Glaucoma and Nicotinamide

[Nonswimmer]

My consultant has recommended I take 250mg Nicotinamide twice daily, can anyone tell me where this can be purchased and at what cost please? nonswimmer

[VerdiG]

it’s Vitamin B3. I just ordered some. A quick Google search will bring up lots of options. All the Natural Remedies retailers sell it. It varies in quality and quantities as to price. I think the one I ordered is from Holland and Barret and was about £15.

[rhys1234 in reply to VerdiG]

In the fifteen odd years since my diagnosis, I have never heard this being suggested. Is it in addition to Travaprost drops ?

What beneficial action is Vit A supposed to have in relation to glaucoma ? Maybe it depends on the specific type of glaucoma ??

[VerdiG in reply to rhys1234]

I don’t know about Vitamin A was it suggested to you? I watched a very helpful video from the American Glaucoma organisation. The Doctors there looked at some of the research done into things that are helpful for Glaucoma patients. I think B3 is to do with cell rejuvenation. It had some benefits as did Ginko Bilbao and even Bilberry supplements. Also meditation. I have normal tension Glaucoma so whilst maintaining low eye pressures I am still losing some vision. I rather suspect there are other factors contributing to that. In the U.K. the only focus is IOP and I take Travapost and Brinzolamide drops and had a Trab op. Whereas one alternative theory is that it could be linked to blood flow to the eyes and optic nerve. I think it’s worth looking at all the research out there. I have had Glaucoma for around 20 years.

[Nonswimmer in reply to VerdiG]

I have purchased B3 Nicotinamide 500mg capsules from Health4 All. I take 6mg lutien a multi-vitamin and 75mg pregabalin each day for nerve pain in my feet and legs. With azopt three times daily and zalatan at night. Considering cutting out the multi-vitamin.

nonswimmer

[PBX142]

My consultant at Moorfields also recommended Nicotinamide, starting with 500mg and building to 1g daily. She said there is promising new research, so I'm trying it. She also said not everyone can tolerate it, but I'm fine with it so far. Mine is from Health4All supplements.

[rhys1234 in reply to PBX142]

But what actual beneficial action did your Consultant say that N. would have ? Or could have ?

[VerdiG in reply to rhys1234]

cera.org.au/vitamin-b3-show...

[PBX142 in reply to rhys1234]

Neuro protective, ie helps protect the optic nerve. She didn't go into detail but you can research more online.

[muddledme]

Hello Nonswimmer,

I hope you do respond well to B3.

I have normal tension glaucoma and prior to micro shunt surgery to both eyes I used to have regular retinal bleeds.

About a year post op I started taking 500mg daily of Vit B . 2 months later on a routine check I had small bleeds in both eyes and I had also had an unexplained large arm bruise. I stopped the Vit B3 in April this year and have had 3 checks since with no further bleeds or bruises.

Maybe this was a coincidence , but it may be worthwhile checking for any unexplained bruises. Everyone reacts differently so perhaps the majority will be fine, I hope so.

Best wishes

[Bonniecat7]

Hi Nonswimmer,Yes, my consultant recommended I take it too.....except he said 1g per day! He explained that's a very high dose but current trials seem to show that is what is needed for it to work, but is not suitable for everyone as it can mess with your kidneys I think at high dosage. It may be you are starting lower dose and building up (they can cause flushing until you get used to them)

I got my tablets from Amazon. They are 500g ones. My consultant said get them from the internet but make sure they are UK approved ones. Be sure to get B3 Nicotinamide and not B3 Niacin. I got the wrong one to start🤦🏼‍♀️

I don't know if they are helping with my glaucoma but I have other symptoms common with normal tension glaucoma such as tingling in my fingers and toes - this has completely stopped since taking the B3 so I'm hopeful it's working 😁

[Ripley001 in reply to Bonniecat7]

I’m a bit confused . I’ve been taking niacinamide B3 - is that the wrong one ? 😳

[Bonniecat7 in reply to Ripley001]

Yes I think it may be. I was taking the Solgar Niacin and it was the wrong one.

[Capetown46 in reply to Bonniecat7]

well at least it will lower your cholesterol.

[Bonniecat7]

This is the one I have. I've just seen the other replies (they weren't showing when I typed, so sorry to repeat info)

Vitamin bottle

[PBX142 in reply to Bonniecat7]

I have exactly the same!

[Ripley001 in reply to Bonniecat7]

Mine says niacinamide must be the same as that above that also says nicotinamide .