Niacinamide and niacin, forms of vitamin B-3, play essential roles in cell maintenance and the function of fats and sugars in the body. Niacinamide has a variety of uses as a dietary supplement, including the prevention and treatment of niacin deficiency and the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Alcohol and Deficiency Risk
Alcoholics and people with poor diets may be especially vulnerable to niacin deficiency. Alcohol destroys delicate, water-soluble B vitamins such as niacinamide. Because the body can store limited amounts of B vitamins, a few months of excessive alcohol use can lead to a deficiency.
Deficiency
The body converts niacinamide from food and supplements to niacin. Niacin deficiency can lead to a condition known as pellagra, with symptoms of skin irritation, diarrhea and dementia. Individuals with niacin deficiency may also experience symptoms such as irritability, loss of appetite, swollen tongue, mental confusion, dizziness and weakness.
Supplements
Both niacin and niacinamide can help to prevent and treat vitamin B-3 deficiency and related health problems, such as pellagra. Alcohol may worsen flushing and itchiness caused by niacin supplements. Niacinamide does not cause the side effects of flushing, redness, itching and tingling associated with niacin.
Alcoholism Treatment
Though niacin and niacinamide have been used to treat alcohol dependence, insufficient evidence exists to rate niacinamide's effectiveness in this area, notes MedlinePlus. Alcoholism treatment should stop the abuse of alcohol through intervention, counseling, therapy, mental health treatment and long-term support, suggests PubMed Health. Alcoholism can damage emotional and physical health and increase the risk of liver disease.
