Vitamin B3
(niacin or nicotinic acid; niacinamide or nicotinamide)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Niacin and niacinamide are classified as B-vitamins. As part of enzyme system (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD), aids in transfer of hydrogen and acts in metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids; involved in glycolysis, fat synthesis and breakdown, and tissue respiration.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Males: 16 mg NE.
• Females: 14 mg NE.
• Pregnancy: 18 mg NE.
• Lactation: 17 mg NE.
• NE = niacin equivalent. 1 mg niacin = 60 mg tryptophan.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Liver, poultry, fish, brewer’s yeast, beef, pork, nuts and seeds.
• Specifically: veal liver, beef liver, peanuts, chicken white meat, mackerel, trout, salmon, chicken dark meat, lamb, turkey white meat, brewers yeast, turkey liver, beef kidney, pork, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, almonds.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 50 mg to 3,000 mg.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Cataracts
• Coronary heart disease (niacin)
• Diabetes (niacinamide)
• High cholesterol (niacin)
• High triglycerides (niacin)
• Memory loss
• Osteoarthritis (niacinamide)
• Poor circulation (especially inositol hexanicotinate)

COMMENTS

• Niacin can cause capillary dilation, producing a flushing in the face and chest. Starting at low doses, and taken with meals, reduces flushing. Also, if taken regularly, flushing will decrease and dosage can be increased. The timed release form of niacin reduces flushing, but at high doses (over 1,000 mg) increases the risk of liver problems (hepatotoxicity). The niacinamide form does not cause flushing, but will not reduce cholesterol levels. Another form of niacin, inositol nicotinate (also inositol hexanicotinate or hexaniacinate), does not produce the flushing, but also does not help in reducing cholesterol levels.

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if you have diabetes, glaucoma, gout, impaired liver function, ulcers, or are taking medications (especially for diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure).