During one of our dietitian's lectures in Nutritional Biochemistry at Pretoria University, an individual's theoretical daily need for NAD, assuming that none is recycled, was calculated. The calculation showed, that the average person's body contains approximately 16 grammes of NAD and that it had to be recycled 2 160 times during every 24 hours through the body. Had the body lacked the ability to recycle NAD successfully, 35,91 kg of NAD (approximately 72 000 containers of NutriNAD, or 7,2 million MalaikaNAD capsules) would have to be taken every day, in order to supplement it. NAD plays an important role in the production of ATP (the basic energy molecule) in the body.

NAD and NADP, which are pyridine nucleotides, are rated as being amongst the important high energy compounds in the biochemistry of organisms. The reduction of NAD plays an important part in the citric-acid cycle and contributes to the production of 22 molecules of ATP from one molecule of glucose. NAD and its derivatives NADH, NADP and NADPH have regulatory functions in the generation of triose phosphates and pyruvate from glucose.

• NAD is reduced to NADH in the metabolism of glucose. The hydrogen molecule is obtained from the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• The activated NADH plays a part in several critical bodily functions, amongst others, in the continued production of ATP, which is the basic energy compound in the body.
• NAD plays an important role in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
• In the absence of oxygen, pyruvate must be converted to lactate to regenerate NAD from NADH in the cytoplasm.
• In the presence of oxygen, the mitochondria can reoxidize cytosolic NADH by an indirect process, involving the mitochondrial "shuttle systems"

Improving Immunity

Phagocytes use NADPH as a source of energy, to destroy pathogens. The NAD(P)H, that is available, is also used to protect the body against free radicals and to, in this way, prevent illnesses and damage. High dosages of ascorbic acid can supplement the activity of the NAD(P)H, which is only available to a limited extent. Research on the effect of the Epstein-Barr virus on lymphocytes, indicates that the cultivated cells' levels of NAD were lower.

Improving Brain Functions

The brain is metabolically speaking one of the most active organs in the body and consumes approximately 20% of all energy generated. Its weight-to-energy ratio is ten times more than that of most other organs. The brain does not really have any reserves of energy, in the true sense of the word, and must therefore be supplied continuously with energy by the body. The brain, as a whole, consumes approximately 4 x 1021 molecules of ATP per minute and this increases during REM sleeping. During the first ten years of a child's life, the brain consumes up to twice as much energy as during adulthood. When pyruvate oxidation is impaired, glycolysis will run faster than normal to try to make up for deficient ATP production. This will cause more production of lactate. The brain relies on oxidation of glucose as an energy source and has a limited ability to oxidize fatty acids. In cases of severe energy depletion mental retardation is not surprising.

NAD plays an important part in the production of ATP in cells

Derivatives of niacin, mainly in the form of NAD and NADP coenzymes, are found abundantly in brain tissue. In the case of niacin deficiency, the brain's supply of NAD declines sharply and the functioning of the brain is disturbed; malfunctioning of the brain (dementia) is indeed one of the primary characteristics of pellagra. If the NAD deficiency lasts for an extended period, permanent brain damage develops.

Scientists have discussed the possible use of NAD for the treatment of neurodegeneration and the improvement of brain functions. NADH plays a role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters, i.e. noradrenaline and dopamine, which are important for maintaining a positive state of mind. South African research on NAD, that was conducted for the manufacturer, also confirms the normalising effect of NAD on the neurotransmitters, i.e. dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. NAD probably plays a role in the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain.

Normalizing Cell Functions

Many cellular enzymes use NAD+ as coenzyme or substrate, depending on the nature of the enzymatic reaction. Under certain conditions the cellular NAD+ concentration may become rate-limiting for such enzymes. For instance, when eucaryotic cells are exposed to high concentrations of DNA-damaging agents, the resulting DNA strand breaks may stimulate the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) to such an extent that the cellular pool of NAD+, which is the substrate for this enzyme, is severely depleted, possibly leading to acute cell death.