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Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) is needed for proper circulation and healthy skin. Vitamin B-3 is a vasodilator which widens the blood vessels which maintains many aspects of the human body. This vitamin comes from nicotinic acid or niacinamide; however, vitamin B-3 from niacinamide does not have all the components that nicotinic acid has; namely the components that produced lower blood cholesterol levels. Most of the other beneficial components are the same in niacinamide and nicotinic acid.
Vitamin B-3 aids in the functioning of the nervous system; in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; and in the production of hydrochloric acid for the digestive system. It is involved in the normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids, and in the synthesis of sex hormones. Vitamin B-3 helps in the maintenance of cardiovascular disease, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and cancer prevention. Niacin, in a supplemental form, is a natural cholesterol-lowering agent that often rivals prescription drugs in mild to moderate cases and it improves circulation. It is helpful for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses or disorders, and is also a memory-enhancer. It may also help to prevent or treat a number of other disorders, from arthritis and depression to diabetes.
Three forms of niacin supplements - each with a specific therapeutic role - are commercially available: nicotinic acid (also called nicotinate), niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate, a compound of niacin and inositol (another B-family vitamin).
Vitamin B-3 supplements may be absorbed in your body at a different rate depending on various factors. It is important to read product label instructions before using. Normally, the body manages to absorb enough niacin from foods to carry out basic functions, working on the cellular level to keep the digestive system, skin and nerves healthy. This vitamin is also critical to releasing energy from carbohydrates and helping to control blood-sugar levels. Interestingly, the body also synthesizes niacin from tryptophan, an amino acid found in eggs, milk and poultry.
Pellegra is a disease caused by niacin deficiency. Other symptoms of niacin deficiency include canker sores, dementia, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, limb pains, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, and inflammation.
SOURCES
Niacin and niacinamide are found in beef liver, brewer's yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, corn flour, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat germ, and whole wheat products.
Herbs that contain niacin include Alfalfa, Burdock Root, Catnip, Cayenne, Chamomile, Chickweed, Eyebright, Fennel Seed, Hops, Licorice, Mullein, Nettle, Oat Straw, Parsley, Peppermint, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Slippery Elm, and Yellow Dock.
COMMENTS
A flush, usually harmless, may occur after the ingestion of niacin supplements; a red rash appears on the skin and a tingling sensation may be experienced as well.
CAUTIONS
People who are pregnant or who suffer from diabetes, glaucoma, gout, liver disease, or peptic ulcers should use niacin supplements with caution. Amounts over 500 mg daily may cause liver damage if take for prolonged periods.
SPECIFIC USES - VITAMIN B-3
Although few people in the industrialized world are actually deficient in niacin, many may benefit from additional amounts in supplement form to help treat assorted complaints. Keep in mind that each of the three forms of niacin affects the body differently. Niacinamide has notable anti-inflammatory properties, for example, while nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate affect blood lipid levels and circulation.
Control Cholesterol. Unlike most prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, which simply lower levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, niacin also raises levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. As a result, this vitamin may prove more potent than conventional medicines in ultimately reducing the risk for a heart attack (and death from a heart attack). In a recent study of people with high cholesterol, niacin not only reduced LDL and triglycerides by 17 and 18 percent, respectively, but it also increased HDL by 16 percent. Although both nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate have cholesterol-benefiting actions, inositol hexaniacinate is the preferred form - it does not cause skin flushing and poses much less risk of liver damage with long-term use.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: High Cholesterol
Combat Raynaud's Disease & Other Circulatory Problems. Niacin improves circulation by relaxing arteries and veins, and disorders characterized by circulation difficulties may benefit as a result. In those suffering from Raynaud's disease, for example, niacin's ability to improve blood flow to the extremities may counter the numbness and pain in the hands and feet that occurs when blood vessels overreact to cold temperatures. The calf-cramping and other painful symptoms of intermittent claudication, another circulation disorder, may lessen under the vessel-relaxing influence of niacin as well. The inositol hexaniacinate form of niacin works best for circulation-related discomforts.
Fight Depression. Based on niacin's well-recognized role in promoting the sound functioning of nerve cells, some experts recommend the vitamin for relieving depression as well as for soothing feelings of anxiety and panic. Most B-vitamin complexes contain sufficient amounts of niacin for this purpose; as an added plus, the complexes also offer the mood-enhancing benefits of other B vitamins.
Ease Symptoms of Osteo & Rheumatoid Arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties associated with niacinamide may help in calming joint inflammation, a frequent cause of rheumatoid arthritis pain. In a double-blind, 12-week study, osteoarthritis sufferers who received niacinamide supplements reported less inflammation and greater joint flexibility than other participants who were given a placebo. The niacinamide group also required less conventional anti-inflammatory medication to relieve their customary pain and swelling.
Slow Progression of Type 1 Diabetes. High doses of niacinamide, if given at the first signs of the disease, appear to help prevent complications of insulin-dependent diabetes and may even help reverse its development. This complementary supplement treatment should only be undertaken with careful medical supervision, however.
Treat Tinnitus. The persistent ringing, humming and buzzing in the ears associated with this condition has been linked to poor blood circulation. By widening blood vessels in the brain, inositol hexaniacinate may help to relieve these and other tinnitus symptoms.
Note: Niacin has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see the Dosage Recommendations Chart for Niacin.
GENERAL DOSAGE INFORMATION
Special Tip: Most multi-vitamins and B-complex supplements provide the RDA for niacin. Dosages adequate for treating specific ailments are typically found in individual niacin supplements, however.
In general, niacin in the form of inositol hexaniacinate and niacinamide tends to cause fewer side effects than nicotinic acid.
- For treating high cholesterol, Raynaud's disease, intermittent claudication or tinnitus: Take 500 mg of inositol hexaniacinate three times a day. Continue for two months if your goal is to lower cholesterol. Stop at this point if cholesterol levels have not improved.
- For anxiety or depression: A vitamin B-complex supplement will typically provide the amount of niacin (50 mg a day) necessary for treating these conditions.
- For arthritis: Take 1,000 mg of niacinamide three times a day.
AILMENTS DOSAGE Diabetes 500 mg inositol hexaniacinate 3 times a day Raynaud's Disease 500 mg 3 times a day Tinnitus 500 mg inositol hexaniacinate 3 times a day High Cholesterol 500 mg 3 times a day
SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS
Tablet. Capsule.
DOSES & RECOMMENDED INTAKE
The RDA for niacin is 14 mg for women and 16 mg for men. Specific disorders usually require higher doses.
VITAMIN B-3 / NIACIN DEFICIENCY
If You Get Too Little: A deficiency in niacin can result in pellagra, a skin disorder characterized by small patches of dry, scaly irritated skin in sunlight-exposed areas. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and strength, and digestive complaints. Severe cases can involve headache, memory loss and depression. Pellagra is now quite rare in the industrialized world.
VITAMIN B-3 / NIACIN OVERDOSE & TOXICITY
If You Get Too Much: It is nearly impossible to get too much niacin from foods. This is not the case with supplements, however. Keep in mind that megadoses can cause serious side effects, such as abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting; lightheadedness; ulcers; and skin rashes, flushing or itching. Liver damage is also a risk with long-term use of niacinamide and nicotinic acid. Inositol hexaniacinate in doses higher than 2,000 mg a day may have a blood-thinning effect.
GENERAL INTERACTIONS & CAUTIONS
Take niacin supplements with meals or a glass of milk to prevent stomach discomfort.
Niacin acts like a drug when taken in high doses (1.5 to 6 grams a day). If you are contemplating using niacin in this dosage range, consult your health care provider for supervision.
GENERAL INTERACTIONS
Use caution when taking large, therapeutic doses of niacin - in any form - if you are already on one of the cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs known as statins. Muscle pain and inflammation, and even kidney failure, are a risk if you mix niacin with any of the statins. Stop taking the drug and call your health care provider immediately if any of the above symptoms occur.
NIACIN SUPPLEMENT & SPECIFIC DRUG INTERACTIONS
Atorvastatin: If taken together, may cause myositis, which is characterized by muscle pain and inflammation. In severe cases, kidney failure may occur. Consult your health care provider if any muscle pain develops.
Cerivastatin: If taken together, may cause myositis, which is characterized by muscle pain and inflammation. In severe cases, kidney failure may occur. Consult your health care provider if any muscle pain develops.
Fluvastatin: If taken together, may cause myositis, which is characterized by muscle pain and inflammation. In severe cases, kidney failure may occur. Consult your health care provider if any muscle pain develops.
Lovastatin: If taken together, may cause myositis, which is characterized by muscle pain and inflammation. In severe cases, kidney failure may occur. Consult your health care provider if any muscle pain develops.
Pravastatin: If taken together, may cause myositis, which is characterized by muscle pain and inflammation. In severe cases, kidney failure may occur. Consult your health care provider if any muscle pain develops.
Simvastatin: If taken together, may cause myositis, which is characterized by muscle pain and inflammation. In severe cases, kidney failure may occur. Consult your health care provider if any muscle pain develops.
SUPPLEMENTAL & DOSAGE CAUTIONS
Check with your health care provider before taking niacin if you suffer from diabetes, low blood pressure, glaucoma, gout, liver disease, ulcers or a bleeding disorder. Niacin supplements may aggravate these conditions.
Have your health care provider schedule blood tests every three months to check liver function if you take any form of niacin in amounts of 1,000 mg or more daily.
Do not take timed-release niacin, an over-the-counter cholesterol drug designed specifically not to cause nicotinic acid-related skin flushing. Research indicates it may cause liver damage.
Stick to recommended doses; excessive amounts can cause serious health problems.
VITAMIN B-3 / NIACIN SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Alfalfa Leaves, Nature's Way, 405 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfalfa Leaves are organically grown by Trout Lake Farm, Washington, and Certified Organically Processed in accordance with Oregon Tilth standards and the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.
Brewer's Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 Tabs
Brewer's Yeast has been shown to help people having difficulty sleeping, fatigued, and diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.
Flush Free Niacin, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 90 VCaps
This flush-free Niacin is formulated to avoid Niacin flush, a red tingly rash.
Flush Free Niacin, NOW Foods, Double Strength, 640 mg, 90 VCaps
Inositol Hexanicotinate is a stable, non-flushing source of Niacin, a form of Vitamin B-3. This double strength formula provides 500 mg of niacin (as nicotinic acid) per capsule, along with 135 mg of inositol. The slow breakdown of this compound means that blood serum levels of niacin do not reach their maximum until about ten hours after taking this formula, normally avoiding niacin's usual "flushing" effect. The "niacin flush", a safe but uncomfortable brief redness, itching and feeling of warmth caused by larger doses of niacin stimulating the release of histamine in capillaries near the skin, should not occur with Flush Free Niacin. Niacin"s actions include regulating cholesterol. It can increase HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) and decrease triglycerides, improving the total cholesterol profile. Niacin is utilized by the body as an essential nutrient for carbohydrate, alcohol and fat metabolism. Niacin is also known to improve circulation of blood, especially peripheral circulatory improvements. This is a vegetarian formula in a VCap. This formula contains twice the dose of their regular Flush Free Niacin formula.
HeartSure Red Yeast Rice Plus CoQ10 With Niacin (Non-Flushing), NOW Foods, 60 VCaps
This supplement contains 600 mg of Premium, Certified Purity Red Yeast Rice plus 30 mg of COQ10 per Vegetarian Capsule.
NAD (Niacin), NOW Foods, 25 mg, 60 Lozenges
Vitamin B-3 (niacin) is widely regarded as one of the most effective nutrients in elevating mood, overcoming moderate depression and fighting the effects of fatigue. NOW's NAD complex is a highly effective and genuinely unique form of Vitamin B-3 that shares many of the same qualities as NADH at a fraction of the cost. In addition to its mood enhancing properties, NAD is being studied with regards to its positive effects on naturally increasing the brain's levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential to brain health as we age.
NA-PCA Spray Lotion, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), TwinLab, 1000 mg, 8 oz.
Na-PCA (the sodium salt of pyrollidone carboxylic acid) is the natural moisturizing factor found in human skin. Na-PCA pulls water out of the air, moisturizing the skin, improving its appearance and giving it a moist and youthful glow. Apply to face and other skin areas. Non-oily and hypo-allergenic. May also be used on the hair as a conditioner. After bath or shower, spray Na-PCA liberally on the hands and apply to the face and other skin areas. Na-PCA may also be used to condition dry or damaged hair. To condition hair, wet hair before using. Apply Na-PCA and leave on hair for 5 minutes. Then rinse. For external use only.
Niacin, 100% Natural Vitamin B-3, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
The benefits of Niacin without the discomforts associated with a Niacin flush. Nature's Way Niacinamide is 100% natural.
Niacin Supplement, 100% Natural Vitamin B-3, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 Caps
Niacin or vitamin B-3, is necessary for normal breakdown of fats and fatty acids and the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is also an excellent vasodilator and may be useful in maintaining proper cholesterol levels.
Ola-Loa Children's Multi-Vitamin Drink Mix, Cran-Raspberry, 30 Packets
Better your kids health by introducing them to this Child Multi-Vitamin based upon the most up-to-date studies on nutrition and child development and is 100% all-natural.
Vitamin B-50 Complex With B-2 Coenzyme, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 330 mg, 100 Caps
B Vitamins, as found in a Vitamin B Complex, are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.
Vitamin B-100 Complex With B-2 Coenzyme, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
B Vitamins, as found in a Vitamin B Complex, are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.
Herbal Remedies: Niacin / Niacinamide / Nicotinic Acid / Vitamin B-3 Information
Herbal Remedies: Niacin / Niacinamide / Nicotinic Acid / Vitamin B-3 Supplements & Products
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