Niacin And Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Overview 

Niacin is one of the B group vitamins in the form of vitamin B3 made in the body from tryptophan. It's found in many foods including fish, meat, eggs, milk, cereals and green vegetables. 

Vitamin B3 is needed for the proper function of sugar and fats in the body and to keep cells healthy. It has effects on blood clotting. So, vitamin B3 might prevent people with heart disease at high doses. It might also improve quantities of fats known as triglycerides in the blood.

Prescription forms of vitamin B3 are approved by the United States FDA for unnatural cholesterol levels and to save from niacin deficiency and related conditions like pellagra. People consume niacin supplements for metabolic disorder, cataracts, heart disease, high blood pressure and many other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Do not confuse niacin with niacinamide, NADH, IP-6 or tryptophan, inositol nicotinate. These are not the same.

Uses & Benefits ?

Abnormal amounts of cholesterol (dyslipidemia). Taking niacin instruction products orally in doses of 500 mg or more enhances cholesterol levels in human beings with abnormal cholesterol. 

Nutritious supplements of niacin usually come in lower doses and don't improve cholesterol levels. A disease caused by vitamin B3 deficiency (pellagra). Niacin prescription products are United States FDA approved for treating and preventing pellagra.

Abnormal levels of cholesterol in people with HIV/AIDS. Taking prescription niacin products orally seems to improve amounts of cholesterol and blood fats known as triglycerides in people with this condition.

A collection of symptoms that expand the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Taking niacin products orally seems to increase quantities of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduce the amount of blood fats known as triglycerides in people with stroke. 

Foods Source 

Many foods are rich in vitamin B3, especially animal products like fish, meat and poultry.

Vegetarian sources include peanut, avocado, mushrooms, whole grains, potatoes and green peas.

The following foods are highly rich in vitamin B3:

1. Chicken Breast
2. Anchovies
3. Potatoes
4. Avocado
5. Tuna
6. Mushrooms
7. Ground Beef
8. Peanuts
9. Salmon
10. Green Peas
11. Whole Wheat
12. Pork
13. Brown Rice
14. Turkey
15. Fortified and Enriched Foods

One study found that the average US citizen gets more vitamin B3 in their diet from fortified and enriched foods than from natural food sources.

Side Effects 

When taken orally: vitamin B3 is safe for most people when used properly. Prescription products bearing niacin are safe when taken directly. Foods containing niacin or niacin supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg per day on a daily basis.

Flushing reaction is a common side effect of vitamin B3. This might cause itching, burning and redness of the face, chest, arms and chest also headaches. Starting with small doses or taking 325 mg of aspirin before each dose of vitamin B3 may be beneficial. This reaction generally goes away as the body gets used to vitamin B3.

Intake Recommendation and Warnings 

When taken by mouth: v When taken by mouth:  itamin B3 is safe for most people when used properly. Prescription products bearing niacin are safe when taken directly. Foods containing niacin or niacin supplements are safe when taken in doses lower than 35 mg per day on a daily basis.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Niacin is safe when taken orally while pregnant and breast-feeding. The maximum recommended amount of vitamin B3 while pregnant or breast-feeding is 30 mg daily for under 18 years of age and 35 mg daily for 19 years and older.

Children: Niacin is safe when taken orally in doses properly. The recommended amount is 10 mg for 1-3 years of age of children, 15 mg for 4-8 years of age of children, 20 mg for 9-13 years of age of children and 30 mg for 14-18 years of age of children.

Diabetes: Vitamin B3 might increase sugar level in blood. People with diabetes who take vitamin B3 should check their blood sugar regularly.

Allergies: Niacin might make worse allergies by releasing Histamine(a chemical) responsible for allergic symptoms.

Chest pain (angina): Vitamin B3 should be used carefully in people with angina.

Gout: Huge amounts of niacin might expand the risk for gout.

Gallbladder disease: Vitamin B3 might make gallbladder disease.

Liver disease: Consuming high doses of vitamin B3 might increase liver damage. So, don't use huge amounts if you have liver disease.

Kidney disease: Vitamin B3 might cause kidney disease in people and might be harmful.

Low blood pressure: Taking vitamin B3 in excessive doses might diminish blood pressure and worsen this condition.

Surgery: Vitamin B3 might interfere with control of blood sugar during and after surgery. Talk with your doctor about whether you should pause taking niacin before a scheduled surgery.

Thyroid disorders: The hormone thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland might be lower in blood by taking an excess amount of niacin and leads to certain thyroid disorders.

Dosing 

Vitamin B3 is found in many foods, including fish, meat, egg, milk, cereals and vegetables. The quantity that should be taken on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). 

The RDA is 16 mg NE and 14 mg NE for males 14 years and older and In females 14 years and older respectively. 

While pregnant women can consume 18 mg NE and while breast-feeding, the RDA is 17 mg NE. In children, the RDA depends on age. Talk with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Disclaimer 

This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to offer medical advice.