Vitamin B3 Appears to Improve PAD Walking Distance

When you have peripheral arterial disease, narrowed arteries reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to your lower extremities. In turn, walking can become painful, leaving you experiencing cramps (claudication) when you move, sometimes even after a short period of time. When trying to treat the disease, one of the goals is to extend PAD walking time without claudication. And now, according to new research, that could be accomplished by taking a simple, over-the-counter supplement.

Increasing Pain-Free PAD Walking Distance

According to a new study in the journal Nature Communications, patients with peripheral artery disease symptoms such as claudication can improve their walking endurance by taking an OTC supplement known as nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is a form of vitamin B3.

To reach this conclusion, scientists at the University of Florida and Northwestern University followed 90 PAD patients in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. After 6 months, in a six-minute timed trial, participants taking a daily B3 supplement were able to walk 57 feet farther than participants who had received a placebo. As such, study author Christiaan Leeuwenburgh concluded, “This is a signal that nicotinamide riboside could help these patients. We are hoping to conduct a larger follow-up trial to verify our findings.”

Workouts to Improve PAD Walking Distance

While these preliminary findings are promising, there are other, non-invasive lifestyle habits you can embrace to increase your walking endurance, even after a peripheral artery disease diagnosis. Research suggests that, over time, engaging in supervised treadmill workouts will also help you walk farther before experiencing painful muscle cramps. Even just engaging in walks around the neighborhood could be a valuable workout to combat PAD, as long as you’ve been medically cleared for physical activity.

Treating PAD in Houston and Dallas

While lifestyle adjustments may help patients with mild PAD symptoms, individuals with further disease progression may need further intervention in order to boost blood flow and improve quality of life. In such cases, seeking minimally-invasive PAD treatments at our Houston and Dallas area vascular clinics can both enhance your PAD walking distance while addressing other symptoms such as changes in the color or texture of the skin on your legs; slowed leg-hair and toenail growth; or even difficulties healing wounds. Simply reach out to our team of specialists by requesting a consultation and we’ll set you up with an appointment. When we see you in the office, we can assess your current disease state and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.