β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide disodium salt NADH CAS 606-68-8

β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide disodium salt More Info

β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide disodium salt (NADH) is the reduced, biologically active form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a critical coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and redox reactions.

Mechanism of Action

NADH functions primarily as an electron donor in cellular respiration. It carries electrons from metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the citric acid (Krebs) cycle to the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). By donating electrons to the ETC, NADH drives oxidative phosphoation, which generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of the cell. This process is essential for energy production in virtually all living cells.
Additionally, NADH participates in DNA repair mechanisms and supports enzymatic activities such as hepatic microsomal monooxygenase functions involved in drug metabolism.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism

NAD exists in two interconvertible forms: oxidized NAD+ and reduced NADH. The balance between NAD+ and NADH is crucial for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis.
NADH is produced during catabolic reactions including glycolysis, beta-oxidation, and the Krebs cycle.
The mitochondrial membrane is impermeable to NADH; thus, cytoplasmic NADH electrons are shuttled into mitochondria via malate-aspartate or glycerol phosphate shuttles.
NADH is also involved in anabolic reactions such as gluconeogenesis.
NADH works in concert with other cofactors like FADH2 to maximize ATP production.

Clinical Uses and Supplementation

NADH supplementation is explored for conditions involving fatigue, cognitive decline, and metabolic disorders due to its role in energy metabolism. Oral NADH is generally well tolerated and has been used in doses of 5–10 mg daily for up to 24 months in adults.