Niacin, one of the B vitamins, is an essential vitamin important in the metabolism of food into usable energy. It also plays a role in the creation of reproductive hormones and in various functions of the nervous system. Supplemental or prescription-strength niacin may also have side benefits of reducing your risk of high cholesterol. The additional benefit of arthritis symptoms improvement shows promise but research is ongoing.
Niacin to Boost HDL
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is a form of "good" cholesterol that protects your bloodstream from the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, "bad" cholesterol. You may have high LDL and low HDL due to a diet high in saturated fats, hereditary factors or underlying medical complications. Over time, untreated high LDL can cause heart problems such as blockage in your arteries. Consumption of niacin-containing foods is important, but prescription-strength niacin is necessary to impact your HDL levels. According to MayoClinic.com, prescription niacin may increase your HDL by 15 to 35 percent, which could help protect your arteries from plaque buildup.
Niacin and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
A history of heart complications, high LDL, high triglycerides and poor blood flow in the arteries contribute to cardiovascular disease. In 2006, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute launched a large study to research the effectiveness of medications combined with niacin in the reduction of cardiovascular disease progression. The study was stopped one year early in 2011 because no significant benefit of using niacin therapy was evidenced. The National Institutes of Health released a public statement in 2011 indicating that niacin does boost HDL, lowers triglycerides and lowers LDL; but in the research population, it was not effective in controlling the progression of cardiovascular disease. However, if you are taking niacin for cardiovascular benefit, do not stop without consulting your physician first.
Additional Benefits
Preliminary research shows that supplemental niacin in the form of niacinamide may improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, but research is ongoing, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dietary niacin plays a role in normal growth and development of hair, skin and nails, but supplemental topical forms of niacin may treat acne and skin conditions. Research for skin conditions is also ongoing. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that daily consumption of niacin-containing foods does prevent your risk of the deficiency disease pellagra, which causes dementia, dermatitis, diarrhea and in severe cases death.
Recommended Intake and Sources
The daily recommended intake of niacin for adults is 14 to 16 mg. The best means of getting your daily intake is through foods, including chicken, salmon or tuna, whole-wheat bread or pasta, beans and nuts. If you take a supplemental form of niacin, do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level of 35 mg per day because you could experience side effects. Flushing of the skin, itching and gastrointestinal disturbance may occur from exceeding the tolerable upper intake of supplemental niacin. Consult your physician before taking supplements.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Niacin; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; August 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- MayoClinic.com; Niacin to Boost Your HDL; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 3, 2011
- National Institutes of Health; NIH Stops Clinical Trial on Combination Cholesterol Treatment; May 26, 2011
- National Center for Biotechnology Information; Niacin; October 1, 2010
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