Vitamin B3
The body uses the water-soluble vitamin B3 in the process of releasing energy from carbohydrates. It is needed to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. The niacin form of vitamin B3 also regulates cholesterol, though niacinamide does not.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High Cholesterol | 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily under a doctor's supervision |  rating 3High amounts (several grams per day) of niacin, a form of vitamin B3, have been shown to lower cholesterol.Learn More |
| Osteoarthritis | Refer to label instructions | rating 3Supplemental niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) has been reported to increase joint mobility, improve muscle strength, and decrease fatigue in people with osteoarthritis.
Learn More |
| Dysmenorrhea | 200 mg daily throughout menstrual cycle; for cramps: 100 mg every two to three hours |  rating 2The niacin form of vitamin B3 has been reported to be effective in relieving menstrual cramps in 87% of a group of women supplementing with it throughout the menstrual cycle.Learn More |
| Peripheral Vascular Disease | 1,200 mg a day of inositol hexaniacinate | rating 2Vitamin B3 may help prevent and treat skin ulcers caused by peripheral vascular disease. Learn More |
| Raynaud’s Disease | 3 to 4 grams daily of inositol hexaniacinate | rating 2A variation on the B vitamin niacin, inositol hexaniacinate has been shown to reduce arterial spasm and improve peripheral circulation. Learn More |
| Schizophrenia | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | rating 2High amounts of vitamin B3 may create a more optimal biochemical environment and increase recovery rate and reduce hospitalization and suicide rates. Learn More |
| Type 1 Diabetes | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | rating 2Taking vitamin B3 (as niacin or niacinamide) might prevent or limit the severity of type 1 diabetes in your family.Learn More |
| Alcohol Withdrawal | Refer to label instructions |  rating 1Preliminary research has suggested that niacin may help wean some alcoholics away from alcohol. Niacinamide—a safer form of the same vitamin—might have similar actions.Learn More |
| Anxiety | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to anxiety medications. One study found that niacinamide helped people get through withdrawal from benzodiazepines—a common problem.Learn More |
| Cataracts | 40 mg daily with 3 mg daily vitamin B2 | rating 1Vitamin B3 is needed to protect glutathione, an important antioxidant in the eye.Learn More |
| HIV and AIDS Support | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Vitamin B3 may play a role in HIV prevention and treatment. A form of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has been shown to inhibit HIV in test tube studies. Learn More |
| Hypoglycemia | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Research has shown that supplementing with niacinamide (vitamin B3) can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia.Learn More |
| Hypothyroidism | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Vitamin B3 (niacin) supplementation may decrease thyroid hormone levels. Learn More |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency may contribute to nerve damage. Researchers have found that injections of thiamine or thiamine combined with niacin (vitamin B3) may reduce symptoms.Learn More |
| Photosensitivity | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce the formation of a kynurenic acid—a substance that has been linked to photosensitivity. Learn More |
| Tardive Dyskinesia | Refer to label instructions | rating 1In some studies, taking vitamin B3 as niacin or niacinamide, along with other nutrients, appeared to prevent the development of tardive dyskinesia.Learn More |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Refer to label instructions | rating 1Small amounts of niacin (a form of vitamin B3) may help some people with type 2 diabetes.Learn More |
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2010.