Niacinamide is a common B-complex vitamin .  In his research labs, Dr. William Kaufman discovered, in the 1940's, that this substance is an inexpensive way to control or stop the degenerating, everyday symptoms of the aging process that lead to pain and joint dysfunction.

Arthritis

Everyone develops arthritis as they age. The normal wear-and-tear garden variety of osteoarthritis. Controlling the pain and deterioration of the cartilage of the joints has become a multi-billion-dollar business for pharmaceutical companies.

They know what you are reading now, but don't tell you about it. There is no money in it for them. Merck and Hoffman-La Roche have done studies on niacinamide and concluded that it could be used to treat many of the problems associated with osteoarthritis. You will probably never hear of this because this is a common substance and it can't be patented as a drug and sold.

Other Problems

Dr. Kaufman also discovered that tenderness and liver enlargement; brown skin pigmentation and excessive callus formation; changes in mucus membranes of the mouth, vagina, and tongue; tenderness and pain when touched; impaired joint mobility; as well as diminished work and muscle strength capacity, are associated with diminished amounts of this vitamin.  This occurs in many people, especially as they age. The term he uses to describe these conditions is aniacinamidosis.  It was suggested to him by Dr. R.E. Gruber of Merck & Co.

Dr. Kaufman, now 87 years old, published his work in the Journal of the International Academy of Preventive Medicine, Winter Issue; Vol. 8, No.1. Seventy percent (70%) of the patients who took 100 - 300 mg of niacinamide had less fatigue, joint and pain dysfunction. He also discovered that depression, in a number of cases ameliorated or disappeared. He is quick to point out, however, that niacinamide is not a panacea for all types of depression. I recommend you get a copy of his definitive work from your librarian for in depth perusal.

Depression

What has been discovered is that this B vitamin also functions as a neuro-inhibitor substance, and as such, it functions under the order of gaba, glycine, and Benzodiazepines (Xanax and Valium) for tranquilizing effects. Niacinamide works on the same receptor sites as the powerful Benzodiazepines--the neuro-inhibitor receptor sites. It is not addictive and entirely safe.

The B-complex vitamin will work within two weeks if it is going to work, he found. For severe arthritis, dosages are recommended for over an 18-hour period, consisting of 250 mgs per day up to 1500 miligrams of niacinamide daily. Severe joint problems with pain, he recommends 4000 mgs a day, Generally, the time schedule is every two to three hours for 250 mg doses until the maximum is reached per day. This keeps up the blood levels of niacinamide as it falls after about 1 - 1/2 hours after administration.  Hence, adhere to his schedule.