Clinical Research Shows Promise for Treating Glaucoma with Supplements

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is damaged, leading to vision loss and blindness. While medications and surgery can help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and slow the progression of glaucoma, it may still continue to progress in some cases. Recent research suggests that enhancing mitochondrial function and energy production may improve retinal ganglion cell survival and function, potentially slowing the progression of glaucoma.

A phase 2 clinical trial was conducted to test the effectiveness of a combination of oral nicotinamide and pyruvate in improving visual function in patients with treated, manifest glaucoma. Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps improve mitochondrial function, while pyruvate is an energy substrate that can also enhance mitochondrial function.

In the trial, 42 patients with treated open-angle glaucoma and moderate visual field loss in at least one eye were selected for inclusion and randomized to receive either the combination of nicotinamide and pyruvate or a placebo. Of the 29 participants randomized to the intervention group, 22 received their allocation, while 12 of the 13 participants randomized to the placebo received their allocation. A total of 32 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis.

The results of the trial showed that a combination of nicotinamide and pyruvate was safe and resulted in short-term improvement in visual function in patients with glaucoma. The number of improving visual field test locations was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the placebo group over a median of 2.2 months. The overall measures of eyesight, such as mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index, also suggested improvement with treatment compared with placebo.

The trial supports prior experimental research suggesting a role for nicotinamide and pyruvate in neuroprotection for individuals with glaucoma. However, long-term studies are needed to establish their usefulness in slowing the progression of the disease.

It is important to note that while the results of this trial are promising, individuals with glaucoma should not start taking nicotinamide and pyruvate on their own without consulting their healthcare provider. The dosage used in the trial was carefully monitored and adjusted, and the safety and effectiveness of higher doses or long-term use have not been established.

The combination of oral nicotinamide and pyruvate can result in short-term improvement in visual function in patients with treated, manifest glaucoma. Further research is needed to establish the long-term effectiveness and safety of this treatment approach. Individuals with glaucoma should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new treatments or supplements.
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