Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 Basics

Vitamin B3 is also known as Niacin, Niacinamide, or Nicotinic Acid. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause a disease termed Pellagra. The symptoms of Pellagra include dermatitis, canker sores, and inflammation of the mucous membranes, depression, confusion, and diarrhea. Since Vitamin B3 is water-soluble and not stored in the body, it is important to insure sufficient amounts are consumed regularly.

This vitamin is required for proper circulation and healthy skin. Vitamin B3 is essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates (to produce energy), fats, and proteins. It also aids in the production of hydrochloric acid, needed for proper digestion. Additionally, Vitamin B3 facilitates the body's ability to eliminate toxins.

Niacin and Niacinamide (or Nicotinic Acid) work basically the same, but may be used differently. For example, Niacinamide is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia, migraine headaches, and insulin-dependent diabetes. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) increases good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL). Niacin may enhance the effectiveness of some medications prescribed to lower cholesterol (check with a medical professional prior to combining Niacin with prescription medication).

Dosage Guidelines

Always take Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide) with food. Niacin is available in tablet and time-release tablets and capsules. These are available in strengths of 25-mg, 50-mg, 250-mg, and 500-mg.

When combining with prescription medication, check with a medical professional prior to taking Vitamin B3. See 'Cautions' below.

Sources

A regular healthy diet including protein usually supplies the appropriate amount of Vitamin B3 to keep the body in good working order. Niacin and niacinamide are found in beef liver, brewer's yeast, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, soybeans, nuts, whole grains, green vegetables, cooked dried beans, and milk (non- or low fat milk). Vegetables should be baked, steamed or prepared as stir-fry to retain Vitamin B3.

Cautions

High doses of Vitamin B3 (75-mg or more) may cause liver damage. People who are pregnant, diabetic, or who suffer from asthma, liver disease, gallbladder disease, gout, glaucoma, or ulcers, should seek the advice of a medical professional prior to taking this vitamin.

A common side effect from Niacin is the 'niacin flush', which causes the skin to turn red (flush), tingle, or burn in the areas of the face and chest.

Recent studies have suggested that time-release niacin forms may lead to liver damage. Inositol hexaniacinate, a form of Niacin developed in Europe, is thought to be safe in a sustained-release form.