Common Name: Niacin
Synonyms: Vitamin B3, niacinamide, nicotinamide, inositol hexaniacinate

Overview:

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, the fuel that keeps the many functions of the body running smoothly. Along with the other B vitamins, niacin is responsible for the breakdown of fats and proteins as well. Niacin is actually essential for the functioning of over 50 enzymes and plays an important role in maintaining muscle tone, a healthy digestive tract, maintaining a healthy nervous system and the production of the sex and sex related hormones in the adrenal glands and elsewhere in the body.

Vitamin B3 comes in two forms, niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide). Inositol hexaniacinate is a combination of niacin and inositol (another B vitamin). Each of these forms of niacin work in their own way on different processes when taken in high doses.

Good sources of niacin are seeds, yeast, bran, peanuts brown rice, whole wheat, barley, almonds and peas. Niacin can also be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. A niacin deficiency can occur when inadequate amounts of niacin or tryptophan are consumed. Niacin deficiency also occurs in cases of Hartnup’s disease (a genetic disease that involves defective tryptophan absorption) and carcinoid syndrome. Prolonged treatment with Isoniazid (an anti-tuberculosis medication) can also result in a niacin deficiency.

The severe and late stage of niacin deficiency is called pellagra. Pellagra occurred throughout the Europe and the United States where corn was the primary stable of the poor and working class. Although corn contains niacin, but it is bound that is not nutritionally available to humans. In the parts of the world where corn originated, Mexico and South America, pellagra is very uncommon. This is despite the fact that these parts of the world are also poor and corn is a staple. In this region corn is prepared by soaking in lime which then releases the niacin in a form that can be used by humans.

The symptoms of pellagra are commonly known as the 4 D’s, dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and death. In the skin, a thick, scaly and dark pigmented rash appears, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. Digestive system involvement includes a bright red tongue, vomiting and diarrhea. The neurological symptoms of pellagra are headache, apathy, fatigue, depression, disorientation and memory loss. If not treated pellagra is ultimately results in death.

Benefits

Extensive research has been done on niacin and what it can do.

1. Preliminary studies in animals have shown that niacin not only helps to prevent DNA damage but actually assists in its repair. This DNA repair helps prevent the appearance of disorders that can result from cellular damage at the DNA level such as cancer. In vitro (in the laboratory) studies of human cancer lines have shown that the niacin metabolite NAD (niacin and tryptophan are its prcursors) suppresses the tumor suppressor protein p53.
2. The use of niacin supplements to lower elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and triglycerides. It is also more effective in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels than cholesterol lowering medications. Several well documented double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have found that niacin can reduce LDL levels by about 10%, triglyceride levels by 25% while raising HDL by 20-30%. Niacin has also been shown to lower the levels of lipoprotein (responsible for atherosclerosis) by as much as 30%. It has also been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for high cholesterol in people with diabetes without raising the blood sugar levels.
3. There has been some evidence that niacin can prolong the “honeymoon” period in the development of juvenile diabetes. This is the period when the pancreas is slowly losing its ability to produce insulin. Preliminary evidence suggested that niacinamide might slightly prolong this period. In another study, niacinamide and vitamin E along with intensive insulin therapy was more effective than insulin plus niacinamide alone in prolonging the honeymoon period.
4. Recent studies have also shown that niacinamide may help improve blood sugar control in type tow diabetes.
5. There has been some eveidence that niacinamide by profide benefits to those with osteoarthritis. In a double-blind study 72 people with arthritis were given 3,000mg of niacinamide in 6 equal doses per day or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those who received the supplement showed a 29% improvement in their symptoms. The only draw back is that at this dose liver damage is a concern.
6. In one small double blind study, the form of niacin known as inositol hexaniacinate proved helpful in Raynaud’s phenomen. The dosage used was 4000,mg daily an amount that could cause liver damage.
7. Diatary B3 along with other nutrients are important for normal vision and the prevention of cataracts. A study of 2900 people in Australia found that those who consumed the most protein, vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 and B3 (niacin) were significantly less likely to develop cataracts. A follow up study also showed that many supplemental B complex vitamins including B3 exerted a protective effect against cataracts.
8. Preliminary research is showing the benefits of niacin in anti-aging skin products, for the treatment of acne, and even possibly the prevention of skin cancer.
9. Some have even linked niacin to an increase in HGH (human growth hormone).

Recommended Dosage:

It should be understood that the amounts of niacin needed to be helpful in most medical conditions are extremely high. These doses are considered “pharmacological and must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

These amounts of niacin should also be taken with a meal to avoid stomach irritation.

Precautions

1. Using niacin to lower blood lipid levels should only be done under a doctor’s direct supervision.
2. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not take more that the RDA for niacian
3. Anyone with liver disease, jaundice, peptic ulcers or gastritis should use high doses of nicotinic acid with caution.
4. Those taking high doses should have their liver enzymes monitored on a regular basis.
5. Do not substitute slow or extended release form of nicotinc acid for the immediate release forms.
6. Niacin can cause an uncomfortable flushing of the skin. This flush is transient and should subside.
7. There are many drug interactions connected with niacin supplementation. Your healthcare practioner should be consulted before a niacin regime is undertaken.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using any supplements. The affects of this supplement has not been tested on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease this supplementation not be used.

Web References

1. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21769
2. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/nia_0184.shtml
3. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/VitaminB3Niacincs.html
4. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/niacin/

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