However, your body does not store niacin, so you should consume it regularly.
In these cases, niacin supplements may be beneficial.
This article looks at the use of niacin and its different forms.
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It also discusses side effects and dosage.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
There is limited evidence to support niacin for these uses.
In this review, researchers found that niacin did not reduce overall, heart-related, or noncardiovascular mortality.
In addition, it did not reduce fatal or nonfatalmyocardial infarctions(heart attacks) or strokes.
After therapy, researchers analyzed the mice’s brains and found that niacin had protective effects on brain cells.
Since researchers did this study on animals, it is unknown whether they could replicate these results in humans.
Therefore, these results warrant further research.
Compared to a control group, the mice who received niacin had fewer plaques and improved cognition after therapy.
Researchers measured participants' recalled dietary niacin intake over three consecutive 24-hour periods.
Participants' mean intake level was 14.8 mg per day (mg/d).
At the median six-year follow-up, 4,306 participants had developed hypertension.
These results produced a J-shaped association (one that falls then steeply rises).
The turning point was 15.6 mg/d, with the lowest risk between 14.3 to 16.7 mg/d.
Diabetes
Niacin is known to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
However, it also significantly increased glucose levels.
However, it found no significant effects on plasma glucose levels.
There is currently insufficient evidence to support niacin for diabetes treatment.
What Causes Niacin Deficiency?
Niacin deficiency pops up if you do not get adequate amounts from food sources.
You may not know if you are deficient in niacin unless your deficiency is severe.
Pellagra is uncommon in industrialized nations.
Pellagra can be fatal if untreated.
What Are the Side Effects of Niacin?
Your healthcare provider may recommend you take niacin for a health condition or deficiency.
However, consuming a supplement like niacin may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Skin flushing looks like redness on your face, arms, and chest.
You might also notice warmth, tingling, or itching with this symptom.
In addition to flushing, other symptoms may include:
The side effects of nicotinic acid can be unpleasant.
However, they do tend to subside after a couple of weeks.
These side effects include:
If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
So, if you take medications, be sure to discuss niacin supplementation with a healthcare provider first.
Dosage: How Much Niacin Should I Take?
Most healthy individuals obtain enough niacin through their diet, so additional supplementation is not usually needed.
Most research is based on deficiencies.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Niacin?
To avoid toxicity, be aware of the appropriate dosage and keep the tolerable upper limit in mind.
The upper limit is the maximum daily amount that’s considered safe and unlikely to cause adverse effects.
For niacin, toxicity has been noted in dosages over 1 gram.
If you exceed these levels, you may want to seek medical advice or go to the emergency room.
Keep niacin away from direct sunlight.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
It also helps to raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Niacin is not a replacement for standard medical care.
Sources of Niacin and What To Look For
Niacin is widely available in food.
Most people get enough niacin from food.
However, it is also available in supplement form.
Food Sources of Niacin
Niacin is available in animal-based foods, plant-based foods, and grains.
Niacin supplements are available in several different forms.
Each form can affect your body differently.
Immediate-Release Nicotinic Acid Supplements
Immediate-release (IR) nicotinic acid is also known as “fast-release.”
When you take this jot down, the entire dose enters your bloodstream as soon as you swallow it.
For this reason, IR nicotinic acid is more likely to cause side effects than other forms.
Some bottles may not say if they contain an “immediate-release” or a “sustained-release” product.
If the label doesn’t say, it’s usually an IR product.
Extended-Release Nicotinic Acid Supplements
Extended-release (ER) nicotinic acid is available by prescription.
ER nicotinic acid is released into the body more slowly than the IR key in.
The brand names are:
There is also a generic version.
A controlled-release version called Slo-Niacin is sold OTC.
This brand may be less expensive.
Sustained-Release Nicotinic Acid Supplements
Sustained-release (SR) nicotinic acid is also known as “timed-release.”
This form releases nicotinic acid over a period of time rather than all at once.
The SR form will take longer to flush the body than the IR or the ER form.
Don’t take SR niacin if you have a liver disease such ascirrhosisor chronic hepatitis B or C infection.
Instead, choose an IR or ER version.
Summary
Niacin is an essential form of vitamin B that your body needs for proper cell function.
Some people take niacin for health reasons, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, research is limited, and insufficient evidence supports it for these uses.
Most people get enough niacin from the food they eat.
In some cases, though, healthcare providers may prescribe niacin supplements to treat niacin deficiency.
Niacin supplement side effects include flushing, headache, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
Don’t take high doses of niacin.
High doses can cause serious side effects.
Ask your doctor before you dive in taking niacin or any other supplement.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture.Dietary guidelines for Americans: 2020-2025.
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