Prevent and Treat Glaucoma! Breakthrough Supplement Research

Summary

This video delves into the potential of vitamin B3, specifically nicotinamide, as a promising treatment and preventive measure for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The script explores how nicotinamide supplementation may support the optic nerve by improving mitochondrial function, potentially slowing or preventing vision loss. Highlighting various studies, including both animal and human trials, the video discusses the benefits of vitamin B3, including improved retinal function and visual field sensitivities. It also covers the safety concerns, potential side effects, and ongoing clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy further. The video concludes with a mention of Nano dropper as a helpful tool for glaucoma patients using eye drops.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) may help prevent and treat glaucoma by supporting the optic nerve and improving its metabolic function.
• 😀 Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure, leading to vision loss.
• 😀 Current glaucoma treatments mainly focus on reducing eye pressure, but nicotinamide might offer metabolic support to the optic nerve cells.
• 😀 Vitamin B3 is naturally found in foods like poultry, fish, dairy, and whole grains and plays a key role in energy production and metabolism.
• 😀 Research has shown that nicotinamide supplementation could reduce the risk of glaucoma by up to 93% in mice, as per a 2017 study.
• 😀 A 2020 human study found that nicotinamide supplementation improved retinal function and slightly enhanced visual fields in glaucoma patients.
• 😀 In 2021, a study confirmed that nicotinamide supplementation improved visual field sensitivities, suggesting structural support for the optic nerve.
• 😀 Early supplementation with nicotinamide could help protect against elevated eye pressure, which is a precursor to glaucoma, as indicated by a 2024 mouse study.
• 😀 Potential side effects of nicotinamide include skin flushing, gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, insulin resistance, and macular edema, especially at high doses.
• 😀 Long-term, high-dose nicotinamide use has been linked to potential liver function issues, though these are rare.
• 😀 Ongoing clinical trials in countries like Sweden, the UK, Australia, and Singapore aim to further investigate the role of nicotinamide in preventing and treating glaucoma.

Q & A

What is the primary condition being discussed in the video?

The primary condition discussed in the video is glaucoma, a major cause of vision loss and blindness, which involves damage to the optic nerve in the eye.

How is vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) related to glaucoma?

Vitamin B3, specifically nicotinamide, may help slow down, prevent, or treat vision loss caused by glaucoma by providing metabolic support to the cells of the optic nerve, possibly preventing further damage.

What is the function of nicotinamide in the body?

Nicotinamide plays a key role in the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is crucial for energy production in cells and is involved in metabolism, aging, and cell survival.

How does glaucoma affect the optic nerve?

Glaucoma causes the optic nerve to slowly die over time due to increased internal eye pressure, leading to a gradual loss of peripheral vision and, eventually, permanent blindness if left untreated.

What traditional treatments exist for glaucoma, and how do they work?

Traditional treatments for glaucoma, such as medication, surgery, and laser therapy, aim to reduce the internal eye pressure to prevent mechanical stress on the optic nerve, helping to minimize damage.

What were the key findings of the 2017 study on nicotinamide and glaucoma?

The 2017 study found that mice given nicotinamide supplementation had a 93% reduction in the risk of developing glaucoma, indicating a potential protective effect for the optic nerve.

Can nicotinamide supplementation help prevent glaucoma in humans?

A 2024 study on mice showed that early supplementation with nicotinamide before elevated eye pressure can offer protection. However, more human studies are needed to confirm its preventative effects in people at risk of glaucoma.

What were the findings of the 2020 and 2021 human studies on nicotinamide?

In both studies, glaucoma patients who received nicotinamide supplementation showed improved retinal function and better visual field sensitivity, suggesting that it may help protect the optic nerve and slow vision loss.

What are some potential side effects of taking nicotinamide supplements?

Possible side effects of nicotinamide supplementation include skin flushing, gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, insulin resistance, macular edema, and liver function issues at high doses. It's important to consult a doctor before using it.

What are the limitations of the current research on nicotinamide for glaucoma?

The current research is mostly based on animal studies, and while some human studies show promising results, they are short-term and conducted on individuals already diagnosed with glaucoma. More long-term, randomized trials in humans are needed.