Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3, commonly referred to as niacin, is one of the 8 essential B vitamins. All B vitamins play a role in converting food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) for energy that we can use throughout the day. The B-complex vitamins are water-soluble, which means they dissolve easily upon entering the body. Since the body cannot store them, B vitamins should be consumed in small amounts on a daily basis.

How do I get niacin?

Niacin is present in many foods like yeast, meat, fish, peanuts, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Foods like chicken, red meat, dairy and eggs contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body can convert into niacin. Since most people get sufficient levels of niacin through diet, it’s rare to find people in developed countries who have a vitamin B3 deficiency.

What is niacin used for?

Niacin serves many purposes throughout the body. It is required to make hormones in the adrenal glands and other areas. Niacin can also improve circulation and reduce inflammation. The inflammation-reducing characteristic of niacin was demonstrated in one study which found that niacin may improve the symptoms of arthritis. There is also evidence that niacin reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by narrowing of the arteries. Niacin can also lower the risk of a second heart attack for people who have already had one. However, the most widely researched use of niacin has been as a treatment for high cholesterol.

Niacin as a Cholesterol Treatment

Research suggests that niacin can lower LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and improve HDL “good” cholesterol levels. For cholesterol treatment, niacin must be prescribed by a doctor at fairly high doses. It is often prescribed in combination with statin drugs. The benefit of niacin compared to statin drugs is that it tends to be better at raising HDL “good” cholesterol and lowering triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk for heart disease. The form of niacin that improves cholesterol levels is called nicotinic acid.

Niacin Deficiency

Pellagra is a disease characterized by a deficiency of vitamin B3. In the 1800s, pellagra was commonly diagnosed in poor Americans whose diets lacked niacin-rich foods. This disease can cause problems with the skin, digestive system, and nervous system, and eventually lead to death if not treated.

Luckily today, niacin deficiency in the developed world is rare because vitamin B3 is present in many of the foods we eat. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for niacin is 16 milligrams per day for men and 14 milligrams per day for women, which is easy to obtain through diet. Nowadays a deficiency of this nutrient is more likely to be caused by issues that affect the body’s ability to absorb niacin or tryptophan. Alcoholism is one such cause for this deficiency. If a person has a medical condition that impairs their ability to absorb niacin or tryptophan, a doctor may prescribe niacin supplements or multivitamins, which usually provide more than enough niacin to meet the recommended daily allowance. Supplements of niacin in the form of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide are FDA-approved for treating the deficiency.

Niacin Overdose

Although it’s unlikely to overdose from niacin by eating too many niacin-rich foods, high levels of prescription niacin can be dangerous. However, niacin overdose should not be a problem for people taking only the amount prescribed by their doctor. One of the most common side effects of niacin overdose is niacin flush. Niacin causes the blood vessels to dilate, which in turn produces a warm sensation accompanied by a blushing of the skin. The skin becomes uncomfortably hot and may also cause an itchy, rash-like reaction. People are more likely to experience niacin flush when they take a large dose of niacin on an empty stomach. That’s why it’s recommended to initially start with small doses of niacin and gradually increase the amount as needed. Other than discomfort, the flushing is harmless and should subside within 2 hours, usually within just 15 minutes. A different form of vitamin B3 known as niacinamide does not cause the flush effect, which is why some people may take this form over niacin.

Early symptoms can help you become aware you’re taking too much niacin. These include abnormal pain, nausea, rapid heartbeat, intense itching, shortness of breath, and skin flush accompanied by dizziness. There are also other side effects that are more severe than niacin flush. This is why it’s important not to self-medicate with niacin supplements, and consult a doctor to help manage your dosage as needed. Gastrointestinal side effects include bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. One of the most dangerous, albeit rare, side effects is a sudden drop in blood pressure. Long term side effects can impact vital organs like the liver.