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What is Niacin?

Vitamin B3, a water-soluble vitamin whose analogs such as NADH play key roles in energy metabolism in living organisms, is also called by other names such as niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, antipellagra vitamin, and niacinamide. Niacin is one of the most stable of the B vitamins owing to the fact that it is resistant to the effects of heat, light, air, acid, and alkali. Niacin and niacinamide is a white crystalline substance that is soluble in both water and alcohol as they are both readily absorbed from the small intestine. Small amounts may be kep in the liver, while most of the excess is excreted in the urine.

Niacin works with vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, and biotin to break down and convert the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food into energy. As such, vitamin B3 is crucial in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to produce energy. Involvement of Niacin, an essential B vitamin, in cellular energy production means that it is of paramount importance for healthy cardiovascular function, nervous system function, and immune function. It is also helpful in the synthesis of hydrochloric acid, which is required for proper digestion. Additionally, vitamin B3 enhances the body's ability to eliminate toxins. The name niacin is taken from NIcotinic ACid + (IN). When the properties of niacin were first known, it was thought wise to choose a common name other than nicotinic acid, for fear that it might be associated with nicotine, which may lead to notions that either smoking provided vitamins or that wholesome food contained a poison.

Niacin plays a key role in clearing the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also helps the body synthesize numerous sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Vitamin B3 is needed for the action of many enzymes in the body. Enzymes are special substances that catalyze or speed up chemical reactions in the body. These enzymes are responsible for generating energy in the body, breaking down dietary fats, the creation of certain hormones and cholesterol, the processing of genetic material (DNA) and the growth and maturation of the cells in the body. Niacin is potent in enhancing circulation and lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Niacin needs can be met partially by incorporating high protein foods in the diet because the human body is able to convert tryptophan, an amino acid, into niacin. Niacin, through its analogs, is involved in a variety of metabolic and biological processes, including energy production, fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol and steroids, signal transduction, the management of gene expression and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Nicotinic acid, in clinical and pharmacological applications, is used as an antihyperlipidemic agent. Niacinamide is also helpful in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia, migraine headaches, and insulin-dependent diabetes. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) heightens good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), and can also enhance the effectiveness of some medications prescribed to lower cholesterol.

Vitamin B3 comes basically either as niacin (or nicotinic acid) or niacinamide (also called nicotinamide). B3 was first discovered during oxidation of nicotine from tobacco. As such, it was given the name nicotinic acid vitamin, shortened to niacin. However, it is not, the same as or even remotely related to the substance nicotine. In the body, Niacin, either as nicotinic acid or niacinamide, is changed to the active forms, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and a phosphorylated form (NADP). Niacin can be derived from nuts, dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Some niacin is also available from legumes and enriched breads and cereals. The best dietary sources of vitamin B3 are found in beets, brewer's yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, pork, turkey, chicken, veal, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.

The body can manufacture niacin from the tryptophan, an essential amino acid, but the synthesis is extremely sluggish. To make one milligram of niacin, 60 mg of tryptophan are required. For this reason, eating lots of tryptophan is not good enough substitute for taking niacin. The liver is where this vitamin is primarily stored, while absorption of vitamin B3 takes place in the intestines. Vitamin B3 is required by the body for digestive processes, activating enzymes which nourish the brain, regulating blood pressure and regulating cholesterol levels.

What is Niacin used for and who uses it?

Niacin, or vitamin B3, works with other B vitamins to produce energy in the cells, and to control circulation, hormones, glucose, and hydrochloric acid in the body. Niacin also works intimately with riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to maintain healthy skin, and ensure the smooth operation of the nervous and digestive systems. Niacin is also useful in treating dizziness and ringing in the ears, Raynauds syndrome, PMS, headaches, cramps, and circulation problems. Niacin is a vasodilator meaning it makes your blood vessels widen, which in turn leads to improved circulation.

Niacin when taken in sufficiently large doses (but not to exceed 500mg in a single dose) blocks the breakdown of fats and can have a dramatic lowering effect on blood lipid levels. Niacin is occasionally prescribed by physicians and taken for the treatment of hyperlipidemia because oral Niacin can reduce blood levels of VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) which are the precursors for LDL (the bad cholesterol). Because niacin blocks the breakdown of fats it can cause a decrease in free fatty acids in the blood, and thereby lead to decreased hepatic (liver) secretion of VLDL. When lowering VLDL blood levels niacin also has the effect of increasing the level of HDL (high density lipoproteins which is the good cholesterol). If you have high cholesterol or elevated blood lipid levels and are currently taking prescription drugs to treat your condition you should consult your prescribing physician before taking this product.

Those who consume alcohol frequently or are on a vegetarian or vegan diet may benefit a lot in taking a niacin supplement. This is because alcohol inhibits niacin absorption, while low protein diets are probably niacin deficient. Symptoms of niacin deficiency include dementia, depression, canker sores, diarrhea, dizziness, halitosis, headaches, fatigue, and indigestion. Additional B3 deficiency symptoms include insomnia, limb pains, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, and inflammation. Extreme cases of deficiency can ultimately lead to the occurrence of a potentially fatal disease called Pellagra. Otherwise known as the disease of the "three Ds" (diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia), Pellagra is caused by a lack of niacin, and is characterized by diarrhea, mental disorders, depression, and skin problems.

Niacin helps increase energy by improving the body’s ability to utilize the food at its disposal, and has been used beneficially for treating fatigue, irritability, as well as digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. It may also trigger extra hydrochloric acid production for better digestion. Niacin, primarily as nicotinic acid, assists in the management of blood in people with hypoglycemia problems and gives all of us a much better way of coping and dealing with stress. As such it is helpful in treating anxiety and possibly depression. B3 has been found useful for a number of skin reactions and acne, as well as for problems of the teeth and gums. Niacin has many other common uses such as in treating migraine-type headaches or arthritis, probably in both cases through stimulation of blood flow in the capillaries. This vitamin has also been used to stimulate libido or sex drive and enhance sexual experience, to detoxify and eliminate wastes from the body, and to shield it from certain toxins and pollutants. For most of these problems and the cardiovascular-related ones mentioned below, the preference is to take the "flushing" form of niacin, or nicotinic acid, not niacinamide.

How pure is your Niacin?

This pharmaceutical grade Niacin (also referred synonymously as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinic Acid) is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.92% product. You will receive a double sealed labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. This pharmaceutical grade bulk Niacin powder is the immediate release form that can cause niacin flushing in doses larger than 50 to 100 milligrams. The typical dose that causes mild flushing varies from individual to individual but is typically between 50 and 100 milligrams. When the dose taken is larger than 100 to 200 milligrams intense flushing, redness, itching, and irritation can occasionally occur. Be careful not to take doses that are too large and to increase your dose gradually to avoid uncomfortable flushing. Doses greater than 250 milligrams will generally result in marked and sometimes uncomfortable flushing. Doses larger than 1 but less than 2 grams will likely result in extreme flushing discomfort and the remote possibility of emergency medical treatment. Doses larger than 2 to 5 grams can potentially be life threatening.

Because of its unique relationship with energy production, vitamin B3 deficiency is often associated with general weakness, muscular weakness, and lack of appetite, as well as a bright red rash resembling sunburn, irritation of the mouth, inflammation and ulceration of the tongue, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, headache dizziness, delusions, hallucinations and anemia. The most common symptoms of niacin deficiency involve the skin, digestive system, and the nervous system. Skin infections and digestive problems can also be attributed to niacin deficiency. Due to the fact that our product is pharmaceutical grade, these are best utilized by the body, since they do not require digestion and are easily absorbed. Our product does not contain any fillers, additives or anti-caking agents. If all you want are the health benefits made possible with Niacin, buying this product in bulk is the best way to get there. Buying in bulk is also your best bet for saving money because for sure you’ll pay more at a local nutrition store. Bulk costs are cheaper in the long run and you will receive a great deal at or below wholesale prices for a high purity bulk quantity of this product.

What are some of the common effects of Niacin?

Niacin functions as an integral part of two coenzymes, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), that are involved in more than 50 different metabolic reactions in the human body. They play a crucial role in glycolysis (or extracting energy from carbohydrate and glucose in simpler terms), are vital in fatty acid synthesis and in the nitrogen removal (deamination) of amino acids, are required in the formation of red blood cells and steroids, and are beneficial in the metabolism of some drugs and toxicants. Thus, niacin is an important precursor for the coenzymes that produce energy to cells in the body.

In essence, the coenzymes of niacin are responsible in breaking down and utilizing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for energy. Vitamin B3 also improves circulation, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood of some people, and is needed for healthy function of the brain and the nervous system in general. Niacin promotes the health of skin and digestive tract tissues, and is also needed for the synthesis of the sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as other corticosteroids.

Niacin, as nicotinic acid, can lead to redness, warmth, and itching over areas of the skin. This "niacin flush" usually happens when doses of 50 mg. or more are ingested and is a direct result of the release of histamine by the cells, which causes vasodilation. This reaction is harmless as it lasts for only 10-20 minutes, and may even be helpful by enhancing blood flow to the "flushed" areas. When these larger doses of niacin are taken consistently, this reaction no longer occurs because histamine stores are reduced. Many people feel benefit from this "flush," but if it is not tolerable or enjoyable, vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide or nicotinamide can be used, as they will not result to this reaction. (Note: When vitamin B3 is used to lower cholesterol levels, the nicotinic acid form must be used; the niacinamide form does not work for this purpose.)

What is the daily suggested dose of Niacin?

Recommended daily allowances (RDAs) are defined as the levels of intake of essential nutrients that the Food and Nutrition Board judges to be adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of most healthy persons. Specific recommendations for each vitamin depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). The recommended dietary intake (RDI) of vitamin B3 is 19 mg per day for adult males and 13 mg per day for adult females, although females who are pregnant require 15 mg per day and those that are lactating require 18mg per day. One eighth level teaspoon will supply approximately 274 milligrams, or just about 0.3 grams for the bulk density of this Niacin. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Niacin here. Much larger doses of vitamin B3 may be given for specific medical conditions under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. The recommended dose of niacin for treating high cholesterol ranges from 1000 mg to 5000 mg each day. Doses are usually started low and increased slowly to minimize flushing, although aspirin or ibuprofen may reduce the flushing adverse effect. Daily requirements for niacin may be higher for those who have cancer, those who are being treated with isoniazid (for tuberculosis), and people with protein deficiencies. Niacin doses should be divided into 2-3 separate daily doses, or no more than 500-750 mg per individual dose).

Vitamin B3 (niacin) overdose, toxicity, and potential side effects

Large doses of niacin can cause liver damage, peptic ulcers, and skin rashes. In the high doses used for controlling cholesterol levels (anything above 100mg/day), nicotinic acid can cause skin flushing and skin itching as well as headaches, lightheadedness and low blood pressure. Niacin may also aggravate peptic ulcer disease. Most stomach-related side effects usually go away over time. Taking niacin with food may prevent stomach discomfort. People with a history of liver disease or stomach ulcers should not take niacin supplements. High doses of vitamin B3 or niacin (75-mg or more) may cause liver damage. People who are pregnant, diabetic, or who suffer from asthma, liver disease, gallbladder disease, gout, glaucoma, or ulcers, should seek the advice of a medical professional prior to taking this vitamin. Nicotinic acid, but not nicotinamide in doses larger than 200 mg causes flushing by dilating the blood vessels, which can also cause the blood pressure to drop. High-dose nicotinic acid (approximately 3 grams daily) has caused impaired glucose tolerance in otherwise healthy individuals.

WARNING! Taking 2 grams Niacin or more in a single dose can result in potentially life threatening complications from flushing. Do not take more than 500 milligrams Niacin in a single dose as extreme discomfort associated with flushing may be experienced. Smaller doses of more than 50 to 100 milligrams can also result in uncomfortable flushing for some people. Taking a single 325mg aspirin 30 minutes before taking a dose of up to 500mg Niacin can help to reduce flushing symptoms.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of Niacin

This product dissolves quickly in water and has a sour taste that is only slightly bitter. Just mix your usual dose (not to exceed 500mg) with water or juice and drink.

Niacin is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Universal Animal Pak, Controlled Labs Purple Wraath, NOW ADAM, BrainQuicken BodyQuick, I Force Hemavol, AOR Niacin No-Flush, Maximum Nutrients Niacin Flush Free, Natrol Niacin TR, Nature's Science Niacin 500, NOW Niacin, Schiff Flush Free Niacin, Twinlab No-Flush Niacin

References & Further Research

Use of Niacin in the Prevention and Management of Hyperlipidemia
Niacin is an inexpensive drug useful in treating various forms of hyperlipidemia. Cardiac doses of niacin are effective in lowering serum triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and lipoprotein-a levels and in elevating high density lipoprotein levels. Adverse reactions to niacin are varied and dose-dependent and range from annoying cutaneous flushing to hepatic toxicity. Patients advised to use the drug should be carefully screened and monitored. This paper reviews the pathologic and pharmacologic basis for niacin as an antilipemic agent. The biochemical and physiologic effects of the drug and its mechanisms of action are discussed

Treatment of hyperlipidemia with combined niacin-statin regimens
Combined use of niacin with a statin is an attractive option, since these types of medication have the best records in clinical trials for reduction in cardiovascular events and improvement in progression/regression of coronary lesions. The niacin-statin treatment regimens gave augmented low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol reduction along with favorable changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and triglycerides.

Effect of Two Aspirin Pretreatment Regimens on Niacin-Induced Cutaneous Reactions
The objective of this study is to compare the effects of pretreatment with two aspirin regimens and placebo on niacin-induced cutaneous reactions. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, overall data revealed an aspirin regimen of 325 mg is effective in suppressing niacin-induced cutaneous reactions. Increasing the dose to 650 mg does not provide additional benefit.

Niacin for International Customers

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