NAD stands for Nicotinamide Adenosine Dinucleotide, an important coenzyme in cellular metabolism and is vital in the production of energy within the body. NAD comes in two forms, an oxidized form called NAD+ and a reduced form called NADH. Cells synthesize NAD+ from a form of vitamin B3 or niacin, known as nicotinamide. The nicotinamide forms NAD+ from adding ribose and ADP within the cell. NAD+ is used to transport electrons in vital cell functions that ultimately add together to make ATP, the single most energy-producing component within the cell.
ATP is basically the currency of energy within the human body and is used in all reactions requiring substantial stored energy. The reducing potential stored in NADH can be converted to ATP through the electron transport chain or used for anabolic metabolism. Each molecule of NAD+ can capture two electrons, also called being reduced by two electrons.
However, only one proton accompanies the reduction. The other proton produced as two hydrogen atoms are removed from the molecule being oxidized is liberated into the surrounding medium as part of the energy producing process.
While niacin can be found in vitamins, it’s unusual to have preparations which already contain NAD in them. NAD in a preparation can skip several metabolic steps and can provide the necessary energy the cells need without needing ADP or ribose. Doctors are currently studying NAD as an option to help improve conditions involving low energy, improve mental health and preserve nervous system function.
In an open label trial of NAD with Parkinson’s patients, twenty-one patients (61.7 percent) showed a very good (better than 30 percent) improvement of disability and 13 patients (38.3 percent) a moderate (up to 30 percent) improvement. Other studies are pending and the jury is still out as to how much NAD can affect the various conditions. Clearly it results in increased energy for the cells so that overall body function is elevated.
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“Nicotinamidadenindinucleotide (NADH): The new approach in the therapy of Parkinson's disease.” Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1989;9/1:38-43.
