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Vitamin · in-depth review

Niacin

Niacin

Niacin is the carboxyl form of vitamin B3. Cells use it to make NAD for redox, and it can dilate cutaneous vessels causing face-and-neck flushing. Blood-lipid trials also use this molecule.

Also known asNo common aliases yet
Related diseasesPellagraDyslipidaemia
Related symptomsFatigueDry skin

Marked asPrimarySupporting

Primary

Supports cellular energy metabolism

Cells build niacin into NAD and NADP; glycolysis and the citric acid cycle move hydrogen on this coenzyme pair. Chicken, tuna, and peanuts are food sources. People who long eat only maize and lack tryptophan most easily show this energy-production gap first on sun-exposed skin and in the mouth and tongue.

Primary

Support fasting blood lipids

Carboxyl niacin can activate receptors in adipose and skin tissue. Human trials watch fasting triglycerides fall and HDL rise. Brief face-and-neck heat and flushing come from the same receptor. People who need to manage lipids and accept flushing more often see blood-lipid marker changes from this molecule.

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Fatigue

Cells build niacin into NAD and NADP; glycolysis and the citric acid cycle move hydrogen on this coenzyme pair. People who cannot get going by day and feel foggy in the afternoon more often notice stamina for tasks and mental freshness after several continuous weeks.

Dry skin

Cells build niacin into NAD and NADP; glycolysis and the citric acid cycle move hydrogen on this coenzyme pair. People whose calves or cheeks feel tight and flaky more often notice moisture and less itch after several continuous weeks.

Pellagra

Cells build niacin into NAD and NADP; glycolysis and the citric acid cycle move hydrogen on this coenzyme pair. When exposed skin reddens and flakes and gut and mood move together, people more often notice skin and spirits after several continuous weeks.

Dyslipidaemia

Carboxyl niacin can activate receptors in adipose and skin tissue. People with high fasting lipids and an oily diet more often notice lab markers and a lighter body after several continuous weeks.

With foodBest taken with food (not on an empty stomach) to reduce stomach upset and flushing
Best timeMorning or midday
SolubilityWater-soluble

Check the amount and unit of the active ingredient per serving first.

General wellness16 mg NE/day for adult men; 14 mg NE/day for adult women
Specific needsThe adult daily safety upper limit is 35 mg NE (from niacin supplements, to limit flushing/liver injury); high-dose therapymay only be prescribed by a clinician.

How oftenGenerally use the recommended daily intake.

Cautions

High-dose niacin for lipids must be prescribed and monitored by a clinician.

People with liver disease, peptic ulcer, or diabetes should ask a clinician before high doses.

Interactions

  1. Lipid-lowering drugs / statins (additive liver risk with high-dose niacin)
  2. Glucose-lowering drugs (may affect glucose control)
Common side effects

· Niacin flush, burning, or itching

· Nausea or stomach discomfort

Rare but important

· Long-term high doses may cause liver injury and raised blood sugar.

Long-term dependenceNot addictive; flushing from high doses may lessen with tolerance, but that does not mean you should raise the dose on your own.

Sources

These are institution pages you can check—not a certification of this ingredient.

Medical disclaimerThis page is compiled by the HerbBB editorial team for general health information only. It is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified clinician. If you have a health condition, take medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a professional first.