NAD+ and NADH

NAD+ and NADH are coenzymes for many oxidation and reduction reactions in cells, playing a crucial role in energy conveyance and powering reactions 2. In normal metabolism, cells should have 300 to 500 times as much NAD as NADH because it's in a rapidly oxidizing state 5. This balance is essential for maintaining cellular health, and stresses that interfere with oxygen or subtract the NAD cause a failure of the balance, shifting it to a very reduced, NADH-dominant state 5.

Stress, including damage to DNA, can deplete both NAD+ and NADH, leading to a failure of the balance 5. Elevated fatty acid oxidation, as seen in conditions such as obesity and diabetes, can also lead to a decline in the mitochondrial NAD/NADH ratio, resulting in a relative deficiency of NAD+ 6. This deficiency can inhibit glucose oxidation and lead to various health problems.

Excessive alcohol use can also lower the NAD/NADH ratio by converting NAD+ to NADH, leading to cellular damage and inflammation 7. In contrast, maintaining a healthy balance of NAD+ and NADH is essential for optimal cellular function and overall health.

It's worth noting that the balance between NAD+ and NADH is not always straightforward, and different sources may provide conflicting information. For example, some studies have shown that elevated NADH can inhibit the Krebs cycle and decrease combustion of pyruvate 4. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationships between NAD+, NADH, and cellular health.