The Game-Changing Benefits of Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide, Not Niacin) for Eye Health

Vitamin B3 is an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in energy metabolism, skin health and overall wellness. But on top of these benefits, it is also now garnering a lot of scientific attention for its importance as a vision vitamin.

Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of vitamin B3 for glaucoma, prompting many to take high-dose niacin supplements. However, niacin is not the right form of vitamin B3 to take for eye health.

It is actually nicotinamide, and not niacin, that is key for retinal ganglion cell health and optic nerve function. This is why it is important, when choosing a vision supplement, to select an eye multivitamin supplement that contains nicotinamide.

Why Nicotinamide (Not Niacin) is the Right B3 for Eye Health

Vitamin B3 exists in two primary forms: niacin (nicotinic acid) and nicotinamide (niacinamide). Though both are essential, they serve distinct roles in the body, particularly regarding eye health.

• Niacin (nicotinic acid): Niacin is renowned for its ability to lower cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. However, at high doses, it can cause uncomfortable side effects such as flushing, itching, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Its primary function is to convert food into energy and support overall cellular function.
• Nicotinamide (niacinamide): Nicotinamide, in contrast, does not cause the flushing associated with niacin and is more effective for eye health. This form of Vitamin B3 is critical for cellular repair, DNA synthesis, and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.

Importantly, nicotinamide has demonstrated significant promise in protecting against glaucoma by supporting the health of retinal ganglion cells.

Nicotinamide Vitamin B3: A Key Supplement for Glaucoma

Nicotinamide is a key source of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme found in every cell of our body, essential for energy production and cellular repair.

NAD+ plays a critical role in mitochondrial function, which is the powerhouse of the cell. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributing to various age-related conditions, including glaucoma.

Studies show that nicotinamide enhances NAD+ levels in retinal ganglion cells, which are essential for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain.

By supporting NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function, nicotinamide helps protect these cells from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction - key factors in the development and progression of glaucoma.

Multiple studies have confirmed the neuroprotective effects of nicotinamide, including buffering and preventing metabolic stress, increasing mitochondrial size and mobility, and reducing susceptibility of the optic nerve to pressure-related stresses.

Clinical Evidence: Nicotinamide in Action

The potential of nicotinamide to prevent optic nerve damage in glaucoma was demonstrated in a groundbreaking clinical study published in Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

The study, led by the Centre for Eye Research Australia, included 57 glaucoma patients who received both placebo and nicotinamide alternately over the course of the study.

Those who received nicotinamide for 12 weeks in addition to their regular glaucoma treatments, showed significant improvement in inner retinal function, based on electrical activity in the retinal ganglion cells.

Why Nicotinamide Supplementation is Essential

The reason? NAD+ deficiency.

NAD+ deficiency increases as we grow older. A study in Nutrients found that NAD+ levels decline by up to 50% as we age.

The only way NAD+ levels can be increased is through taking an NAD+ precursor, such as nicotinamide. Eating foods rich in vitamin B3, such as fish, poultry, meat, and whole grains are beneficial, but obtaining sufficient nicotinamide through diet alone can be challenging, especially as absorption decreases with age.

Supplementation is often the best way to ensure you get adequate nicotinamide to achieve the optimal NAD+ levels needed to protect retinal ganglion cells. And this is why nicotinamide is gaining popularity as a vitamin supplement for glaucoma.

Nicotinamide is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses. It is usually the doses above 1,000 mg that are associated with adverse side effects, and even then, these remain relatively rare. Multiple studies have confirmed that doses up to 1,000 mg daily are generally well-tolerated, even when taken over the long term.

While nicotinamide is generally safe, some individuals may experience mild side effects. These can include nausea, headaches, and fatigue. In rare cases, very high doses may lead to liver issues, so it’s crucial to stick within the recommended limits and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

What About Nicotinamide Riboside or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide?

In addition to nicotinamide, other forms of Vitamin B3 derivatives like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) have gained popularity as supplements to boost NAD+ levels.

These compounds are precursors to NAD+ and have shown promise in enhancing cellular energy and repair. They have been extensively studied for their potential anti-ageing effects and their ability to improve mitochondrial function.

However, their effectiveness and bioavailability for eye health differ.

• Nicotinamide: Nicotinamide has been shown to be particularly effective in reaching and protecting retinal ganglion cells, which is crucial in the context of glaucoma. Nicotinamide is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and is more effective than NR and NMN in raising NAD+ levels in retinal ganglion cells.
• Nicotinamide riboside (NR): While NR is beneficial for general health and has shown promise in anti-ageing studies, it is not as effective as nicotinamide in targeting the retinal ganglion cells.
• Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN): NMN is also a precursor to NAD+ and has gained popularity for its potential in boosting cellular health and longevity. However, unlike nicotinamide, NMN supplementation can trigger degeneration of the axons in individuals who already have susceptible retinal ganglion cells.

Conclusion

As you age, it becomes ever more important to support your eyesight with vision vitamin supplements.

Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, offers a powerful way to support your vision. It has this unique ability to enhance NAD+ levels and maintain the health of retinal ganglion cells, which sets it apart from other NAD+ boosting supplements such as NR and NMN.

When selecting an eye multivitamin supplement or a supplement for glaucoma, look for one that includes nicotinamide for its ability to support cell metabolism and increase optic nerve resilience.