Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the nervous system characterized by loss of myelin, the tissue surrounding nerve fibers. This month the results from an animal study found that injections of nicotinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 may help treat the condition.
Researchers in Boston used mice models of MS to study the effects of Vitamin B3 on disease development and progression. They were studying Vitamin B3 because it is the precursor to NAD, an important compound in the nervous system. NAD promotes proper function of brain cells and is used in the production of most neurotransmitters.
Mice who were injected with Vitamin B3 showed slower degeneration in the nerve fibers than non-treated MS mice. The actual fibers also had less inflammation and the myelin was healthier in the mice treated with Vitamin B3.
The researchers also looked at timing of therapy, by waiting 10 days after induction of MS to begin treatments. They saw signs that Vitamin B3 may reverse or repair damage. This is very promising, because many of the current treatments for MS need to be initiated immediately for best results.
The lead researchers are optimistic that more studies will follow looking into the effects of Vitamin B3 in humans with MS. Some doctors are already using it anecdotally with some success.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 6, 2006 04:15 PM
