NADH is best: NADH appears to be a chemically unstable molecule that decomposes rapidly. For this reason, techniques have been developed to stabilize the NADH sold in tablet form. At the present time, it is not known which commercially available NADH products are most effective.

6. Dosage Form: Researchers have used 10 mg per day, taken with water only, on an empty stomach.

7. Drug Interactions: Clinical studies of NADH using oral or intravenous administration have reported no side effects with up to one year or more of use. Longer-term use has not been evaluated.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with NADH.

Packing: 32 capsules
Dosage: 1-2 capsules, taken once a day
Monthly supply: 1-2 packs

Caution! Before starting to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor! Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.