β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Disodium Salt (NADH)

NADH (the reduced form of NAD⁺) is a vital coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism. It functions as an essential electron carrier in mitochondrial respiration, driving ATP synthesis during oxidative phosphorylation. By transferring electrons to Complex I, it supports key metabolic pathways like glycolysis and the TCA cycle.

The balance of NAD⁺/NADH is crucial for energy production, neurological function, and metabolic health. This makes NADH increasingly valuable in the nutraceutical sector, with applications focused on supporting energy metabolism, cognitive health, anti-fatigue formulations, and anti-aging supplements. As research into mitochondrial health advances, NADH is becoming a key ingredient in premium supplements designed to enhance cellular energy and metabolic resilience.

• Green Enzymatic Process: AIDU uses a proprietary enzymatic method mimicking natural pathways to produce NADH with high purity, zero heavy metal residues, and no by-products—cleaner and more sustainable than chemical synthesis.
• Exceptional Stability: Advanced crystallization and moisture control technologies ensure the product remains chemically stable under ambient storage, simplifying formulation into capsules, tablets, or powders.
• Strict Compliance: Manufactured in a cGMP/ISO9001-certified facility with SSC22000, HALAL, and KOSHER certifications—meeting global quality and food safety standards.
• Vertical Integration: From enzyme development to final production, AIDU controls the entire supply chain, offering competitive pricing and stable supply while mitigating raw material fluctuations.
• High Purity Control: Multi-stage purification guarantees >98% purity with absorbance ratios that meet international pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring safety and efficacy for nutraceutical applications.

Support cellular energy production

NADH directly donates electrons to Complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, facilitating ATP synthesis and enhancing cellular bioenergetics. As a core molecule in mitochondrial energy metabolism, NADH participates in Complex I of the electron transport chain, directly powering ATP synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that restoring the mitochondrial NADH oxidation capacity via NDI1 (NADH dehydrogenase) can significantly improve the cellular energy metabolic state [1, 9]. The mitochondrial electron transport chain couples NADH oxidation with proton pumping across the inner membrane, and the resulting electrochemical gradient is utilized by H+-ATP synthase to synthesize ATP [9]. When each molecule of NADH is oxidized within mitochondria, it drives the production of multiple ATP molecules, serving as the "powerhouse" of cellular energy.

Maintain Redox Balance

NADH plays a pivotal role in regulating the intracellular NAD⁺/NADH ratio, supporting oxidative stress management, and providing cellular protection. The intracellular NAD⁺/NADH ratio is crucial for the regulation of redox reactions, and the balance between these two forms is essential for efficient energy metabolism, being regulated by the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, the malate-aspartate shuttle, and the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle [7]. Studies have shown that dysregulation of the NAD⁺/NADH ratio is closely associated with the aging process, including age-related neurodegenerative diseases and progressive cognitive decline [7].

Research in Arabidopsis thaliana has revealed that the mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle is involved in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis, with mutants exhibiting an elevated NADH/NAD⁺ ratio and altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis [2]. Preserving the NAD⁺/NADH balance is vital for the cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, the maintenance of calcium homeostasis, and cell survival.

Cognitive and Neurological Support

NADH participates in neurotransmitter synthesis pathways and has been incorporated into formulation research aimed at enhancing mental clarity and alleviating fatigue. NAD⁺ and its reduced form, NADH, are of particular importance to brain cells, as the central nervous system heavily relies on ATP availability to maintain brain plasticity [7]. NAD⁺, NADH, and their metabolites exert significant effects on synaptic plasticity, cell death, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, as well as intercellular communication and the rearrangement of intracellular signaling pathways [7].

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study demonstrated that stabilized NADH (20mg sublingual tablet) effectively improved cognitive decline and drowsiness induced by jet lag. Subjects receiving NADH performed significantly better than the placebo group on four cognitive test indicators (P ≤ 0.05), with no adverse effects observed [3]. This clearly indicates the clinical application potential of NADH in improving cognitive function and alleviating fatigue.

Anti-Fatigue and Sports Nutrition Applications

NADH supports endurance and post-exercise recovery by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency. Research has shown that the combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation and Zone 2 training may enhance mitochondrial function and aerobic adaptability by elevating NAD⁺ levels [4]. Mitochondria, as core organelles, are responsible for providing ATP to meet the bioenergetic demands of cells, a role that is particularly crucial during exercise. Endurance exercise improves overall aerobic capacity by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis [8].

In mouse models, supplementation with NAD⁺-boosting compounds significantly increased the content of both NAD⁺ and NADH (by 29-42% and 72-39% respectively), while also improving mitochondrial function, promoting carbohydrate utilization, and enhancing metabolic flexibility [8]. These findings support the application potential of NADH in sports nutrition, as it enhances endurance and post-exercise recovery through the optimization of mitochondrial function.

NADH is frequently combined with other metabolic and mitochondrial support ingredients to enhance formulation synergy.

Common formulation partners include:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – mitochondrial energy support
• PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) – mitochondrial biogenesis
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) – antioxidant and metabolic support
• NMN / NR – NAD⁺ metabolism support
• Creatine Monohydrate – cellular energy buffering

These combinations are widely used in energy, cognitive health, and longevity supplements.

• Dietary Supplements: NADH is widely used in dietary supplements designed to support cellular energy production, anti-fatigue performance, and healthy aging. It is commonly formulated into capsules and tablets targeting energy metabolism and daily vitality.
• Sports Nutrition: In sports nutrition products, NADH is incorporated to support ATP production and mitochondrial energy metabolism, helping athletes maintain endurance and optimize physical performance during intense training.
• Cognitive Health Formulations: NADH is increasingly included in brain health and cognitive support supplements. By supporting cellular energy metabolism in neurons, it is often used in formulations aimed at enhancing mental clarity, focus, and cognitive performance.
• Functional Foods & Beverages: NADH can also be applied in energy drinks, functional beverages, and nutrition powders designed to support metabolic vitality and sustained energy levels.
• Mitochondrial & Longevity Formulations: With the rapid growth of mitochondrial health and longevity science, NADH has become a valuable ingredient in advanced formulations targeting cellular energy support, metabolic health, and healthy aging.

Packaging Specifications: 1kg/aluminum foil bag, 5kg/aluminum foil bag, 10kg/aluminum foil bag, 25kg/cardboard drum (customizable)

Storage Conditions: Sealed, protected from light, and stored in a dry place; long-term storage is recommended at 2-8°C under refrigeration.

Shelf Life: 24 months

Aidu Bio is a professional manufacturer and supplier of high-quality nutraceutical ingredients, serving global supplement brands worldwide.

Our advantages include:

• Integrated manufacturing and supply chain
• Stable large-scale production capacity
• Strict quality control and international certifications
• OEM / private label supplement solutions
• Reliable export experience to global markets

We are committed to supporting partners with consistent ingredient quality, competitive pricing, and long-term supply reliability.

• [1] Perales-Clemente E, et al. Restoration of electron transport without proton pumping in mammalian mitochondria. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008;105(48):18735-9.
• [2] Involvement of a glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in modulating the NADH/NAD+ ratio. NRC Publications Archive.
• [3] Birkmayer GD, et al. Stabilized NADH (ENADA) improves jet lag-induced cognitive performance deficit. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(17-18):450-4.
• [4] The Impact of NR Supplementation on Metabolic Flexibility During Zone 2 Training. ICHGCP. 2026.
• [5] Williamson DH, et al. The redox state of free nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of rat liver. Biochem J. 1967;103(2):514-27.
• [6] Pathobiochemistry of Aging and Neurodegeneration: Deregulation of NAD+ Metabolism in Brain Cells. Biomolecules. 2024;14(12):1556.
• [7] Daussin F, et al. Dietary (-)-epicatechin boosts NAD+ metabolism and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle from mice. European Congress of Sport Science. 2020.
• [8] Restoration of electron transport without proton pumping in mammalian mitochondria. PNAS. 2008.