Recently the role of the oxidized form of NADH, namely NAD+, is the subject of a variety of research investigations, underlining its importance in cellular processes as a coenzyme for certain enzymatic reactions.
This research hints at many interesting future fields of applications, however we would like to point out some of the limitations of the conclusions drawn upon this preliminary research. In many of these studies and review articles NAD+ is also mentioned as playing a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism. During the Krebs Cycle NAD+ is reduced to NADH and during ATP-synthesis it is NADH that is oxidized to create a proton gradient and enable the synthesis of the energy storing molecule ATP. NAD+ is the reaction of this oxidation, not the substance being oxidized. Saying that NAD+ contributes to energy metabolism is like saying CO2 is necessary for a combustion engine.
There are two groups of enzymatic proteins, namely sirtuins and PARP (Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase), for which NAD+ is a key cofactor. Because of its positive charge, NAD+ cannot enter the cell. It is for this reason, that research is looking for possibilities to increase cellular NAD+ levels, by using so-called precursors.
Many of these precursors, most obviously nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, and L-tryptophane have been identified and are constituents of a normal and balanced diet. In an effort to market nutritional supplements, nicotinamide riboside has also been included in the list of NAD+ precursors, however the proof of its bioavailability has not yet been scientifically substantiated. Several trials have shown, that supplemented nicotinamide riboside leads to an increase of NAD+ in the blood, however once transformed to NAD+, it can no longer be distributed into the vital organs, because of the positive charge of NAD+. The benefit of higher NAD+ levels in the blood does not correspond to the preliminary research in the animal model on the importance of NAD+. Higher levels of NAD+ will not yield the desired effect in organ tissue.
For incomprehensible reasons, supplemented NADH is only rarely mentioned as a means of increasing NAD+ concentrations in cells. It has been shown, that supplemented NADH (in the stabilized formulation of Prof. George Birkmayer) is absorbed in all organ tissue including the brain, and since it leads to an increase in ATP, the increase of NAD+ is only a logical consequence. While the transformation of nicotinamide riboside to NAD+ would consume ATP-energy, supplementing NADH will increase cellular levels of ATP and of NAD+.
The Mighty Chondria
Our mitochondria are considered the power plants of our cells. They produce the energy needed for cellular processes.
Life’s Energy
Cellular Energy is Energy for Life. A cell can live better and longer if it has more energy.
Stabilized
Not all NADH products are of the same quality. Only Prof. George Birkmayer NADH Products contain stabilized NADH.
