Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs when cartilage, a spongy material that cushions the joints, starts to wear away. It commonly affects the hips, knees and hands and is characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected joint. If you suffer from this condition, you can help yourself by exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles supporting your joints, and losing any excess weight to reduce the strain on your joints. Your doctor will also likely prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce pain and swelling. Some nutrients, including niacinamide, might also help to alleviate symptoms, although evidence to prove this is limited. Consult your doctor before taking niacinamide supplements.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in a number of physiological processes such as fat metabolism and hormone production. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it might also play a role in the treatment of a number of conditions including high cholesterol, atherosclerosis and diabetes. It may also help to improve joint mobility in patients with osteoarthritis.
Sources and Administration
A variety of foods contain niacinamide including brewer's yeast, kidney, salmon sunflower seeds and peanuts. It is also available as a dietary supplement, either on its own or in combination with other B vitamins. Your doctor should advise you on a suitable dosage.
Effectiveness
Studies examining the role of niacinamide in the treatment of osteoarthritis are limited. The results of a study published in the July 1996 issue of "Inflammation Research" show that niacinamide improves joint flexibility, reduces inflammation and permits the dose of anti-inflammatory medications to be reduced in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. It might also enhance the effects of the pain-relieving drug, ibuprofen, according to research findings published in the January 2005 issue of the "Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences."
Safety Considerations
Taking more than 50 mg daily might cause side effects, primarily facial flushing, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking timed-release niacinamide tablets might have fewer side effects than regular niacinaminde formulations. Very high doses might also cause liver damage. Avoid taking a niacinamide supplement if you have gout, liver disease or a stomach ulcer. Niacinamide supplements might interact with other medicines you are using such as antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs and nicotine patches.
References
- Bupa: Osteoarthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- "Inflammation Research"; The Effect of Niacinamide on Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study; W.B. Jonas, et al.; July 2006
- "Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences"; Study of Interaction Between Ibuprofen and Nicotinamide Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Spectroscopy, and Microscopy and Formulation of a Fast-Acting and Possibly Better Ibuprofen Suspension for Osteoarthritis Patients; L.M. Oberoi, et al.; January 2005
