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Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —
Definition
NADH, in plain English
When enzymes break down glucose, fats and amino acids, they pass electrons (along with a hydrogen) to NAD+, turning it into NADH. Much of this happens in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.
NADH then delivers those electrons to complex I of the electron transport chain. StatPearls, NIH's clinical reference, notes that each NADH supports roughly 2.5 molecules of ATP.
- Form
- Reduced (carrying electrons)
- Made in
- Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle
- Delivers to
- Complex I of the electron transport chain
How it connects
How NADH relates to NAD+
The balance between NAD+ and NADH, often called the NAD+/NADH ratio, reflects a cell's redox state. Each time NADH hands its electrons on, NAD+ is regenerated, so energy metabolism recycles the pool rather than using it up.
For your treatment
What NADH means for NAD+ therapy
Some supplements contain NADH itself. NADMedics prescribes NAD+, the oxidized form, and your provider can explain how the two differ.
- 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
NADH: common questions
What is NADH?
NADH is the reduced form of NAD+. It carries high-energy electrons from the breakdown of food to the electron transport chain in mitochondria, where they help make ATP.
Is NADH better than NAD+?
Neither is better. They're two states of the same molecule, and cells need both. The ratio between them matters more than either one alone.
Where does NADH go?
Most NADH made in mitochondria passes its electrons to complex I of the electron transport chain, which uses that energy to help make ATP.
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 NADH, 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.
- 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.
- Cell energyElectron transport chainThe electron transport chain is a series of four protein complexes in the inner membrane of mitochondria. It takes electrons from NADH, passes them to oxygen and uses the energy to make ATP.
- Cell energyKrebs cycleThe Krebs cycle, or citric acid cycle, is a loop of reactions in mitochondria that breaks down fuel from food and loads electrons onto NAD+ to make NADH for energy.
Guides that cover NADH
Official sources
NADH: sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- NIH National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)Biochemistry, Electron Transport Chain
How four protein complexes use electrons from NADH to drive ATP production.
- NIH National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)Physiology, Krebs Cycle
The citric acid cycle step by step, including the steps that make NADH.
- NIH National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)Biochemistry, Oxidative Phosphorylation
The redox reactions that move electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen to make ATP.
- 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.
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.
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