Energy in the body is stored within molecules of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is produced within mitochondria, which are small organelles within all cells. Almost all chemical processes require energy to function; therefore, ATP production is essential. Three chemical processes, namely glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain, produce molecules of ATP from molecules of glucose, or sugar, and fatty acids. Certain nutritional supplements help to produce ATP and thus provide the body with more energy.
B Vitamins
Of the eight B-vitamins, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and biotin play a role in ATP production. Vitamins B1, B2 and B3, also called thiamine, riboflavin and niacin respectively, help the body to convert food into units of glucose, the simplest form of sugar that the body uses to create ATP. Coenzymes required for the chemical reactions that make ATP need vitamins B1, B2, B3 and biotin to function. Without these B vitamins, ATP is not produced. These vitamins are found in multivitamins or as separate supplements.
NADH
The three chemical processes that create molecules of ATP depend on a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD. Throughout the mitochondria of the cell, NAD is used to convert glucose, or sugar, into units of ATP. NAD is closely associated with vitamin B3, or niacin, and deficiencies in one cause a deficiency in the other. In supplement form, NAD is sold in its reduced state, NADH. In addition to augmenting energy production, NADH may be useful to treat neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease, in addition to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Consult a physician before taking NADH or any other supplement.
L-Carnitine
The production of ATP, or energy, relies on the presence of glucose or fatty acid molecules within cellular mitochondria. L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps to bring fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production, thus increasing the production of ATP, or energy. L-carnitine is generally considered a safe supplement to take; however, it is contraindicated if you have a seizure disorder, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Consult a physician before taking L-carnitine.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a substance naturally produced by the body and stored within the mitochondria. Enzymes within the mitochondria that participate in the three chemical processes of ATP production need CoQ10 to function. Therefore, increasing CoQ10 within the body through supplementation provides the mitochondria with needed CoQ10 to produce ATP, and supplementation provides a stored reserve of CoQ10 to produce more energy when required. CoQ10 may interact with certain medications; therefore, consult a physician before taking Co Q10.
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