Vitamin B3 And Alzheimers

Vitamin B3 And Alzheimer's

Studies have been conducted at the Neuroscience Departments at the University of California on animals using nicotinamide, a formulation that contains vitamin B3.

The outcome has proved that the animals were protected from memory loss typical of a condition similar to Alzheimer's disease.

Studies so far have been conducted mostly on mice by dissolving minute quantities of nicotinamide in their water. The study was over a four-month period after which the mice were subjected to various tests. These well-defined tests were designed to ascertain their cognitive ability before and after the treatment. It was found that their short-term memory had improved and signs of degeneration, typical of Alzheimer’s, were arrested.

The researchers concluded that the nicotinamide had an effect on the protein which constitutes the lesions in the brain characteristic of Alzheimer's. Nicotinamide also aided the stability of the scaffolding in the brain along which signals traveled. Nicotinamide further prevented loss of recognition prevalent in mice already suffering from Alzheimer's.

To obtain the same results, the equivalent a human being would require to take would be 2 g per day. The FDA stipulates 500 mg as being the maximum safe level. Doses exceeding 10 g or more have indicated serious side-effects including liver damage.

Ongoing studies are being conducted on humans, but as on date there is no conclusive evidence available to justify vitamin B3 in treatment of Alzheimer's.

Low doses of vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid or niacin, are found in cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts, poultry, meat and fish. It is also available as vitamin supplements.

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Vitamin B3 And Alzheimers