Glaucoma and nicotinamide

[woodthorpe]

A. August 2020.

A study in Australia revealed that: It is uncertain if the increased retinal activity in the retina with high doses of nicotinamide, (Vit. B3), translate to meaningful change to the daily lives of people with glaucoma. Larger multisite trials are needed.

Prof. Crowston, J & Dr Hui, F., Centre for Eye Research, August 2020.

and :

B. 23 February 2022

A major four-year clinical trial to test the effectiveness of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, as a treatment for glaucoma is to be led by UCL and Moorfields Eye Hospital researchers.

and:

C. 14 October 2024.

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) has shown promise as a potential therapeutic approach for glaucoma. Recent studies suggest that nicotinamide may help protect RGCs, (retinal ganglion cells), by enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting cell energy production. By bolstering cellular defenses and preventing further damage to the optic nerve, nicotinamide could play a key role in neuroprotection for glaucoma patients, potentially slowing disease progression and preserving vision.

by Tonia S. Rex, PhD

Tonia Rex, PhD is Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research and Marlene and Spencer Hays Director in Translational Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

My conclusion: It's too early to say, but we can live in hope.

PW.

[VerdiG]

Thanks for sharing this. I have been taking on average 1000mg a day for over a year and half. No adverse effects. But it would be good to know why the dose in the trials was so high. I do feel my glaucoma has stabilised over the last 2 years.

[RunnerWithPG in reply to VerdiG]

I too have been taking B3/Nicotinamide for about the same period. No adverse effects. I'm taking 2000mg. I think the trials have tended to be 2000mg - 3000mg, but I was advised there's a very small risk of liver damage at 3000mg, and if you can't have your liver monitored, it's probably better to stick to a limit of 2000mg.

[VerdiG in reply to RunnerWithPG]

Ok thank you. Perhaps I will try and the dose a little.

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi. Thanks for sharing this. We take the same position at Glaucoma UK. There is ongoing research investigating the effectiveness of nicotinamide in people with glaucoma. Too early to say for sure. Such high doses are used in studies so they are able to conclude if it has an effect. However, those under high doses are closely monitored due to the risk of adverse side effects. Some people have no issues with taking it, but others do experience side effects. Just always be sure to speak to your eye specialist about it, and about suggested dosages.