Un nuevo estudio demuestra que un nivel elevado de nicotinamida (vitamina B3) en la madre lleva asociado un nivel bajo de eczema atópico en el bebé a los 12 meses de edad

By Rob Winwood

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and therefore plays an important role in supplying the energy required for metabolic processes throughout the human body. As such, it is a basic requirement for the growth of babies and children. Its deficiency can cause skin and digestive problems, insomnia, fatigue and loss of appetite. Nicotinamide is found in various foods, such as meat, fish, cereals, legumes, fruit, and nuts. Bacteria in the microbiome can also make nicotinamide from the amino acid tryptophan. Additionally, nicotinamide is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin.

In a previous randomized clinical trial (2) it was observed that applying a topical preparation containing 2% nicotinamide twice daily for eight weeks to the skin of atopic eczema patients reduced moisture loss and increased hydration of the layer. cornea (outer layer of the epidermis).

Atopic eczema causes redness of the skin due to inflammation (often in an allergic response). In the UK it is common in children and affects approximately 20% of the population (3). It is a condition that can be treated, but not cured. Nicotinamide supplements are believed to benefit skin health by increasing its moisture, elasticity, and overall structure through the synthesis of collagen and proteins that play an important role in the formation of keratin and filaggrin (a protein that binds keratin fibers. ) (4).

A new study (1) used data from 497 mother-child pairs from the Southampton Women's Survey (SWS), conducted in the United Kingdom, with a diagnosis of atopic eczema in the baby at 6 or 12 months. The level of nicotinamide was determined in the maternal blood samples. The results showed that a high level of nicotinamide in the mother's plasma during late pregnancy was associated with a lower prevalence of atopic eczema at 12 months, but not at 6 months. The authors state that this discrepancy "may reflect the heterogeneity of the etiology and pathogenesis of atopic eczema in early childhood." To date, no randomized clinical trials have been carried out with the administration of nicotinamide in the later stages of pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of atopic eczema in the baby, but this study seems to establish a solid foundation for it. The study does support the proposition that atopic eczema in babies originatesin utero . 

1. Crozier SR, Robinson SM, Harvey N et al.; “Higher maternal serum concentrations of nicotinamide and related metabolites in late pregnancy are associated with a lower risk of offspring atopic eczema at age 12 months”; Experimental Allergy 2016, 1–7. http://doi.org/10.1111/cea.12782
2. Soma Y, Kashima M, Imaizumi A et al., “Moisturizing effects of topical nicotinamide on atopic dry skin”; Int J Dermatol 2005; 44:197–202.
3. British Association of Dermatologists; “Atopic Eczema”; Patient information Leaflet; Produced August 2004. Updated April 2013. Reviewed April 2016. (see www.bad.org.uk).
4. Bissett DL, Oblong JF, Saud A et al.; “Topical Nicotinamide provides skin aging appearance benefits while enhancing skin barrier function”; J Clin Dermatol 2003; 32:S9-18.