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Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —
Definition
Coenzyme, in plain English
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions; the National Human Genome Research Institute describes an enzyme as a biological catalyst that is almost always a protein. Many enzymes can't work alone and need a small helper molecule to carry electrons or chemical groups. That helper is a coenzyme.
Several B vitamins are the raw material for coenzymes. Niacin (vitamin B3) becomes NAD and NADP, and riboflavin (vitamin B2) becomes FAD and FMN.
- What it is
- Non-protein enzyme helper
- Examples
- NAD+, FAD, coenzyme A
- Often made from
- B vitamins
For your treatment
What coenzyme means for NAD+ therapy
Because NAD+ is a coenzyme rather than a drug with a single target, its effects are broad and hard to study. That's one reason clinical evidence for NAD+ therapy is still limited.
- Free online consultation with a licensed U.S. provider
- NAD+ nasal spray or injection, plans from $166 a month if prescribed
- NAD+ has no FDA-approved use; compounded NAD+ isn’t FDA-approved
Questions
Coenzyme: common questions
What is a coenzyme?
A coenzyme is a small, non-protein molecule that an enzyme needs in order to work. NAD+ is one of the body's most widely used coenzymes, and many coenzymes are made from B vitamins.
Is a coenzyme the same as a cofactor?
A coenzyme is one type of cofactor. 'Cofactor' covers any non-protein helper, including metal ions like zinc; 'coenzyme' usually means an organic molecule such as NAD+.
Why are B vitamins linked to coenzymes?
The body turns several B vitamins into coenzymes. Niacin becomes NAD and NADP, and riboflavin becomes FAD and FMN.
Does NADMedics NAD+ contain NADH or NADP?
No. NADMedics nasal spray and injections contain compounded NAD+. Your cells convert NAD+ into NADH and NADP as they need them.
Can a blood test measure my NAD+?
Research labs can measure NAD+ in blood, but it isn't part of routine care and there's no agreed normal range doctors use.
Why do NAD+ levels fall with age?
Research reviews point to more NAD+ being used by enzymes such as CD38 and PARPs and less being recycled. Most of that evidence comes from lab and animal studies.
Keep learning
Related NAD+ terms
Terms that connect to coenzyme, each explained on its own page.
- MoleculesNAD+NAD+ is the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in every living cell. It carries electrons for energy metabolism and is used by enzymes involved in DNA repair.
- Vitamins & precursorsNiacinNiacin is vitamin B3, an essential nutrient the body turns into NAD and NADP. It includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide and comes from foods such as poultry, fish, nuts and grains.
- Enzymes & pathwaysSirtuinsSirtuins are a family of seven enzymes in people (SIRT1 to SIRT7) that need NAD+ to work. They remove chemical tags from proteins and help regulate metabolism, stress responses and DNA upkeep.
- Cell energyRedox reactionA redox reaction is a chemical reaction in which electrons move from one molecule to another: one is oxidized (loses electrons) and the other is reduced (gains them). NAD+ and NADH are the cell's main electron carriers.
Guides that cover coenzyme
Official sources
Coenzyme: sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- National Human Genome Research InstituteEnzyme (Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms)
An enzyme is a biological catalyst and is almost always a protein.
- NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsNiacin: Health Professional Fact Sheet
Explains how the body turns niacin (vitamin B3) into NAD, a coenzyme used by more than 400 enzymes.
- NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsNiacin: Fact Sheet for Consumers
What niacin (vitamin B3) does, how much adults need and which foods provide it.
- NIH National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)Niacin (StatPearls, archived)
Clinical review: NAD and NADP as the active forms of niacin, and niacin's use as a cholesterol drug.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G., on October 12, 2026. This glossary is general education, not medical advice. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, and compounded NAD+ is not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Talk with a licensed provider before starting any supplement or treatment.
Questions about NAD+? Ask a provider
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