THE EFFECT OF NIACINAMIDE ON OSTEOARTHRITIS - A PILOT-STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the effect of niacinamide, on selected paramete rs of osteoarthritis using a double-blind, placebo controlled study de sign. Methods: Seventy two patients with osteoarthritis were randomize d for treatment with niacinamide or an identical placebo for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included global arthritis impact and pain, joint ran ge of motion and flexibility, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, complete blood count, liver function tests, cholesterol, uric acid, and fastin g blood sugar. Compliance was monitored with a pill record sheet and i nterview. Results: Global arthritis impact improved by 29% (95% confid ence interval [CI] 6, 46) in subjects on niacinamide and worsened by 1 0% in placebo subjects (p = 0.04). Pain levels did not change but thos e on niacinamide reduced their anti-inflammatory medications by 13% (9 5% CI 9, 94; p = 0.01). Niacinamide reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate by 22% (95% CI 6, 51; p < 0.005) and increased joint mobility by 4.5 degrees over controls (8 degrees vs. 3.5 degrees; p = 0.04). Side effects were mild but higher in the niacinamide group (40% vs 27%, p = 0,003). Conclusion: This study indicates that niacinamide may have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Niacinamide improved the glob al impact of osteoarthritis, improved joint flexibility, reduced infla mmation, and allowed for reduction in standard anti-inflammatory medic ations when compared to placebo. More extensive evaluation of niacinam ide in arthritis is warranted.