Niacin is one of the B vitamins. Niacin and its amide form, niacinamide, form vitamin B3. Niacin is found in many foods, including yeast, eggs, poultry, nuts, meat, cereal grains, green vegetables, fish and milk. Tryptophan in the diet is also converted in the body to niacin. Niacin is a vitamin that is water soluble. Because it dissolves in water, niacin that is not used by the body is flushed out and is not stored in body fat.
Basic Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, niacin helps with the functioning of the digestive system. Niacin is important in the body's mechanism for turning food into energy. Niacin also aids the functioning of the skin and nerves.
Treatment Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health, there is strong scientific evidence that niacin supplements are effective as a treatment for high cholesterol. It has been shown to have a beneficial effect on HDL, or high-density cholesterol, and on LDL, or low-density cholesterol.
High Dose Effects
When too much niacin is ingested, skin rashes, liver damage and peptic ulcers can result. Even when doses of niacin are normal, reddening of the skin and a feeling of warmth can result. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking excessive amounts of niacin can cause liver damage and aggravate ulcers. Some people experience a strong allergic reaction to niacin. The National Library of Medicine cautions that niacin treatments can increase levels of blood sugar, which means that insulin treatments and other medications used to treat diabetes may require changes in dosage in response to supplemental niacin in the diet.
Deficiency Effects
A condition called pellagra can develop in a person who does not get enough niacin in his diet. Pellagra can cause diarrhea, skin disease, depression and dementia.
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