The Game-Changing Benefits of Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide) for Eye Health

Vitamin B3, in the form of niacin or nicotinamide, is an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in our overall health and wellness.

While it’s often lauded for its contributions to energy metabolism and skin health, its significance in maintaining eye health is now increasingly recognised.

However, it’s important to distinguish that nicotinamide, not niacin, is key for optimal eye health.

Understanding Vitamin B3: Niacin vs. Nicotinamide

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 Nutrient 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 to pressure-related stresses.

Clinical Evidence: Nicotinamide in Action

The potential of nicotinamide to prevent nerve cell damage leading to blindness 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.

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

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.

This is why supplementation is often the best way to ensure you get adequate nicotinamide to achieve the optimal NAD+ levels needed to protect retinal ganglion cells.

Nicotinamide is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses. The upper limit for nicotinamide intake is set at 3,000 mg per day. Doses up to this limit have been used in clinical studies without significant adverse effects.

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

Taking proactive steps to support your vision health can make a significant difference in maintaining eyesight, particularly as you age.

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