Vitamin B3 belongs to the B vitamins group and is available in a few different forms, such as niacin and niacinamide. Along with other B vitamins, niacin is involved in the metabolism of fats and sugars and helps maintain healthy nerves, skin, hair and eyes. Dietary sources of niacin include beef liver, brewer's yeast, broccoli and cheese. Niacin is also available as an over-the-counter supplement.
Niacin supplement appears to help improve both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, due to its side effects, treatment with this vitamin should be medically supervised.
Niacin & Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system doesn't recognize your own cells from the pancreas and destroys them. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that's responsible for keeping healthy blood sugar levels. Vitamin B3 may help protect the cells of the pancreas against autoimmune destruction and may also delay the need of therapy with insulin, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. However, more research is needed to confirm these possible benefits of vitamin B3 in Type 1 diabetes.
Niacin & Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs in adults. Eighty percent to 90 percent of people with this form of diabetes are overweight or obese, according to The Merck Manuals. Type 2 diabetes is also linked to abnormal blood cholesterol levels. If you have Type 2 diabetes, by achieving healthy weight and normal blood cholesterol levels, you can reduce the risk of developing heart diseases such as angina or heart attacks.
According to the American Diabetes Association, treatment with niacin in daily dosage of 1g to 3g improved blood cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of developing a heart attack by 27 percent.
Warnings
Although niacin helps improve the metabolism of fats in diabetes, it can also increase blood glucose levels, and this side effect can seriously affect a diabetic, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Thus, blood sugar levels have to be closely monitored while taking niacin. Other possible side effects from taking niacin include flushed skin, burning sensation in the chest, liver problems and stomach ulcer. Niacin and niacinamide may interact with several conventional drugs, including certain antibiotics, aspirin, blood thinners, anti-diabetes medication, drugs used for treating high blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering agents.
Considerations
Consult a doctor to learn whether you may benefit from using niacin or niacinamide for your condition. These supplements can't replace any conventional medication you are currently taking.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Niacin
- American Diabetes Association: Lipid Management in Type 2 Diabetes
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James Balch, MD and Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2002
