Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3 that occurs naturally in our bodies and can be found in many foods and or be taken as a supplement. Chicken, pork and salmon provide niacinamide, as do peanuts, sunflower seeds, tuna and turkey. Research has indicated that niacinamide can reduce the symptoms of clinical depression because of the way it interacts with receptors in the brain. It carries less side effects than some prescription medications for depression and can be a safe alternative to medication if directed by your psychiatrist.
Brain Interaction
Niacinamide works similarly to other prescription medications, such as Valium and Librium, which interact with key neuroreceptors in your brain that are understimulated with depression. However, Valium and Librium are tranquilizers and can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Furthermore, these medications have a reduced effect when taken with alcohol and actually might contribute to increased alcohol addiction. Because niacinamide binds with the same receptors as these prescription medications, it can help you feel calm and reduce anxiety but causes less severe side effects and is not linked to intensifying alcohol addiction.
Treating Depression
Because niacinamide is a vital component of brain metabolism, deficiency of niaminicide is linked to severe hallucinations and insanity. When the appropriate dose of supplemental niaminicide is provided, these symptoms can completely resolve in a few days in many cases. The use of niacinamide in your diet or as a supplement also can curb the symptoms from clinical depression. Additionally, many of those suffering from depression also have low levels of inositol in their spinal fluid. Inositol is important because it helps the niaminicide bind with the receptors. Inositol is another form of a vitamin B nutrient that can be supplemented.
Dosing
Some patients experience relief from you symptoms of depression by taking 250 mg of niacinamide with 1,000 mg of inositol per day, with some patients requiring a higher dose to notice the effect. However, increased doses can carry increased risk of side effects, such as flushing of the face or drowsiness, which can lessen in severity over time. Consult with your psychiatrist to determine the proper dosing for your body and in conjunction with other medicines. Consider adding a complex B vitamin to your daily regimen to avoid other vitamin B deficiencies if taking niacinamide.
Other Benefits
Because niacinamide occurs naturally in our bodies, it can be helpful to treat a variety of issues. Niacinamide is proven to help regulate the function of your skin, digestive and nervous systems. It can dilate blood vessels and can relieve dizziness or ringing in the ears. Additionally, niacinamide can alleviate premenstrual headaches. At the cellular level, the body uses niacinamide to help recruit energy from food and works with coenzymes to metabolize fat and create sugar and synthesizes DNA.
