The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with niacinamide, a derivative of niacin, was advocated in the 1950s by William Kaufman, M.D., who believed that large doses could help patients with various types of arthritis, depression and other maladies. The medical community now recognizes niacinamide as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis, although very little research has been conducted on its effects on rheumatoid arthritis. Consult your doctor before supplementing with large doses of niacinamide.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an inflammatory condition thought to be caused by an autoimmune response in which your immune system attacks various joints of your body. RA is distinguished from the "wear and tear" type of arthritis called osteoarthritis, which also involves some inflammation, but is not nearly as destructive as RA. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative and Medicine, RA eventually damages bone and cartilage within your joints, which weakens muscle and tendons that support the joints, leading to further joint destruction. RA usually begins in middle age and occurs more often in women. It can affect any joint in your body, but typically affects both hands. Conventional treatment for RA usually involves anti-inflammatory drugs.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is derived from niacin. Both are considered vitamin B3, although niacinamide doesn't have the vasodilating and flushing properties of niacin and isn't used therapeutically to reduce blood cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Niacinamide is generally considered safer and less toxic at higher dosages than niacin. Both forms of vitamin B3 are needed in your body for a wide variety of metabolic and enzymatic reactions, especially those related to fats and sugars.
Niacinamide Properties
Although niacinamide doesn't vasodilate or relax blood vessels, it does display anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is used for certain skin conditions, such as acne vulgaris. A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center review published in a 2006 edition of the journal "Cutis" concluded that niacinamide is effective for a variety of inflammatory skin conditions and is safe at relatively high levels.
Niacinamide and Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of niacinamide are of interest to medical researchers. According to MedlinePlus, niacinamide is considered "possibly effective" for the treatment of osteoarthritis based on studies, as it seems to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain and swelling. MedlinePlus notes that some people who take niacinamide might be able to cut down on painkilling drugs. In regards to RA, niacinamide seems to hold promise due to RA's inflammatory nature, although human studies are lacking and no researchers have duplicated the pioneering work of Dr. Kaufman, who recommended up to 4 g per day of the vitamin to his arthritis patients. Talk to your doctor about all your treatment options for RA.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- MayoClinic.com: Niacin (vitamin B3, nicotinic acid), Niacinamide
- "Cutis"; Pharmacologic doses of nicotinamide in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions: a review; N.M. Niren; January 2006
- MedlinePlus: Niacin and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
