Research paper
Low-Dose Niacin Supplementation Improves Motor Function in US Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease: A Single-Center, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Citations: 12
Influential: 0
Interventional (Human) Studies
84
Study answer
What this study found
Significant reductions in UPDRS III scores were observed in both groups after twelve months, with trends towards improvement in rigidity and bradykinesia noted. Niacin supplementation was associated with better serum serotonin levels, reduced fatigue, and improved grip strength.
- Study & population
- 47 mild to moderately severe Parkinson's patients were enrolled, stabilized on medications for three months, and randomized to receive either niacin or placebo.
- Intervention
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating low-dose niacin (250 mg daily) for motor function improvement in veterans with Parkinson's disease.
- Key limitation
- Small sample size, lack of titration for niacin dosage, gender bias in the population (predominantly men), and reliance on self-reported outcomes for some measures.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
A six-month double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study was conducted to ascertain whether low-dose daily niacin supplementation would improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. A total of 47 PD patients were assigned to recei…