Drug of the Month: NADH

Its name sounds like something a rocket scientist might say if he were speaking in tongues: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen. Luckily, on the shelf it goes by an easy-to-remember acronym, NADH. Fans claim it alleviates fatigue, fights jet lag, enhances mental clarity, and lifts depression.

How it (supposedly) works: NADH is the coenzyme form of vitamin B3, and you'll find it in every cell in your body. The more active the cell, the more NADH it has. Heart cells, for example, have plenty. And they wouldn't need any additional help from you if it weren't for the fact that NADH gets depleted over time. Once a cell has less than it needs, everything slows down -- the very definition of aging. And the body doesn't make additional NADH; to replenish your supply, you have to turn to an outside source.

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The verdict: Several years ago, a homeopathic doctor turned me on to NADH, and I've been taking it intermittently ever since. I can't point to one giant benefit I've noticed while using it, but when I don't take it for a while, I suddenly miss it. At the risk of sounding vague, I'll say NADH makes me feel better. It's an extra kick you might not even notice until you've gotten through a particularly hard week without dragging ass -- and with spare juice left over for the weekend.

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Fun fact: NADH is the body's most potent antioxidant.

You must: Get the brand called Enada. It's the only one that's stabilized and enteric-coated, which prevents your stomach acid from killing the NADH before it enters your bloodstream. Take five milligrams on an empty stomach, with at least eight ounces of water. Try this for four months, then take one month off.

Where to buy: Any health-food store. $33 for fifty tablets.

Susan Casey is an overworked executive and former internationally ranked athlete who continues to compete against college-aged punks.

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