Anxiety defines a state of severe worry and nervousness that is out of proportion to the circumstances and it may occur with or without specific triggers. Other symptoms associated with anxiety include sweating, trembling, dizziness and palpitations.The standard treatment includes anti-anxiety drugs and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Natural medicine offers a range of herbs and supplements that may help improve symptoms of anxiety, and niacinamide, also called nicotinamide is one of them. In research studies, niacinamide showed potential benefits in managing anxiety; however larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. If you suffer from anxiety and consider taking niacotinamide, you should first talk to your doctor.
Research
A Russian study published in May 1993 observed that niacinamide acted like an anti-anxiety agent. In the April 2010 issue of "Experimental Brain Research" nicotinamide supplementation was found to prevent development of anxiety in baby animals that were exposed to decreased oxygen around the time of birth when compared with a similar group that didn't receive nicotinamide.
Doses
Dr. James Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" also supports the supplementation with niacinamide in anxiety, explaining that this vitamin is important in the productions of certain brain chemicals and has also a calming effect. He recommends a daily dose of 300 mg niacinamide divided in three doses. This dose may be adjusted by your health care provider based on the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing, and whether or not you take any other supplements or drugs for anxiety.
Sources
Dietary sources of niacinamide include meat, fish and peanuts. Niacinamide is also available as over-the-counter supplements and it should be not confused with niacin, another vitamin that has different health benefits.
Safety
If you suffer from diabetes, low blood pressure, glaucoma, an ulcer, liver disease, gout or any bleeding condition you should use this supplement cautiously. The safety of this vitamin during pregnancy and lactation is not fully evaluated, thus should be avoided in these situations and find other alternative supplements for anxiety.
Side Effects
Minor side effects include diarrhea, flushing and dizziness.
In rare cases more serious side effects may occur. If you develop allergic reactions, have black or bloody stools, changes in vision or urination, yellowing of skin, swelling of limbs, muscle pains, numbness and prolonged stomach ache, you should stop this supplement and see your doctor as soon as possible, warns Drugs.com.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage of niacinamide for your condition. Keep in mind that niacinamide does not replace anti-anxiety drugs and is not approved by US Food and Drug Administration to treat anxiety or any other medical condition.
References
- Drugs.com: Niacinamide
- PubMed: Psychoregulating role of nicotinamide
- PubMed: Nicotinamide Prevents the Long-term Effects of Perinatal Asphyxia on Apoptosis, Non-spatial Working Memory and Anxiety in Rats; P.Morales et al; April, 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James Balch, M.D.; 2002
