How does niacin affect migraines and tension-type headaches. What are the benefits and risks of using intravenous and oral niacin for headache treatment. Can vitamin B3 supplementation alleviate headache symptoms. What does the scientific literature say about niacin’s role in headache management.

The Intriguing Connection Between Niacin and Headaches

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, has been the subject of considerable research in the realm of headache treatment. Its potential to alleviate migraines and tension-type headaches has garnered attention from both medical professionals and researchers. This comprehensive exploration delves into the scientific literature surrounding the use of intravenous and oral niacin for headache management.

Understanding Niacin’s Multifaceted Role

Niacin is a crucial B vitamin that plays a vital role in various bodily functions. It aids in:

• Converting food into energy
• Supporting the nervous system
• Promoting healthy skin, hair, and eyes
• Assisting in the production of stress-related hormones
• Improving circulation
• Suppressing inflammation

Given its diverse functions, researchers have been investigating niacin’s potential in addressing complex health issues, including headaches.

The Science Behind Niacin’s Headache-Relieving Properties

The mechanism by which niacin may alleviate headaches is multifaceted. Its ability to improve circulation and reduce inflammation are key factors that contribute to its potential effectiveness in headache treatment. Additionally, niacin’s role in supporting the nervous system may help modulate pain perception and transmission.

Vasodilation: A Double-Edged Sword

One of niacin’s primary effects is vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This property can be both beneficial and problematic in the context of headaches. How does vasodilation impact headache symptoms?

• Improved blood flow: By dilating blood vessels, niacin may enhance circulation to the brain, potentially alleviating headache pain.
• Flushing effect: The same vasodilation can cause a temporary flushing of the skin, which some individuals find uncomfortable.
• Potential trigger: In some cases, the rapid vasodilation induced by niacin could potentially trigger a headache in susceptible individuals.

Intravenous vs. Oral Niacin: Comparing Administration Methods

The systematic review of literature examines both intravenous and oral administration of niacin for headache treatment. Each method has its own set of advantages and considerations:

Intravenous Niacin

Intravenous administration of niacin allows for rapid delivery and precise dosing. What are the potential benefits of this approach?

• Quick onset of action
• Bypasses gastrointestinal absorption issues
• Allows for higher doses with potentially fewer systemic side effects
• Can be administered in a controlled clinical setting

Oral Niacin

Oral niacin supplements offer a more convenient option for long-term use. What factors should be considered with oral administration?

• Slower absorption and onset of action
• Potential for gastrointestinal side effects
• Available in various formulations, including extended-release
• Easier for patients to self-administer under medical guidance

Efficacy of Niacin in Migraine Prevention and Treatment

The systematic review of literature provides insights into niacin’s effectiveness in addressing migraines. What does the research reveal about its potential in migraine management?

Several studies have reported promising results in using niacin for migraine prevention and acute treatment. Some key findings include:

• Reduced frequency of migraine attacks in some patients
• Decreased intensity of pain during migraine episodes
• Potential for shortening the duration of migraine attacks
• Possible synergistic effects when combined with other migraine treatments

However, it’s important to note that individual responses to niacin therapy can vary significantly. Factors such as dosage, administration method, and patient-specific characteristics may influence its effectiveness.

Niacin’s Impact on Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches, characterized by a dull, aching pain often described as a tight band around the head, are another focus of niacin research. How does niacin fare in addressing this common type of headache?

The systematic review highlights several studies investigating niacin’s role in tension-type headache management. Key observations include:

• Potential reduction in headache frequency and intensity
• Improved muscle relaxation, which may contribute to pain relief
• Possible enhancement of other tension headache treatments when used as an adjunct therapy

While the results are encouraging, more research is needed to fully elucidate niacin’s effectiveness in treating tension-type headaches.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

As with any medical intervention, the use of niacin for headache treatment comes with potential side effects and safety considerations. What should patients and healthcare providers be aware of?

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects of niacin supplementation include:

• Flushing of the skin (especially with immediate-release formulations)
• Itching or tingling sensations
• Gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and diarrhea
• Headache (ironically, in some cases)

Serious Considerations

While rare, more serious side effects can occur, particularly with high doses or long-term use:

• Liver damage or dysfunction
• Increased blood sugar levels (a concern for diabetic patients)
• Potential interactions with other medications
• Risk of exacerbating certain medical conditions

It is crucial for patients to consult with a healthcare provider before initiating niacin therapy for headache management, especially if considering high doses or long-term use.

Optimizing Niacin Therapy for Headache Relief

To maximize the potential benefits of niacin in headache treatment while minimizing risks, several strategies can be employed. How can patients and healthcare providers optimize niacin therapy?

Dosage and Titration

Finding the right dosage is crucial for balancing efficacy and side effects. Consider the following approaches:

• Start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated
• Use extended-release formulations to reduce flushing and other side effects
• Consider combining lower doses of niacin with other headache treatments for synergistic effects

Timing and Administration

Optimizing the timing and method of niacin administration can enhance its effectiveness:

• Take oral niacin with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects
• Consider nighttime dosing to minimize daytime flushing
• For acute treatment, explore the potential of intravenous administration under medical supervision

Monitoring and Follow-up

Regular monitoring is essential to ensure safety and efficacy:

• Schedule regular check-ups to assess headache frequency and intensity
• Monitor liver function and blood sugar levels, especially with high-dose or long-term use
• Adjust dosage or discontinue use if side effects become problematic

Future Directions in Niacin Headache Research

The systematic review of literature on niacin’s role in headache treatment opens up new avenues for further investigation. What areas of research show promise for future studies?

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Exploring individual factors that influence niacin’s effectiveness in headache treatment could lead to more targeted therapies:

• Genetic factors affecting niacin metabolism and response
• Biomarkers that predict treatment success
• Combination therapies tailored to specific headache types and patient profiles

Novel Formulations and Delivery Methods

Developing new ways to administer niacin could enhance its therapeutic potential:

• Transdermal patches for sustained release
• Nasal sprays for rapid onset in acute situations
• Targeted delivery systems to maximize efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects

Long-term Efficacy and Safety Studies

Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of niacin use in headache management:

• Extended follow-up studies to assess sustained benefits
• Investigation of potential long-term side effects or complications
• Comparative studies with established headache treatments

As research in this area continues to evolve, the potential of niacin as a valuable tool in the arsenal against headaches becomes increasingly apparent. While challenges remain, the promising results highlighted in the systematic review provide a strong foundation for future investigations and clinical applications.

The exploration of niacin’s role in headache treatment represents an exciting frontier in neurology and pain management. As our understanding of its mechanisms and effects deepens, we may see niacin emerge as a more prominent player in personalized headache treatment strategies. Patients and healthcare providers alike should stay informed about these developments, as they may offer new hope for those struggling with chronic headaches and migraines.

Ultimately, the journey to unlock niacin’s full potential in headache management is ongoing. With continued research and clinical investigation, we may uncover new ways to harness the power of this versatile vitamin, bringing relief to millions of headache sufferers worldwide. As we look to the future, the intersection of nutritional science and neurology promises to yield innovative approaches to one of humanity’s most pervasive and debilitating conditions.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Information | Mount Sinai

Inositol hexaniacinate; Niacin; Niacinamide; Nicotinamide; Nicotinic acid

Vitamin B3 is one of 8 B vitamins. It is also known as niacin (nicotinic acid) and has 2 other forms, niacinamide (nicotinamide) and inositol hexanicotinate, which have different effects from niacin.

All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body uses to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B-complex vitamins, also help the body use fats and protein. B-complex vitamins are needed for a healthy liver, healthy skin, hair, and eyes, and to help the nervous system function properly.

Niacin also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Niacin helps improve circulation, and it has been shown to suppress inflammation.

All the B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that the body does not store them.

You can meet all of your body’s needs for B3 through diet. It is rare for anyone in the developed world to have a B3 deficiency. In the U.S., alcoholism is the main cause of vitamin B3 deficiency.

Symptoms of mild B3 deficiency include:

• Indigestion
• Fatigue
• Canker sores
• Vomiting
• Poor circulation
• Depression

Severe deficiency can cause a condition known as pellagra. Pellagra is characterized by cracked, scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhea. It is generally treated with a nutritionally balanced diet and niacin supplements. Niacin deficiency also causes burning in the mouth and a swollen, bright red tongue.

Very high doses of B3, available by prescription, have been studied to prevent or improve symptoms of the following conditions. However, at high doses niacin can be toxic. You should not take doses higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) except under your doctor’s supervision. Researchers are trying to determine if inositol hexanicotinate has similar benefits without serious side effects. But results are inconclusive.

High cholesterol

Niacin, but not niacinamide, has been used since the 1950s to lower elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. However, side effects can be unpleasant and even dangerous. High doses of niacin cause:

• Flushing of the skin
• Stomach upset (which usually subsides within a few weeks)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• An increased risk of liver damage

A time-release form of niacin reduces flushing. But long-term use is associated with liver damage. In addition, niacin can interact with other cholesterol-lowering medicines. You should not take niacin at high doses without your doctor’s supervision.

Atherosclerosis and heart disease

In one study, men with existing heart disease slowed down the progression of atherosclerosis by taking niacin along with colestipol. They experienced fewer heart attacks and deaths, as well.

In another study, people with heart disease and high cholesterol who took niacin along with simvastatin (Zocor) had a lower risk of having a first heart attack or stroke. Their risk of death was also lower. In another study, men who took niacin alone seemed to reduce the risk of having a second heart attack, although it did not reduce the risk of death.

Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, eventually destroying them. Niacinamide may help protect those cells for a time. More research is needed.

Researchers have also looked at whether high-dose niacinamide might reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes in children at risk for the disease. One study found that it did. But another, larger study found it did not protect against developing type 1 diabetes. More research is needed.

The effect of niacin on type 2 diabetes is more complicated. People with type 2 diabetes often have high levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood. Niacin, often along with other medications, can lower those levels. However, niacin may also raise blood sugar levels, which is particularly dangerous for someone with diabetes. For that reason, if you have diabetes, you should take niacin only under the direction of your doctor, and you should be carefully monitored for high blood sugar.

Osteoarthritis

One preliminary study suggested that niacinamide may improve arthritis symptoms, including increasing joint mobility and reducing the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) needed. More research is needed.

Other

Alzheimer disease: Population studies show that people who get higher levels of niacin in their diet have a lower risk of Alzheimer disease. No studies have evaluated niacin supplements, however.

Cataracts: One large population study found that people who got a lot of niacin in their diets had a lower risk of developing cataracts.

Skin conditions: Researchers are studying topical forms of niacin as treatments for rosacea, aging, and prevention of skin cancer, although it is too early to know whether it is effective.

Although there is no evidence that it helps treat any of these conditions, researchers are also studying the use of vitamin B3 in treating:

• ADHD
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Motion sickness
• Alcohol dependence

Dietary Sources

The best food sources of vitamin B3 are:

• Beets
• Brewer’s yeast
• Beef liver
• Beef kidney
• Fish
• Salmon
• Swordfish
• Tuna
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts

Bread and cereals are usually fortified with niacin. In addition, foods that contain tryptophan, an amino acid the body coverts into niacin, include poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Available Forms

Vitamin B3 is available in several different supplement forms:

• Niacinamide
• Niacin
• Inositol hexaniacinate.

Niacin is available as a tablet or capsule in both regular and timed-release forms. The timed-release tablets and capsules may have fewer side effects than regular niacin. However, the timed-release versions are more likely to cause liver damage. Regardless of which form of niacin you are using, doctors recommend periodic liver function tests when using high doses (above 100 mg per day) of niacin.

How to Take It

Generally, high doses of niacin are used to control specific diseases. Such high doses must be prescribed by a doctor who will increase the amount of niacin slowly, over the course of 4 to 6 weeks. Take niacin with meals to avoid stomach irritation.

Daily recommendations for niacin in the diet of healthy individuals are:

Pediatric

• Infants, birth to 6 months: 2 mg (adequate intake)
• Infants, 7 months to 1 year: 4 mg (adequate intake)
• Children, 1 to 3 years: 6 mg (RDA)
• Children, 4 to 8 years: 8 mg (RDA)
• Children, 9 to 13 years: 12 mg (RDA)
• Boys, 14 to 18 years: 16 mg (RDA)
• Girls, 14 to 18 years: 14 mg (RDA)

Adult

• Men, 19 years and older: 16 mg (RDA)
• Women, 19 years and older: 14 mg (RDA)
• Pregnant women: 18 mg (RDA)
• Breastfeeding women: 17 mg (RDA)

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Side effects may include diarrhea, headache, stomach discomfort, and bloating.

High doses (50 mg or more) of niacin can cause side effects. The most common side effect is called “niacin flush,” which is a burning, tingling sensation in the face and chest, and red or flushed skin. Taking an aspirin 30 minutes prior to the niacin may help reduce this symptom.

At very high doses, used to lower cholesterol and treat other conditions, liver damage and stomach ulcers can occur. Your doctor will regularly check your liver function through a blood test.

People with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or stomach ulcers should not take niacin supplements. Those with diabetes or gallbladder disease should do so only under the close supervision of their doctors.

Stop taking niacin or niacinamide at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Niacin and niacinamide may make allergies worse by increasing histamine.

People with low blood pressure should not take niacin or niacinamide because they may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. DO NOT take niacin if you have a history of gout.

People with coronary artery disease or unstable angina should not take niacin without their doctor’s supervision, as large doses can raise the risk of heart rhythm problems.

Taking any one of the B vitamins for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other important B vitamins. For this reason, you may want to take a B-complex vitamin, which includes all the B vitamins.

Possible Interactions

Because of its impact on the liver, vitamin B3 can interact with several medications. If you are currently taking medications, or regularly drink alcohol, you should not use niacin without talking to your health care provider first. Below is a partial list of medications that may interact with vitamin B3.

Antibiotics, tetracycline: Niacin should not be taken at the same time as the antibiotic tetracycline because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness of this medication. All vitamin B complex supplements act in this way and should be taken at different times from tetracycline.

Aspirin: Taking aspirin before taking niacin may reduce flushing from niacin. But take it only under your doctor’s supervision.

Anti-seizure medications: Phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote) may cause niacin deficiency in some people. Taking niacin with carbamazepine (Tegretol) or mysoline (Primidone) may increase levels of these medications in the body.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Niacin may make the effects of these medications stronger, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Blood pressure medications, alpha-blockers: Niacin can make the effects of medications taken to lower blood pressure stronger, leading to the risk of low blood pressure.

Cholesterol-lowering medications: Niacin binds the cholesterol-lowering medications known as bile-acid sequestrants and may make them less effective. For this reason, niacin and these medications should be taken at different times of the day. Bile-acid sequestrants include colestipol (Colestid), colesevelam (Welchol), and cholestyramine (Questran).

Statins: Some scientific evidence suggests that taking niacin with simvastatin (Zocor) appears to slow the progression of heart disease. However, the combination may also increase the likelihood for serious side effects, such as muscle inflammation or liver damage.

Diabetes medications: Niacin may increase blood sugar levels. People taking insulin, metformin (Glucophage), glyburide (Dibeta, Micronase), glipizide (Glucotrol), or other medications used to treat high blood glucose levels should monitor their blood sugar levels closely when taking niacin supplements.

Isoniazid (INH): INH, a medication used to treat tuberculosis, may cause a niacin deficiency.

Nicotine patches: Using nicotine patches with niacin may worsen or increase the risk of flushing associated with niacin.

These medications may lower levels of niacin in the body:

• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
• Cycloserine (Seromycin)
• Fluorouracil
• Levodopa and carbidopa
• Mercaptopurine (Purinethol)

Supporting Research

AIM-HIGH Investigators. The role of niacin in raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and optimally treated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol Rationale and study design. The Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic syndrome with low HDL/high triglycerides: Impact on Global Health outcomes (AIM-HIGH). Am Heart J. 2011 Mar;161(3):471-477.e2.

Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA, et al. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31:860-865; discussion 865.

Boden WE, Sidhu MS. Toth PP. The therapeutic role of niacin in dyslipidemia management. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2014;19(2):141-58.

Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chalt A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(22):1583-1592.

Cumming RG, Mitchell P, Smith W. Diet and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 2000;107(3):450-456.

Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C, et al. Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea. Cutis. 2005;76:135-141.

Elam M, Hunninghake DB, Davis KB, et al. Effects of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: the ADMIT study: a randomized trial. Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial. JAMA. 2000;284:1263-1270.

Garcia-Closas R. et al. Food, nutrient and heterocyclic amine intake and the risk of bladder cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2007;43(11):1731-1740.

Ginsberg HN, reyes-Soffer G. Niacin: a long history, but a questionable future. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2013;24(6):475-9.

Goldberg A, Alagona P, Capuzzi DM, et al. Multiple-dose efficacy and safety of an extended-release form of niacin in management of hyperlipidemia. Am J Cardiol. 2000;85:1100-1105.

Guyton JR. Niacin in cardiovascular prevention: mechanisms, efficacy, and safety. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2007 Aug;18(4):415-420.

Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr, Hankinson SE, et al. Long-term nutrient intake and early age related nuclear lens opacities. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119(7):1009-1019.

Jones KW. Do patients on statins also need niacin? JAAPA. 2013;26(7):9-10.

Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM. Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2001;132(1):19-26.

Mittal MK, Florin T, Perrone J, Delgado JH, Osterhoudt KC. Toxicity from the use of niacin to beat urine drug screening. Ann Emerg Med. 2007;50(5):587-590.

Nutrients and Nutritional Agents. In: Kastrup EK, Hines Burnham T, Short RM, et al, eds. Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: 2000;4-5.

Raja R, Thomas JM, Greenhill-Hopper M, Ley SV, Almeida Paz FA. Facile, one-step production of niacin (vitamin B3) and other nitrogen-containing pharmaceutical chemicals with a single-site heterogeneous catalyst. Chemistry. 2008;14(8):2340-2348.

Sahebkar A. effect of niacin on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Vasc Med. 2014;19(1):54-66.

Sanyal S, Karas RH, Kuvin JT. Present-day uses of niacin: effects on lipid and non-lipid parameters. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2007 Aug;8(11):1711-17.

Song WL, FitzGerald GA. Niacin, an old drug with a new twist. J Lipid Res. 2013;54(10):2486-94.

Surjana D. Damian DL. Nicotinamide in dermatology and photoprotection. Skinmed. 2011;9(6):360-365.

Torkos S. Drug-nutrient interactions: a focus on cholesterol-lowering agents. Int J Integrative Med. 2000;2(3):9-13.

Villines TC, Kim AS, Gore RS, Taylor AJ. Niacin: the evidence, clinical use, and future directions. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2012;14(1):49-59.

Wolerton: Comprehensive Dermatalogic Drug Therapy. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007.

Zhang XM, Jing YP, Jia MY, Zhang L. Negative transcriptional regulation of inflammatory genes by group B3 vitamin nicotinamide. Mol Biol Rep. 2012;39(12):1036-1071.

Zhao H, Yang X, Zhou R, Yang Y. Study on vitamin B1, vitamin B2 retention factors in vegetables. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2008;37(1):92-96.

5 Benefits of Niacin (Vitamin B3) That You May Not Know

Niacin is one of 8 types of B vitamins important for every part of your body. You can get them from meat, fish, and nuts. Supplements are sometimes an option, but you should consult your doctor first.

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an important nutrient. In fact, every part of your body needs it to function properly.

As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits.

However, it can also cause serious side effects if you take large doses.

This article reviews:

• what niacin is
• how it works
• its benefits
• how to know if you should supplement with it

Niacin is one of the eight B vitamins, and it’s also called vitamin B3 (1).

There are two main chemical forms of niacin:

• nicotinic acid
• niacinamide (sometimes called nicotinamide)

Both forms are found in foods as well as supplements (1).

The key role of niacin in your body is to synthesize the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), which are involved in over 400 biochemical reactions in your body — mainly related to obtaining energy from the food you eat (1).

Niacin is water-soluble, so your body does not store it. This also means that your body can excrete excess amounts of the vitamin through urine if they are not needed (1).

Your body gets niacin through food, but it also makes small amounts from the amino acid tryptophan, which can be found in protein sources like turkey and other animal foods (1).

Summary

Niacin is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. Its key role is in the formation of NAD and NADP, which help your body process components from food into usable energy.

As with all B vitamins, niacin helps convert food into energy by aiding enzymes.

Specifically, niacin is a major component of NAD and NADP, two coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism.

Furthermore, it plays a role in cell signaling and making and repairing DNA, in addition to acting as an antioxidant (2).

Deficiency

These are some of the symptoms of niacin deficiency (1):

• skin rash or discoloration
• bright red tongue
• vomiting
• constipation or diarrhea
• depression
• fatigue
• headache
• memory loss
• loss of appetite

That said, deficiency is very rare in most Western countries. People who are malnourished — which may stem from HIV/AIDS, anorexia nervosa, liver failure, alcohol abuse, or other medical problems, or poverty — are most at risk.

Severe niacin deficiency, or pellagra, mostly occurs in developing countries, where diets are not as varied. It can be treated with niacinamide supplementation (1).

Summary

Niacin is a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in cell signaling and DNA repair. Deficiency is characterized by skin problems, memory loss, and digestive problems.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for niacin depends on your age and gender. For ages 7 months and older, it is expressed as mg niacin equivalents (NE). One NE is equal to 1 mg of niacin or 60 mg of tryptophan (1).

Infants

• 0–6 months: 2 mg/day*
• 7–12 months: 4 mg NE/day*

*These figures represent the Adequate Intake (AI), similar to RDA, but it relies more on observation and approximations of healthy populations and less on scientific evidence (3).

Children

• 1–3 years: 6 mg NE/day
• 4–8 years: 8 mg NE/day
• 9–13 years: 12 mg NE/day

Adolescents and adults

• Men ages 14 years and older: 16 mg NE/day
• Women ages 14 years and older: 14 mg NE/day
• Pregnant women: 18 mg NE/day
• Breastfeeding women: 17 mg NE/day

Summary

The recommended amount of niacin depends on your age and gender. Men need 16 mg NE per day, while women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding need 14 mg NE per day.

1. Improves blood fat levels

Niacin may help to improve your blood fat levels by:

• increasing your HDL (good) cholesterol
• reducing your LDL (bad) LDL cholesterol
• reducing your triglyceride levels

This may translate to a decrease in heart disease risk, although several studies have found no link between niacin supplementation and a decrease in heart disease risk or deaths (4, 5).

It also takes high doses of niacin, typically 1,500 mg or greater, to achieve blood fat level improvements, which increases the risk of experiencing unpleasant or potentially harmful side effects (6).

For these reasons, niacin is not a primary treatment for high cholesterol. It’s primarily used to help improve blood fat levels in people who cannot tolerate statin drugs (5, 7).

2. May reduce blood pressure

One role of niacin is to release prostaglandins, or chemicals that help your blood vessels widen — improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. For this reason, niacin may play a role in the prevention or treatment of high blood pressure (8).

In one observational study of over 12,000 adults, researchers found that each 1 mg increase in daily niacin intake was associated with a 2% decrease in high blood pressure risk — with the lowest overall high blood pressure risk seen at a daily niacin intake of 14.3 to 16.7 mg per day (8).

A high quality study also noted that single doses of 100 mg and 500 mg of niacin slightly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure (9).

However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

3. May help treat type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks and destroys insulin-creating cells in your pancreas.

There’s research to suggest that niacin could help protect those cells and possibly even lower the risk of type 1 diabetes in children who have a higher chance of developing this condition (10).

However, for people with type 2 diabetes, the role of niacin is more complicated.

On one hand, it can help lower the high cholesterol levels that are often seen in people with type 2 diabetes. On the other, it has the potential to increase blood sugar levels. As a result, people with diabetes who take niacin to treat high cholesterol also need to monitor their blood sugar carefully (11).

Fortunately, a more recent review of studies found that niacin did not have significant negative effects on blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes (12).

4. Boosts brain function

Your brain needs niacin — as a part of the coenzymes NAD and NADP — to get energy and function properly.

In fact, brain fog and even psychiatric symptoms are associated with niacin deficiency (1, 13).

Some types of schizophrenia can be treated with niacin, as it helps undo damage to brain cells that’s caused by a niacin deficiency (14).

Preliminary research shows that it could also help keep the brain healthy in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. However, results are mixed (15, 16).

5. Improves skin health

Niacin helps protect skin cells from sun damage, whether it’s used orally or applied as a lotion (17).

It may help prevent certain types of skin cancer as well. One high quality study in over 300 people at high risk of skin cancer found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily reduced rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer compared to a control (18).

Summary

Niacin can help treat many conditions. It appears to exert positive effects on blood fat and blood pressure levels, and may play a role in type 1 diabetes, brain health, and skin cancer prevention. However, more research is needed.

Niacin is found in a variety of foods, especially meat, poultry, fish, nuts, and legumes. Some foods may also be fortified with niacin and other vitamins, like breakfast cereals (1).

Some energy drinks also list doses — sometimes high — of B vitamins (19).

Here are some common food sources of niacin, along with how much of the Daily Value (DV) they provide (1):

• grilled chicken breast, 3 ounces: 64% of the DV
• roasted turkey breast, 3 ounces: 63% of the DV
• cooked brown rice, 1 cup: 33% of the DV
• dry roasted peanuts, 1 ounce: 26% of the DV
• medium baked potato: 14% of the DV

Summary

Many foods contain niacin, especially meat, nuts, and legumes. Some foods are also fortified with extra B vitamins.

There’s no danger in consuming niacin in the amounts found naturally in food (1).

However, supplemental doses can have various side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and liver toxicity (1).

Of particular note is one side effect known as niacin flush. This can occur when taking 30–50 mg or more of supplemental niacin in a single dose. It causes a reddening of the skin along with burning or itching sensations. While niacin flush in and of itself isn’t typically harmful, it may be accompanied by other unpleasant side effects like headache or low blood pressure (1).

Even higher doses may cause liver damage or other severe side effects (1).

Before starting a niacin supplement, you should speak with a trusted healthcare professional.

Summary

Supplemental niacin can cause unpleasant side effects, like niacin flush. Speak with a healthcare professional before you start taking a niacin supplement.

Everyone needs niacin, but most people can get enough from their diet alone.

However, if you are deficient or have another condition that may benefit from higher doses, your doctor may recommend a supplement.

In particular, niacin supplements may be recommended for people with high cholesterol and heart disease risk factors but cannot take statins.

Supplemental forms are prescribed in doses that are much higher than the amounts found in food.

Since large amounts have many possible side effects, consult with a healthcare professional before taking niacin as part of any supplement. Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way it does drugs (20).

Summary

Niacin supplements may be recommended for certain conditions. However, they can have negative side effects, so you should always discuss with your healthcare provider before taking niacin.

Niacin is one of eight B vitamins that are important for every part of your body.

Luckily, you can get all the niacin you need through your diet. Foods that provide niacin include meat, fish, and nuts.

However, supplemental forms are sometimes recommended to treat certain medical conditions, including high cholesterol.

If you think you may need to take niacin, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional first.

Just one thing

Try this today: Concerned you may not be getting enough niacin? Keep a log of your food intake for a day or two. If you regularly eat animal protein, nuts, seeds, or niacin-fortified foods, you are probably getting enough. If not, you may want to speak with a healthcare professional about supplementation.

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Vitamin B3 – nicotinamide, plasma (Vitamin PP, niacin, Vitamin B3 – Nicotinamide, Niacinamide, plasma)

Method of determination
HPLC-MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Mass Selective Detection).

Test material
Blood plasma (EDTA)

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Synonyms: Nicotinic acid; Vitamin PP; Antipellagric factor; 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.

Niacin; Vitamin B3; Nicotinicacid; Vitamin PP; Pyridine-3-carboxylicacid; 3-pyridinecarboxylicacid; Apelagrin; Pellagrin.

Brief description of the analyte Vitamin B3 – nicotinamide

Vitamin B3 includes two main forms – nicotinamide and nicotinic acid. During metabolic processes in the body, they are converted into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide – NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate – NADP) – coenzymes of many redox reactions that are vital for cellular metabolism.

Nicotinamide is important for the development and functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Nicotinamide is believed to play an important role in protecting neurons from traumatic injury, ischemia, and stroke, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of the three most common neurodegenerative conditions: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. The key factor here is the bioavailability of nicotinamide, a low concentration of which can lead to neurological deficits and dementia, and a high concentration can lead to potential neurotoxicity. B3 deficiency in its classical form is manifested by pellagra, and one of the common names for this vitamin “PP” comes from pellagra prevention – preventing pellagra. Clinical manifestations of this disease include bilateral symmetrical dermatitis on areas of the skin exposed to sunlight; extensive inflammation of the mucous membranes, manifested by diarrhea, achlorhydria, glossitis, stomatitis, vaginitis; mental manifestations, including fatigue, insomnia, apathy, in severe cases, encephalopathy with disorientation, hallucinations, memory loss, psychosis and dementia.

The main dietary sources of vitamin B3 are foods containing yeast, lean meat, liver, and poultry. Smaller amounts of this vitamin (but sufficient to avoid deficiency) are found in milk, various green leafy vegetables, and canned salmon. In some plant foods, especially in cereals (corn, wheat), niacin is associated with peptides and sugars and is less available for absorption. Up to two-thirds of the required amount of vitamin B3 in adults can be formed in the body itself through the metabolism of tryptophan.

Nutritional deficiency of B3 is associated with a lack of protein food and is rare in developed countries, it can occur more often with a predominance of corn (maize) in the diet, which is poor in both niacin and tryptophan. Pellagra can sometimes be a secondary manifestation of the carcinoid syndrome, in which up to 60% of tryptophan is catabolized into 5-OH-tryptophan and serotonin; and Hartnup’s disease, a genetic disorder associated with malabsorption of amino acids, including tryptophan.

Vitamin deficiency can be caused by alcoholism, the action of certain drugs. A complicating factor may be a deficiency of vitamins B2, B6 and iron, which are involved in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.

What is the purpose of determining the level of vitamin B3 in the blood?

The test is used to assess the status of vitamin B3 in the body.

Vitamin B3 preparations are used in medical practice, including nicotinamide, in the treatment of pellagra, carcinoid syndrome, Hartnup’s disease, nicotinic acid – in lipid-lowering therapy, using the range of its effects on lipid metabolism. Although the intake of vitamin B3 in its natural form with food is not associated with any toxic effects, however, pharmacological doses of nicotinic acid may have side effects. More often it is manifested by redness and tingling of the face, hands, chest. Other possible side effects of high doses of nicotinic acid are itching, gastritis, sometimes hepatotoxicity, deterioration of carbohydrate metabolism, and an increase in uric acid levels, which limits the use of this drug.

what it is needed for, what foods contain it, what is the danger of deficiency

The appearance of vitamin B3 is inextricably linked with the pellagra disease, which at one time captured Americans. It is the deficiency of a certain substance: which scientists called “PP”, leads to severe neuropsychiatric disorder and physical exhaustion.

In 1913, the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk first isolated nicotinic acid from yeast. She instantly lowered the level of “bad” cholesterol and lifted the patient to his feet. This is how vitamin B3 officially appeared.

Which foods contain vitamin B3

Peanuts and sunflower seeds are leaders in the content of this vitamin. Also, foods such as beef liver, buckwheat, beans, chicken, potatoes, carrots and apples are rich in nicotinic acid.

The required dose of vitamin can be obtained with brewer’s yeast, rye bread, pistachios, almonds, halva and so on.

Why Vitamin B3 is needed

Nicotinic acid is highly water soluble, lowers cholesterol and stops heart attacks.

Vitamin B3 also has an excellent effect on blood vessels – it dilates them, thereby lowering blood pressure. Beneficial effect on blood circulation. Simply put, it accelerates it.

Strength of mind, endurance and beauty with vitamins of group B

Natural tonic Floradix Vitamin-B-Complex serves as a source of vital vitamins of group B, which are involved in many important metabolic and energy processes, ensure the normal functioning of the nervous, cardio – vascular and immune systems, improve blood formation processes and are responsible for the beauty and youthfulness of the skin. The vitality and emotional state also largely depend on the level of provision with B vitamins. The need for B vitamins increases during periods of significant physical and psychological stress, chronic stress, as well as in old age.

dietary supplement. NOT A DRUG

Nicotinic acid is the invisible guardian angel of the human heart. It fights cholesterol, increases hemoglobin and normalizes the metabolism of fats and proteins. After any meal, niacin stimulates gastric juices and enzymes that help saturate the body with energy and nutrients.

Vitamin B3 synthesizes hormones, and also ensures normal vision and helps to absorb protein from plant foods – greens, vegetables and fruits ¹ .

Daily intake of vitamin B3

The dosage of nicotinic acid depends on the age and physical activity of the person. For example, for babies up to six months, 6 mg per day is enough. Children under six years of age will already need 13 mg per day. But adult men and women on average need 15 to 20 mg per day. Fans of the fitness room can add a couple of milligrams to the basic norm.

When taken uncontrolled, nicotinic acid causes allergies and progressive ulcers. Therefore, it cannot be abused.

Tonic Floradix Vitamin-B-Complex contains the main vitamins of group B – B1, B2, B3, B6, B7 and B12, which are responsible for the strength of the mind, beauty and endurance, as well as a whole bunch of vegetable juices and extracts, which serve as a valuable source of dietary fiber and bioactive substances, enrich the vitamin and mineral composition of the tonic and enhance its beneficial effect, increase the absorption of vitamins, improve digestion, heal the gastrointestinal tract and give the tonic a wonderful taste and aroma.

The product does not contain preservatives, colors or artificial flavors. Due to the absence of lactose and gluten, it can be consumed by vegetarians and vegans, and the high content of vitamin B12 makes the tonic especially useful for this category of consumers.

dietary supplement. NOT A DRUG

Vitamin B3 deficiency

Nicotinic acid deficiency causes dizziness and migraine. The mood deteriorates, the person becomes irritable and nervous. He suffers from insomnia. All this leads to stress and reduces immunity.

In advanced cases, a neuropsychiatric disorder sets in and a person is faced with pellagra, when the problem cannot be solved without medication.

Vitamin B3 overdose

Vitamin B3 is water soluble. Therefore, excess doses from natural food are excreted naturally.

With long-term use of synthetic vitamin B3, allergies most often begin – itching, redness on the skin, rash. In advanced cases, blood vessels dilate, pressure drops and fainting begins. At the first sign of excess B3, you should immediately consult a doctor ² .

Tonic Floradix Vitamin-B-Complex is recommended for adults and children over 14 years of age to take 20 ml once a day with meals (do not forget to shake before use!).

Duration of admission – 1 month. Taking the tonic at the recommended dose (20 ml per day) provides the daily requirement for thiamine (vitamin B1) by 79% (1.1 mg), riboflavin (vitamin B2) by 88% (1.4 mg), niacin by 89% ( 16mg), Vitamin B6 70% (1.4mg), Vitamin B12 250%* (2.5mcg), Biotin 100%* (50mcg). Strength of the mind, endurance and beauty with B vitamins – now it’s easy!

dietary supplement. NOT A MEDICINE

Popular questions and answers

neurologist Anastasia Orlova shared comments on this topic:

How is vitamin B3 absorbed better?

Usually enough of this vitamin is synthesized by the body itself, and deficiency rarely occurs.