What is niacin

It can be treated with niacinamide supplementation 1. Niacin is a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in cell signaling and DNA repair. Deficiency is characterized by skin problems, memory loss, and digestive problems. For ages 7 months and older, it is expressed as mg niacin equivalents NE.

One NE is equal to 1 mg of niacin or 60 mg of tryptophan 1. The recommended amount of niacin depends on your age and gender. Men need 16 mg NE per day, while women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding need 14 mg NE per day. This may translate to a decrease in heart disease risk, although several studies have found no link between niacin supplementation and a decrease in heart disease risk or deaths 4 , 5. It also takes high doses of niacin, typically 1, mg or greater, to achieve blood fat level improvements, which increases the risk of experiencing unpleasant or potentially harmful side effects 6.

For these reasons, niacin is not a primary treatment for high cholesterol. One role of niacin is to release prostaglandins, or chemicals that help your blood vessels widen — improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

For this reason, niacin may play a role in the prevention or treatment of high blood pressure 8. A high quality study also noted that single doses of mg and mg of niacin slightly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure 9. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks and destroys insulin-creating cells in your pancreas. On one hand, it can help lower the high cholesterol levels that are often seen in people with type 2 diabetes. On the other, it has the potential to increase blood sugar levels.

As a result, people with diabetes who take niacin to treat high cholesterol also need to monitor their blood sugar carefully Fortunately, a more recent review of studies found that niacin did not have significant negative effects on blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes In fact, brain fog and even psychiatric symptoms are associated with niacin deficiency 1 , However, results are mixed 15 , It may help prevent certain types of skin cancer as well.

One high quality study in over people at high risk of skin cancer found that taking mg of nicotinamide twice daily reduced rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer compared to a control Niacin can help treat many conditions. It appears to exert positive effects on blood fat and blood pressure levels, and may play a role in type 1 diabetes, brain health, and skin cancer prevention.

Nicotinamide does not cause skin flushing and has fewer adverse effects than nicotinic acid, and these effects typically begin with much higher doses [ 12 ]. The FNB has established ULs for niacin that apply only to supplemental niacin for healthy infants, children, and adults [ 2 ]. These ULs are based on the levels associated with skin flushing.

The FNB acknowledges that although excess nicotinamide does not cause flushing, a UL for nicotinic acid based on flushing can prevent the potential adverse effects of nicotinamide [ 2 ]. The UL, therefore, applies to both forms of supplemental niacin. However, the UL does not apply to individuals who are receiving supplemental niacin under medical supervision [ 2 ].

Niacin can interact with certain medications, and several types of medications might adversely affect niacin levels. A few examples are provided below. Individuals taking these and other medications on a regular basis should discuss their niacin status with their healthcare providers.

In addition, isoniazid can interfere with niacin's conversion to NAD [ 42 ]. Although pellagra can occur in patients with tuberculosis treated with isoniazid, it can be prevented with increased intakes of niacin. Antidiabetes medications Large doses of nicotinic acid can raise blood glucose levels by causing or aggravating insulin resistance and increasing hepatic production of glucose [ 42 ]. Some studies have found that nicotinic acid doses of 1. People who take any antidiabetes medications should have their blood glucose levels monitored if they take high-dose nicotinic acid supplements concomitantly because they might require dose adjustments [ 42 ].

The federal government's — Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that "Because foods provide an array of nutrients and other components that have benefits for health, nutritional needs should be met primarily through foods. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible otherwise to meet needs for one or more nutrients e. For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, refer to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.

Department of Agriculture's MyPlate. This fact sheet by the Office of Dietary Supplements ODS provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.

Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice.

Updated: March 26, History of changes to this fact sheet. Find ODS on:. Strengthening Knowledge and Understanding of Dietary Supplements. Health Information Health Information. Niacin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.

Present Knowledge in Nutrition, 10th ed. Washington, DC: Wiley-Blackwell; Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Kirkland JB. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 11th ed. Bourgeois C, Moss J. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, 2nd ed. Gibson, RS. Principles of Nutritional Assessment, Second Edition. New York: Oxford University Press. Copyright Methods in Enzymology ; Biochemical assessment of niacin deficiency among carcinoid cancer patients.

American Journal of Gastroenterology ; Biochemical markers for assessment of niacin status in young men: Levels of erythrocyte niacin coenzymes and plasma tryptophan. J Nutr ; Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central , Food and Drug Administration. National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplement Label Database. Niacin: chemical forms, bioavailability, and health effects.

Nutr Rev ; Journal of Clinical Lipidology ; Nutrients ;August 9. Nutrients ;November Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Accessed Aug. Micromedex 2.

Niacin B3; nicotinic acid oral. Melmed S, et al. Disorders of lipid metabolism. In: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Philadelphia, Pa. Pazirandeh S. Overview of water-soluble vitamins.

Natural Medicines. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. ART Home Niacin. Legal Conditions and Terms Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.

Advertising Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Call your doctor at once if you have: a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; irregular heartbeats; severe warmth or redness under your skin; vision problems; or jaundice yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Common side effects may include: flushing sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling ; upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea; abnormal liver function tests; itching, dry skin; cough; skin discoloration; or headache. Based on FDA pregnancy categories. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or niacin will not be as effective.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Niacin Nicotinic Acid , call your doctor or the Poison Control center. If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Niacin Nicotinic Acid , call A Color : orange Shape : oval Imprint : A See More.

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