What are the potential benefits of niacin supplements. How can niacin impact cholesterol levels and heart health. What are the common side effects of taking high-dose niacin. When should niacin supplements be taken under medical supervision.

Understanding Vitamin B3: Forms and Functions

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is one of the eight essential B vitamins crucial for various bodily functions. It comes in three primary forms: niacin (nicotinic acid), niacinamide (nicotinamide), and inositol hexanicotinate. Each form has distinct effects on the body, making it essential to understand their differences when considering supplementation.

The primary functions of vitamin B3 include:

• Converting carbohydrates into glucose for energy production
• Aiding in the utilization of fats and proteins
• Supporting liver health
• Maintaining healthy skin, hair, and eyes
• Promoting proper nervous system function
• Assisting in the production of sex and stress-related hormones
• Improving circulation
• Suppressing inflammation

Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning the body doesn’t store them. This characteristic necessitates regular intake through diet or supplementation to maintain optimal levels.

Niacin Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

In developed countries, niacin deficiency is relatively rare due to the widespread availability of fortified foods. However, certain factors can increase the risk of deficiency, with alcoholism being the primary cause in the United States.

Mild niacin deficiency may manifest through the following symptoms:

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

Severe deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra, characterized by:

• Cracked, scaly skin
• Dementia
• Diarrhea
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Swollen, bright red tongue

Treatment for niacin deficiency typically involves a combination of a nutritionally balanced diet and niacin supplements under medical supervision.

High-Dose Niacin: Potential Benefits and Risks

Prescription-strength niacin has been studied for its potential to prevent or improve symptoms of various conditions. However, it’s crucial to note that high doses of niacin can be toxic and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

Do high doses of niacin always require medical supervision? Yes, due to the potential for serious side effects and interactions with other medications, high-dose niacin supplementation should always be monitored by a healthcare professional.

Researchers are investigating whether inositol hexanicotinate, a form of niacin, can offer similar benefits without the severe side effects associated with high-dose niacin. However, current results are inconclusive, and more research is needed.

Niacin and Cholesterol Management

Since the 1950s, niacin (but not niacinamide) has been used to lower elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This makes it a potential tool in the management of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular health.

However, the use of high-dose niacin for cholesterol management comes with significant side effects, including:

• Flushing of the skin
• Stomach upset (usually subsiding within a few weeks)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Increased risk of liver damage

Time-release formulations of niacin have been developed to reduce flushing, but long-term use has been associated with liver damage. Additionally, niacin can interact with other cholesterol-lowering medications, further emphasizing the need for medical supervision when using high-dose niacin supplements.

Niacin’s Role in Cardiovascular Health

Beyond its effects on cholesterol levels, niacin has shown promise in various aspects of cardiovascular health. Several studies have investigated its potential benefits:

Atherosclerosis Progression

In one study, men with existing heart disease who took niacin along with colestipol experienced a slower progression of atherosclerosis. This combination therapy was associated with fewer heart attacks and deaths compared to the control group.

Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

Another study found that individuals with heart disease and high cholesterol who took niacin in combination with simvastatin (Zocor) had a lower risk of experiencing their first heart attack or stroke. The risk of death was also reduced in this group.

Secondary Prevention

Research has suggested that men who took niacin alone after a heart attack had a reduced risk of experiencing a second cardiac event, although it did not significantly impact overall mortality rates.

Can niacin replace other heart medications? No, niacin should not be used as a replacement for prescribed heart medications. It may be used as a complementary therapy under medical supervision, but it’s crucial to continue any existing treatments as directed by a healthcare provider.

Niacin and Diabetes: A Complex Relationship

The relationship between niacin and diabetes is multifaceted, with different effects observed in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Some research suggests that niacinamide may help protect these cells for a time, potentially slowing the progression of the disease. However, results have been mixed:

• One study found that high-dose niacinamide reduced the risk of type 1 diabetes in at-risk children.
• A larger, subsequent study did not find a protective effect against developing type 1 diabetes.

More research is needed to fully understand the potential role of niacin in type 1 diabetes prevention and management.

Type 2 Diabetes

The effects of niacin on type 2 diabetes are more complex:

• Niacin can help lower high levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood, which are common in people with type 2 diabetes.
• However, niacin may also raise blood sugar levels, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with diabetes.

Due to these conflicting effects, individuals with diabetes should only take niacin under the close supervision of a healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.

Niacin’s Potential in Other Health Conditions

While more research is needed, niacin has shown promise in several other health conditions:

Osteoarthritis

A preliminary study suggested that niacinamide may improve arthritis symptoms, including:

• Increased joint mobility
• Reduced need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

However, more robust research is required to confirm these potential benefits.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Population studies have indicated that individuals with higher dietary niacin intake have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, no studies have specifically evaluated the effects of niacin supplements on Alzheimer’s risk or progression.

Cataracts

A large population study found an association between high dietary niacin intake and a reduced risk of cataract development. This suggests a potential protective effect of niacin on eye health, but more research is needed to establish a causal relationship.

Skin Health

Niacin’s role in maintaining healthy skin is well-established, and it may have potential benefits for various skin conditions. However, specific research on niacin supplementation for skin health is limited.

Are there any skin conditions that niacin supplements can definitively treat? While niacin is important for overall skin health, there is currently no strong evidence supporting the use of niacin supplements to treat specific skin conditions. More research is needed in this area.

Safety Considerations and Recommended Usage

While niacin is an essential nutrient, it’s important to consider safety when using supplements, especially at high doses:

• The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for niacin can typically be met through a balanced diet.
• High-dose niacin supplements should only be taken under medical supervision due to the risk of side effects and interactions.
• Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly liver disease or diabetes, should consult their healthcare provider before taking niacin supplements.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid high-dose niacin supplements unless prescribed by a doctor.

How can one determine if they need niacin supplements? A healthcare provider can assess niacin status through blood tests and evaluate dietary intake to determine if supplementation is necessary. Self-diagnosis and self-supplementation with high-dose niacin are not recommended due to potential risks.

In conclusion, while niacin plays crucial roles in various bodily functions and may offer potential benefits for certain health conditions, its use as a supplement, particularly at high doses, requires careful consideration and medical supervision. As research continues to evolve, our understanding of niacin’s therapeutic potential and optimal usage will likely expand, potentially opening new avenues for its application in healthcare.

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.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) : Benefits, Dosage, Sources, Risks

Written by R. Morgan Griffin

In this Article

• Why do people take niacin?
• How much niacin should you take?
• Can you get niacin naturally from foods?
• What are the risks of taking niacin?

Having enough niacin, or vitamin B3, in the body is important for general good health. As a treatment, higher amounts of niacin can improve cholesterol levels.

As a cholesterol treatment, there are good studies showing that niacin can boost levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Niacin also modestly lowers bad LDL cholesterol. It’s sometimes prescribed in combination with statins for cholesterol control, such as rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor), simvastatin (Flolipid, Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and pravastatin (Pravachol).

However, niacin is only effective as a cholesterol treatment at fairly high doses. These doses could pose risks, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, or glucose intolerance. So don’t treat yourself with over-the-counter niacin supplements. Instead, get advice from your health care provider, who can prescribe FDA-approved doses of niacin instead if recommended.

In addition, niacin is an FDA-approved treatment for pellagra, a rare condition that develops from niacin deficiency.

Since niacin can be used in different ways, talk to your health care provider about the best dosage for you.

Everyone needs a certain amount of niacin — from food or supplements — for the body to function normally. This amount is called the dietary reference intake (DRI), a term that is replacing the older and more familiar RDA (recommended daily allowance). For niacin, the DRIs vary with age and other factors and are given in milligrams of niacin equivalents: 

• Children: between 2-16 milligrams daily, depending on age
• Men: 16 milligrams daily
• Women: 14 milligrams daily
• Women (pregnant): 18 milligrams daily
• Women (breastfeeding): 17 milligrams daily
• Maximum daily intake for adults of all ages: 35 milligrams daily

Most people can get the amount of niacin they need by eating a healthy diet.

If your doctor prescribes niacin, you might want to take it with food. This can prevent upset stomach. To reduce flushing — a harmless but uncomfortable side effect of niacin that describes redness and warmth in the face and neck — your health care provider might recommend taking niacin along with aspirin and avoiding alcohol and spicy foods.

Niacin occurs naturally in many foods, including greens, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, although in a fraction of the dose shown to achieve changes in cholesterol. Many products are also fortified with niacin during manufacturing.

• Side effects. Niacin can cause flushing, especially when you first begin taking it. Your health care provider will probably suggest increasing the dose slowly to reduce this problem. They might also offer a time-release prescription formulation to control flushing. Niacin can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. However, all of these side effects tend to fade over time.
• Risks. Niacin does have risks. It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues. People with any health condition including liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular problems need to talk to a doctor before using niacin supplements. Do not treat high cholesterol on your own with over-the-counter niacin supplements.
• Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using niacin supplements. They could interact with medicines like diabetes drugs, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, blood pressure medicines, thyroid hormones, and antibiotics as well as supplements like ginkgo biloba and some antioxidants. Alcohol might increase the risk of liver problems. Though niacin is often used along with statins for high cholesterol, this combination may increase the risk for side effects. Get advice from your healthcare provider.

At the low DRI doses, niacin is safe for everyone. However, at the higher amounts used to treat medical conditions, it can have risks. For that reason, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take niacin supplements in excess of the DRI unless it’s recommended by a doctor. 

People with uncontrolled gout should also not take niacin supplements.

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Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin, belongs to the family of B vitamins, which is found in many tissues of animals and plants, has antihyperlipidemic activity. Niacin is converted to its active form, niacinamide, which is a component of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphate form, NADP. These coenzymes play an important role in tissue respiration and the metabolism of glycogen, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and purine. Although the exact mechanism of action by which nicotinic acid lowers cholesterol levels is not well understood, this substance may act by inhibiting very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) synthesis, inhibiting the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue, increasing lipoprotein lipase activity, and decreasing hepatic synthesis. VLDL-C and LDL-C.

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid and vitamin B3, is a water-soluble, essential B vitamin that, when given in high doses, is effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, due to which this remedy acquires unique values ​​in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Niacin can cause mild to moderate elevations in serum aminotransferase levels, and high doses of certain forms of niacin are associated with clinically apparent, acute liver injury that can be both severe and fatal.

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is used to prevent and treat niacin deficiency (pellagra). Niacin deficiency can result from certain medical conditions (eg, alcohol abuse, malabsorption syndrome, Hartnup’s disease), poor diet, or long-term use of certain medications (eg, isoniazid).

Products containing vitamin B3

• avocado
• broccoli
• tomatoes
• mushrooms
• asparagus
• carrots
• rice
• legumes
• spinach
• sweet potato

Niacin deficiency can cause diarrhea, confusion (dementia), redness/swelling of the tongue, and scaling of hard red skin. Nicotinic acid helps support the body’s ability to produce and break down natural compounds (metabolism) needed for good health. Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is another form of vitamin B3, but it does not work in the same way as niacin.

Side effects of niacin use

Face and neck irritation, headache, itching, burning, sweating, chills or tingling may occur within 20 minutes to 4 hours after taking this drug. Irritation may continue for several hours. These effects should fade or fade as your body adjusts to the medication. Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Veterinary Niacin

Like most animals, dogs can synthesize a certain amount of niacin from the essential amino acid tryptophan. The tryptophan metabolite can be formed in one of two ways: it can be formed by picolinic carboxylase, or it can be used to produce nicotinamide. Cats, unlike dogs, are not able to synthesize significant amounts of niacin from tryptophan because they have a very high activity of the enzyme picolinic carboxylase, which leads to the rapid catabolism of tryptophan. Thus, cats require a diet of pre-prepared niacin.

Dietary sources of nicotinic acid

Niacin occurs naturally in meat and legumes. Dietary niacin is commonly found in the form of nicotinic acid in plant materials, and as NAD or NADP in animal materials. Some wholegrain cereals, such as corn and sorghum, have a relatively high niacin content, but in these products, niacin is concentrated in the seed and germ layers and has poor bioavailability (i.e., bound within the cell), making the feed a poor source of dietary niacin. Niacin is also sensitive to heat breakdown and commercial feed additives are needed to keep it stable.

Diagnosis of niacin deficiency

Diagnosis of niacin deficiency can be made using the nicotinamide test, which measures urinary excretion of niacin metabolites, the test itself takes place in veterinary control laboratories. Diagnosis is also made by clinical signs, appropriate deficiency and dietary assessment.

The role of nicotinic acid in the animal body

Vitamin B3: indications for use, benefits, dosage

March 25
2021

Vitamin B3 (niacin, vitamin PP) is produced in the body from tryptophan and in small quantities, so in order to maintain normal levels of this element, it is necessary to follow a diet. Vitamin B3 takes part in the breakdown and further synthesis of amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, it also regulates cholesterol levels, so a deficiency of the element is dangerous for the human body. It is useful to find out what nicotinic acid is used for and what is the dosage of nicotinic acid.

What is Vitamin B3 (Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin PP)

Niacin is considered to be a highly stable vitamin as it is not particularly sensitive to oxygen, heat and UV rays.

The role of vitamin B3 for the body is great. The substance is water-soluble and contributes to the correct functioning of the nervous system. Niacin is also required for the synthesis of steroid hormones (including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, hydrocortisone), pancreatic hormones (in particular, insulin) and the thyroid gland (thyroxine).

Vitamin PP has an effect on metabolic changes that release energy. When poisoned, it slows down the toxic effect of certain chemical compounds and drugs.

Niacin is an important component that regulates blood cholesterol levels. It also dilates blood vessels, has a positive effect on mental well-being. Niacin improves carbohydrate metabolism, increases wound healing, improves general condition, and normalizes body weight.

Sources of vitamin B3

What foods contain vitamin B3? Niacin acid is mainly found in meat, fish, grains and legumes, in milk, green leafy vegetables (among them with the highest content of lettuce, dill, parsley, sorrel, spinach), in a small percentage – in tea and coffee.

Vitamin B3 is found in lean meats such as veal, turkey and chicken. You can find it in almonds, pork, dairy products, organ meats, soybeans, peas and beans. Supplements in the form of vitamin preparations can compensate for the lack of vitamin PP, such an element can be chromium, which increases the absorption of the vitamin.

Vitamin B3 is also found in foods such as yeast, wheat bran and peanuts, as well as fish, especially smoked mackerel and salmon, as a source enriched with niacin. Niacin can be present in lean protein foods, both animal and vegetable.

Why vitamin B3 is prescribed

Niacin is prescribed:

• for diabetes and hypertension;
• for the treatment of disorders of the nervous system;
• for migraine;
• to improve digestion;
• to increase blood sugar;
• to improve metabolism;
• to increase the protective properties of the pancreas.

The main thing when niacin is prescribed is the lack of this substance in the body. More information on the site.

How to take vitamin B3

Breastfeeding women, those who use contraceptives, cancer patients and people who lack protein are especially in need of nicotinic acid.

Recommended daily value of vitamin B3:

1. 6-10 – children 1-3 years old;
2. 8-16 – children 4-8 years old;
3. 14 – women;
4. 16 – men;
5. 17-18 – pregnant.

The normal dosage of niacin for each individual may vary according to age and sex.

Medical use

In the medical field, vitamin B3 is used to treat problems with lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. They more often than others lead to the development of such a disease as atherosclerosis. A dosage of more than 1 gram per day is able to increase HDL cholesterol levels in the blood plasma, and at the same time to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels of LDL.

At higher doses (>100 mg/day), vitamin B3 intake may cause side effects:

• flushing of the skin, mainly on the face;
• fever;
• pruritus and tingling;
• gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, gagging, gas, diarrhea and possibly worsening peptic ulcer).

Niacin increases the production of adiponectin in fat cells. It is a hormone with anti-atherosclerotic action. Based on clinical studies, niacin is known to relieve migraine symptoms.

More information here.

Contraindications for use

Main contraindications for nicotinic acid:

• hypersensitivity to the substance;
• atherosclerosis;
• hyperuricemia;
• liver failure;
• pancreatitis;
• glaucoma;
• the presence of an ulcer of the duodenum and stomach, especially during an exacerbation;
• arterial hypertension;
• gout;
• arterial hypotension.

It is also important to control the level of niacin in the body. Deviations from the norm are unacceptable, namely, surpluses and deficits.

Excess niacin

Excess vitamin B3 occurs when more than 35 mg per day is consumed. This is often seen with niacin tablets.

Symptoms of vitamin B3 excess:

• skin itching, dryness and redness;
• hyperglycemia;
• liver failure;
• rash;
• abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting;
• arrhythmia.

Therefore, it is not recommended to self-administer – consult your doctor.

Vitamin B3 deficiency

Diet, isoniazid drugs, sugar and alcohol abuse cause niacin deficiency. This can lead to consequences that include a decrease in resistance to cold due to a slowdown in metabolism. Also, the result of a lack of vitamin B3 can be a serious disease – pellagra.

Possible consequences of pellagra:

• dermatitis disease;
• dementia;
• death.

Distinguish between physical and psychological symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency.

Psychological symptoms:

• increased anxiety;
• irritability;
• delusions and hallucinations;
• amnesia;
• apathy and depression.

Physical symptoms:

• hyperpigmentation;
• skin thickening;
• inflammation in the mouth;
• indigestion.

Self-diagnosis is unacceptable. It is necessary to consult a doctor with the delivery of tests.

Vitamin B3 deficiency and other diseases

Initially, a small deficiency of vitamin B3 provokes a slow metabolism. This may have different consequences. One option is to lower the thermal threshold. If niacin is not enough, it causes a disease called pellagra (Lombard erythema).

Abnormal metabolism of niacin is observed in many diseases. This is mainly found in schizophrenia, hypercholesterolemia, Hodkins’ disease, and depression.