Niacin

Definition of Niacin:

A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.  Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system.  It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production.  Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.

Also: B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3

Topics Related to Niacin

Adult Acne

...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
“Though harder to find, a topically-applied 4% solution of niacinamide compared very favorably to Clindamycin in one trial...”

Alcoholism Recovery Issues

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“John Cleary, M.D., observed that some alcoholics spontaneously stopped drinking in association with taking niacin supplements...”
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More topics Related to Niacin

Alcohol-related Problems

...relationship to Multiple Vitamin Need
“...Over a 21-day period, the group took approximately 3gm of vitamin C, 3gm of niacin, 600mg of B6, and 600 IU of vitamin E per day...”

Alfalfa

...as a treatment
“...Powdered Alfalfa contains vitamins A, B-1, B-6, B-12, C, E, & K-1, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid and many essential and nonessential amino acids...”

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever

...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“One older study reported that L-tyrosine (200mg), vitamin B6 (2.5mg) and niacinamide (10mg) when given in combination for the treatment of hay fever, hives, allergic headaches and poison oak dermatitis produced significant symptomatic relief when 1-3 tablets were taken...”

Anxiety

...the condition
“...Nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, B-vitamins, niacinamide, B12 injections (especially if stomach acid production is insufficient), tryptophan with inositol and chromium, valerian root, and GABA can have a calming effect...”
...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
“The textbook description of anxiety neurosis exactly matches the symptoms of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency: hyperactivity, depression, fatigue, apprehension, headache, and insomnia...”

Banana

...as a treatment
“...Vitamins and minerals are also abundant in the banana, with 123 IU of vitamin A in a large banana and a full range of B vitamins: 0.07mg of Thiamine, 0.15mg of Riboflavin, 0.82mg Niacin, 0.88mg vitamin B6, and 29mcg of Folic Acid...”

Beetroot

...as a treatment
“...It is very useful in fighting anemia as it contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, iodine, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamin B1, B2, B6, niacin and vitamin P...”

Bell's Palsy

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“74 consecutive Bell's palsy patients were treated with niacin at a dose of 100-250mg with "excellent results" noted in all patients within 2 to 4 weeks...”

Biotin

...as a treatment
“...Biotin works more synergistically with Vitamins B-2, B-3, B-6, and Vitamin A...”

Bulimic Tendency

...the condition
“...These include tryptophan, zinc (40% of 62 patients), vitamin B2, B3, folate, and potassium...”

Carcinoid Cancer

...relationship to Vitamin B3 Requirement
Niacin frequently becomes deficient when these tumors are present because of its increased metabolism to form tryptophan.”
...recommendation High/Increased Protein Diet
“...An adequate intake of the amino acid tryptophan, along with niacin, can prevent the tendency towards pellagra, which may otherwise occur from the excessive use of tryptophan by carcinoid tumors.”

Chromium

...as a treatment
“...GTF, a niacin bound chromium found most commonly in brewer's yeast, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels when taken as a supplement...”

Chromium Deficiency

...the condition
“...All of the precursors to the active form of GTF are used in some formulas, but usually with chromium in lower doses, such as 50mcg, since it is thought to be better absorbed with niacin and the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid...”

Cirrhosis of the Liver

...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
Niacinamide can protect the liver against alcohol-induced damage.”

Depression

...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“...Postpartum women usually have high estrogen levels and it has been found that high estrogen levels increase the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.  Progesterone and hydrocortisone decrease its conversion...”

Diabetes Type I

...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
Niacinamide improves ATP mitochondrial production in the face of diabetogenic chemicals and thus allows Islet cells to stay alive...”

Diabetes Type II

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“Although niacin increases low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which frequently accompanies diabetes, past guidelines did not recommend the use of niacin in patients with diabetes because of...”
...recommendation Chromium
“Chromium combines with niacin to form Gluten Tolerance Factor (GTF), which works with insulin to help the body use glucose...”
...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
Niacinamide improves ATP mitochondrial production in the face of diabetogenic chemicals and thus allows insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to stay alive longer...”

EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 6 Requirement

...the condition
“...Omega-6 conversion can be inhibited by bad fats (margarines, shortenings, trans-fatty acids, hard fats, sugar and cholesterol), lack of minerals (magnesium, selenium, zinc), vitamin deficiencies (B3, B6, C, E), viruses, obesity, diabetes, aging, and rare genetic mutations...”

Essential Fatty Acids

...as a treatment
“...Nutrients essential for LA functions include magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, carotene, B3, B6, C and E...”

Folic Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“...the blood from the gastrointestinal tract, where it acts as a coenzyme for a multitude of functions and often is converted to its active form, tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA), in the presence of the niacin coenzyme (NADPH) and vitamin C...”

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

...as a treatment
“...Assists niacinamide and inositol in preventing anxiety; works in the body much like a natural tranquilizer...”

Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers

...recommendation against Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“In rare cases, niacin has aggravated peptic ulceration.”

Hepatitis

...recommendation against Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“Large doses of niacin may further increase the already elevated liver enzymes usually seen in hepatitis.”

High Levels Of Triglycerides

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“In a study of people with high cholesterol, niacin not only reduced LDL and triglycerides by 17% and 18% respectively, but it also increased HDL by 16%.”

High Total Cholesterol

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“Probably the best form of vitamin B3 to use for the purpose of cholesterol reduction is inositol hexaniacinate (flush-free niacin)...”

Histapenia (Histamine Low)

...the condition
“...The treatment program consists of the administration of zinc, manganese, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B12, and folic acid...”

Hives (Urticaria)

...recommendation L-Tyrosine
“One older study reported that L-tyrosine (200mg), vitamin B6 (2.5mg) and niacinamide (10mg) when given in combination for the treatment of hay fever, hives, allergic headaches and poison oak dermatitis produced significant symptomatic relief when 1-3 tablets were taken...”

Honey

...as a treatment
“...It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 according to the specific qualities of the source nectar and pollen...”

Inositol

...as a treatment
“...The human body contains more inositol than any other vitamin except niacin.  Inositol is available from both plant and animal sources...”

Inositol Hexaniacinate

...as a treatment
“...Inositol Hexaniacinate (also known as inositol hexanicotinate) is a newer form of vitamin B-3 (niacin), which does not cause flushing...”

Intermittent Claudication

...recommendation Inositol Hexaniacinate
“Inositol hexaniacinate, a special form of vitamin B3, has been used successfully to treat intermittent claudication...”

L-Glutathione

...as a treatment
“...Riboflavin and niacinamide are essential cofactors for generating reduced glutathione...”

Liver Detoxification Phase II Support

...as a treatment
“...Substances that activate Phase I detoxification ... Nutrients: niacin; vitamin B1; vitamin C...”

Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“There is some evidence that the use of niacin improves growth hormone release from the pituitary gland.”
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More topics Related to Niacin

Low Melatonin Level

...the condition
“...The following can help boost melatonin levels ... niacinamide...”
...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”
...recommendation Calcium
“Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as calcium and magnesium support the production of melatonin.”

Migraine/Tension Headaches

...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“One older study reported that L-tyrosine (200mg), vitamin B6 (2.5mg) and niacinamide (10mg) when given in combination for the treatment of hay fever, hives, allergic headaches and poison oak dermatitis produced significant symptomatic relief when 1-3 tablets were taken...”

NADH

...as a treatment
“...Speculation on how it works: NADH is the coenzyme form of vitamin B3, and you'll find it in every cell in your body...”

Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea)

...recommendation Inositol Hexaniacinate
“There is evidence that niacin may be beneficial for the treatment of dysmenorrhea...”
...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin (and possibly flush-free niacin) at 100mg every 2 to 3 hours in acute cases has been used.”

Parkinson's Disease

...recommendation Conventional Drug Use
“...There is also evidence that the use of L-dopa medications may lead to a deficiency of B-vitamins, especially niacin and vitamin B-6...”

Phlebitis / Thrombophlebitis

...the condition
“...General recommendations ... Include niacin in the diet...”

Poor Memory

...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin (100mg daily) stimulates brain function and promotes blood flow by opening the arteries and veins, an action which usually causes a harmless flush.”

Poor Sense of Humor

...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
“Early signs of vitamin B3 (Niacin) depletion include the loss of a sense of humor.”

Poor/Slow Wound Healing

...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“...This leads to higher energy-level requirements in order to heal a wound, and to increased requirements for thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin.”

Probiotics

...as a treatment
“...Probiotics also make certain vitamins needed by the body including folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin and vitamin K...”

Raw Food/Fruitarian Diet Consequences

...the condition
“...A long-term raw food diet should be supplemented as the intake of vitamins D, B2, B3 (niacin), B12 and the minerals zinc and calcium are typically low...”

Raynaud's Phenomenon

...the condition
“...Consider the use of Vitamins C and E, cayenne, ginger, garlic, gingko biloba, and/or Inositol Hexaniacinate (IH, the non-flushing form of niacin).  IH does dilate blood vessels...”
...recommendation Inositol Hexaniacinate
“Inositol hexaniacinate, a variation on the B-vitamin niacin, has been used with some success for relieving symptoms of Raynaud's disease...”

Rosacea

...the condition
“...yogurt, citrus fruit, liver, chocolate, vanilla, soy sauce, yeast extract (though bread is OK), vinegar, eggplant, avocados, spinach, broad-leafed beans and pods, and foods high in histamine or niacin.  Taking an antihistamine about two hours before a meal may counter the effects of histamine, while aspirin may reduce the effects of niacin-containing foods in sufferers affected by these...”

Schizophrenia

...relationship to Vitamin B3 Requirement
“The mental disturbances brought about by pellagra, a vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency may be mistaken for schizophrenia, or vice versa...”
...recommendation Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
“Since pellagra can mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia, the use of niacin to treat schizophrenia and depression is controversial...”

Senile Dementia

...the condition
“...Certain abnormalities of a person's metabolism or hormones may also be responsible for the development of dementia, including the following ... Deficiency of niacin, or vitamin B3...”

Sinusitis

...recommendation Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
“One older study reported that L-tyrosine (200mg), vitamin B6 (2.5mg) and niacinamide (10mg) when given in combination for the treatment of hay fever, hives, allergic headaches and poison oak dermatitis produced significant symptomatic relief when 1-3 tablets were taken...”

Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome

...recommendation Vitamin B-Complex
“Vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12) helps the body to maintain good energy levels and healthy cells.”

Tendency Toward Postpartum Depression

...the condition
“...Postpartum women usually have high estrogen levels and it has been found that high estrogens increase the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.  Progesterone and hydrocortisone decrease its conversion...”
...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“...Postpartum women usually have high estrogen levels and it has been found that high estrogens increase the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.  Progesterone and hydrocortisone decrease its conversion...”

Tryptophan / 5HTP

...as a treatment
“...Tryptophan is metabolized into niacin, melatonin and serotonin and has relaxing and calming effects...”

Tryptophan Need

...the condition
“This amino acid is required for the production of niacin (vitamin B3)...”

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

...as a treatment
“...Though there are many deficiency symptoms possible with low levels of B2 in the body, no specific serious deficiency disease is noted for riboflavin, as there is for vitamins B1 and B3 (niacin)...”

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

...as a treatment
Niacin, sometimes called vitamin B3, is the more common name for nicotinic acid...”

Vitamin B3 Requirement

...the condition
Vitamin B3 (niacin, niacinamide) is needed for release of energy from food; it maintains the health of skin, mouth and digestive tract; it is necessary for normal mental function and can increase...”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

...as a treatment
“...P5P is crucial in a number of different metabolic activities including glucose production, niacin formation, lipid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, hormone modulation and more...”

Vitamin B-Complex

...as a treatment
“...B-vitamins are part of a family that includes thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12)...”

Vitamin B-Complex Requirement

...the condition
“...The eight vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin...”

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

...as a treatment
“...Acerola also contains such other vitamins as vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin in similar proportions as other fruits...”

Vitamin E

...as a treatment
“...Dr. Abram Hoffer has treated an advanced case of Huntington's Chorea and returned the patient to apparent normalcy with large amounts of vitamin E (4,800 IU per day) along with niacin.  This disease involves nerve and muscle degeneration and wasting...”

Vitamin Niacinamide

...as a treatment
Niacinamide is the amide (more water-soluble) form of niacin (vitamin B3)...”
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