Your Brain—The Body's Most Demanding Organ

Why Our Brain Performs at Its Best Even While We Sleep—and What Role NADH Plays in This

Our brain is a truly high-performance organ. Although it accounts for only about two percent of our body weight, it consumes around 20 percent of our total energy. This makes it clear: No other organ works as constantly and energy-intensively as our brain—and it does so around the clock.

Even when we're asleep, a complex network of billions of nerve cells continues to function in the brain. Information is processed, memories are consolidated, hormones are regulated, and vital functions are controlled. Our brain never takes a break.

Energy Requirements of a High-Performance Organ

In order for the numerous processes in the brain to function, our brain requires a continuous supply of energy. This energy is produced within the cells and is the foundation for the daily functioning of our brain.

In this context, research has also been focusing on NADH for many years.

NADH is a natural component of the human body and is produced as an intermediate in key metabolic processes in which energy is derived from nutrients. Within cells, it acts as a coenzyme and is closely integrated into the reaction chains that enable the flow of energy within the body. As a result, NADH is directly and functionally linked to the continuous energy requirements of the various organs.

Particularly interesting: Compared to many other organs, the brain has a particularly high concentration of NADH. The reason for this lies in the enormous energy demands of our thinking organ. Billions of nerve cells are constantly communicating with one another, processing information, controlling movements, regulating emotions, and maintaining vital functions—even while we sleep.

In addition to the brain, the heart, muscles, and liver are among the organs that require a particularly large amount of energy due to their high level of activity. These tissues work almost without interruption and depend on a constantly functioning metabolism.

The high concentration of NADH in the brain therefore demonstrates one thing above all: Our brain is one of the most active and demanding parts of the human body.

Why Mental Energy Is More Important Today Than Ever Before

Our daily lives constantly challenge the brain:

• constant flood of information
• demands a high level of concentration
• Multitasking
• mental strain and stress
• few recovery periods

As a result, many people experience symptoms such as mental exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, or the feeling that they “can no longer think clearly.”

The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle for the Brain

In addition to getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, getting enough essential micronutrients is also important.

These include, among other things:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., found in fatty ocean fish, algae, or walnuts)
• B vitamins (found naturally in whole grains, legumes, green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, and meat)
• Antioxidants (e.g., found in berries, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and cocoa)
• a balanced diet (with a variety of fresh foods and as few processed foods as possible)
• Regular mental activity (e.g., reading, learning new skills, playing music, or social interaction)

Conclusion

Our brain is the most demanding organ in our body —powerful, complex, and active around the clock. To function optimally, it needs one thing above all else: energy.

NADH is a natural component of the human body and has been the subject of scientific research in the fields of energy metabolism and cell function for many years.

Anyone who wants to support their cognitive function over the long term should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle overall , getting enough rest, engaging in mental activity, and ensuring adequate NADH levels.

Sources

Attwell D, Laughlin SB. An Energy Budget for Signaling in the Brain's Gray Matter. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism. 2001.

Harris JJ, Jolivet R, Attwell D. Synaptic Energy Use and Supply. Neuron. 2012.

Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, and Other B Vitamins. National Academies Press.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source: Antioxidants.

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin Fact Sheets for Health Professionals.