Prof. George Birkmayer
Understanding NADH
NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydride) is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every living cell. It is the reduced form of NAD+ and plays a central role in cellular energy metabolism.
Inside the mitochondria, NADH transfers electrons into the respiratory chain, helping convert energy from nutrients into ATP — the primary energy currency used by cells.
Because of this fundamental role, NADH is closely connected to mitochondrial function and normal cellular energy production.
Why is NADH so important?
Every cell in the body depends on a continuous supply of energy to perform its normal functions. Much of this usable cellular energy is generated in the mitochondria in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
NADH plays a central role in this process. As a naturally occurring coenzyme, it carries high-energy electrons generated during the metabolism of nutrients and makes them available for mitochondrial energy production.
This makes NADH an important link between the nutrients we consume and the energy our cells can produce.
How Does NADH Support Cellular Energy Production?
NADH plays a central role in cellular energy metabolism. As carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down, metabolic reactions generate NADH, which carries high-energy electrons. This occurs through pathways including glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and the citric acid cycle.
Within mitochondria, NADH donates its electrons to Complex I of the electron transport chain, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The electrons are subsequently transferred through additional components of the respiratory chain.
The energy released during electron transport is used to pump protons from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space. This creates an electrochemical proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, effectively storing energy that the cell can use to produce ATP.
As protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through an enzyme called ATP synthase, the stored energy drives the conversion of ADP and inorganic phosphate into ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP serves as the cell's primary energy currency and is essential for numerous biological processes.
At the end of the electron transport chain, oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, combining with electrons and protons to form water. When NADH donates its electrons, it is oxidized back to NAD+, allowing it to participate in further metabolic reactions. This continuous cycle connects nutrient metabolism with mitochondrial energy production.
Why the Original?
NADH is a highly sensitive coenzyme that requires careful formulation to remain stable and suitable for oral use. Developing a reliable NADH formulation therefore requires specific expertise in stabilization, protection and delivery.
Prof. George Birkmayer was among the pioneers in developing a stabilized form of NADH in the early 1990s. This formulation work became the foundation of the Birkmayer NADH product range and helped establish decades of specialized experience with one molecule: NADH.
Today, our products continue to build on this expertise in formulation, quality and product development.
For a fast-dissolving sublingual format with 20 mg of stabilized NADH per tablet, explore RAPID ENERGY.
Prof. George Birkmayer
NADH Beyond Supplements
Explore NADH in skincare with our NADH Skin Serum, developed for a radiant appearance.
Where does our NADH come from?
Our NADH starts with baker's yeast, which naturally contains NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme found in the cells of all living organisms.
During manufacturing, NAD is extracted from the yeast and converted into its reduced form, NADH, through controlled biochemical processes. The resulting NADH undergoes multiple purification steps to separate it from the original yeast components. The final NADH ingredient contains no yeast components.
Our NADH is manufactured in Europe by an internationally renowned producer with extensive experience in manufacturing biochemical ingredients. Carefully controlled production processes help ensure consistent raw material quality.
NADH Research
Prof. George Birkmayer dedicated decades of research to NADH, with a particular focus on its role in human metabolism and cellular energy production.
His scientific work included numerous studies and publications on NADH and contributed to the development of stabilized NADH formulations suitable for oral use.
Learn more about his research, scientific perspective and the history of NADH in his book.