Vitamin B3 helps increase energy, improve the nervous system, and digestion
Definition
Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is very important for the body’s health.
Uses
Vitamin B3 is essential for the normal functioning of our nervous and digestive systems. It helps the body convert food into energy, plays a role in hormone and enzyme production, and is also very important for the health of the skin, hair, and eyes.
Needs
- Children: 2-16 mg daily, depending on age
- Adult men: 16 mg daily
- Adult women: 14 mg daily
- Pregnant women: 18 mg daily
- Breastfeeding women: 17 mg daily
The maximum daily intake for adults of all ages: 35 mg daily
Individuals with any health conditions, including uncontrolled gout, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular issues should consult a doctor before using niacin supplements.
Supplement
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Dietary Sources of Vitamin B3
Natural sources of B3 can be found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. However, in many cases, supplementing with Vitamin B3 can help our bodies function better.
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Oral Vitamin B3 Supplementation
Vitamin B3 can be taken orally (tablets, lozenges, etc.) to boost the body’s vitamin B3 levels when necessary.
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Intravenous Vitamin B3 Supplementation
In many cases, supplementation of Vitamin B3 is necessary for those who do not (or cannot) get enough of this nutrient in their diet, making intravenous therapy with vitamin B3 (vitamin B3 IV therapy) necessary.
Studies have shown that intravenous supplementation of Vitamin B3 can help quickly improve energy levels, skin health, and neurological function.
Side Effects
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Flushing
Niacin can cause facial flushing, usually around the face and neck, especially when you first start using it. Doctors may recommend gradually increasing the dose to reduce this issue. They may also provide time-release formulations to control flushing.
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Digestive Issues
Niacin can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea. However, all these side effects tend to diminish over time.
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Other Health Risks
Niacin may cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes in glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, and other issues. A study published in 2024 found a link between excess niacin intake and heart disease. Researchers discovered that when the body breaks down niacin, inflammation that damages blood vessels may occur.
Individuals with any health conditions, including liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular problems, should talk to a doctor before using niacin supplements. Do not self-treat high cholesterol with over-the-counter niacin supplements.
Interactions
Interactions may occur when combining vitamin B3 (Niacin) with:
- Alcohol: Taking niacin with alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage and worsen niacin’s side effects, such as flushing and itching.
- Allopurinol (Zyloprim): If you are taking niacin and have gout, you may need to take this additional medication to manage your gout.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, herbs, and supplements: These medications, herbs, and supplements reduce blood clotting. Supplementing with niacin may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Blood pressure medications, herbs, and supplements: Niacin may have side effects when you take blood pressure medications, herbs, or supplements, increasing the risk of low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Chromium: Taking niacin with chromium may lower your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and are taking both niacin and chromium, monitor your blood sugar closely.
- Diabetes medications: If you have diabetes, niacin may hinder blood sugar control. You may need to adjust your diabetes medication dosage.
- Statins: Research shows that taking niacin with these cholesterol medications offers fewer benefits than taking statins alone and may increase the risk of side effects.
- Zinc: Taking zinc with niacin may worsen niacin’s side effects, such as flushing and itching.
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