The primary sources of energy are carbohydrates, fats and proteins from the food we eat. These nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion and are transported to the cells in which these nutrients are further broken down into smaller molecules. Enzymes are the ones responsible for the catabolism of these molecules. Coenzymes also help in this process. These coenzymes are derived from vitamins and amino acids. In this article, we will be discussing NADH or Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide which is derived from vitamin B3 or niacin. NADH is a coenzyme that is utilized for many cellular processes most especially on energy production. It is situated inside the mitochondrial membrane of the cells to act as one of the catalysts of electron transfer and energy production. The mitochondrion is considered to be the powerhouse of the cell. It is the one responsible for the production of energy to be used by the body in all the activities it does.

The health benefits of NADH include:

1. NADH has the ability to naturally improve energy levels. Many people are now taking NADH as a nutritional supplement and have reported that it can greatly improve Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is the major energy carrier. Without these ATPs, the energy produced by the cells will be useless.

2. Aside from improving the production of the energy carriers, NADH also plays a significant role in the production of cellular energy, most especially in the central nervous system.

3. NADH has an effective ability to optimize transformation of an amino acid known as Tyrosine into a neurochemical called dopamine. Dopamine is required for the stabilization of a normal blood pressure and is also involved in concentration, memory, mood, energy, libido and muscle contraction.

4. NADH is also effective in improving brain functions. In fact, it can be an alleviating agent for Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Depression and the like.

5. NADH also participates in many cellular processes such as Glycolysis and Citric Acid Cycle during cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process wherein nutrients are oxidized in simpler forms for cellular utilization. Glycolysis is an anaerobic breakdown of glucose which happens in all cells. This process converts one molecule of glucose into two pyruvic acid atoms where free energy is stored.

Chemically, NADH is derived from NAD or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. NAD is a coenzyme which is present in all living cells. It is a dinucleotide because it has two nucleotides, adenine and nicotinamide. These two nucleotides are combined using their phosphate groups. In cellular metabolism, NAD undergoes reduction – oxidation process. It functions as an oxidizing agent wherein it gains electrons from other molecules, thus becoming a reduced one. It is termed as “reduced” because NAD has a positive charge while electrons have negative charges. This reduction – oxidation reaction then forms NADH.

NADH can also be synthesized from amino acids tryptophan and aspartic acid. In other means, NADH can also be derived from vitamins, specifically niacin. The precursors of NADH are commonly present in meat, fish, and poultry products. However, the content of these precursors among fruits and vegetables is minimal. Good thing, NADH is also available in supplements.

You can find NADH at your local or internet vitamin store. always choose name brands like Source Naturals or Kal to ensure quality of what you buy for better health because all brands are not the same.

Author Bio: If you need an energy boost, give NADH a try risk free at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: NADH, Boost Energy, Natural Energy Booster