Vitamin Niacinamide

Niacinamide improves ATP mitochondrial production in the face of diabetogenic chemicals and thus allows Islet cells to stay alive.  The Type I honeymoon period can just be extended 12-18 months and insulin requirements may be less.

See the link between Sinusitis and Vitamin B6.

The textbook description of anxiety neurosis exactly matches the symptoms of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency: hyperactivity, depression, fatigue, apprehension, headache, and insomnia.  It has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium-type drugs) that are used to treat anxiety.  One study found that niacinamide (not niacin) could help people get through withdrawal from benzodiazepines, which is a common problem.  A reasonable amount of niacinamide to take for anxiety, according to some doctors, is up to 500mg four times per day.

Niacinamide locks onto the same receptor sites in the brain as do tranquilizers such as Valium, and is a natural tranquilizer.  The manufacturer of valium is also the worlds largest manufacturer of niacinamide. [Nature 278: pp.563-5,1979]

Early signs of vitamin B3 (Niacin) depletion include the loss of a sense of humor.

Results may be seen in 3-4 weeks with a plateau of improvement reached at 12 weeks.  The dose may be lowered at this time but if discontinued, the symptoms will come back.  Intake of 500mg 3-6 times daily has commonly been recommended.  Sustained release forms require less frequent dosing. [Inflamm Res 1996;45: pp.330-4]

Niacinamide improves ATP mitochondrial production in the face of diabetogenic chemicals and thus allows insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to stay alive longer.  In one trial, newly diagnosed patients were given niacinamide at 25mg per kg of body weight.  This restored the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in some, slowed the cellular destruction in others and left a number no longer diabetic.  Use in diabetic patients should always be monitored by a physician as insulin requirements may change.

Though harder to find, a topically-applied 4% solution of niacinamide compared very favorably to Clindamycin in one trial.  Oral niacinamide is unlikely to be of benefit.

Should be taken in combination with Tyrosine.  See Hives/Tyrosine note.

Niacinamide can protect the liver against alcohol-induced damage.