Chronic fatigue syndrome causes extreme exhaustion and a host of other problems that may make it difficult for you to perform normal daily activities. Niacin and niacinamide, two forms of vitamin B-3, will likely not treat symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. It won't harm you to add niacin-rich foods to your diet, but self-medicating with vitamin B-3 can sometimes cause side effects or interact with medications you may be taking. Talk to your doctor before taking niacin or niacinamide for any reason.
Symptoms
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects each person differently and includes symptoms common to other medical disorders. This makes CFS difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include extreme tiredness that lasts for six months or longer, muscle pain, tenderness in the lymph nodes, memory problems, difficulty sleeping, joint pain, headaches and sore throat. CFS can affect anyone, but women in their 40s and 50s prove most vulnerable. CFS is without a known cause or cure. Some alternative treatments and home remedies may complement traditional treatment, but niacin and niacinamide show no demonstrated ability to help.
Niacin and Niacinamide
Medical uses of niacin include pharmacologic doses to improve cholesterol levels and alleviate atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Doctors sometimes prescribe niacin along with statins, another cholesterol-lowering drug. Statins prove superior at reducing low-density lipoprotein -- LDL or "bad" cholesterol -- and niacin proves especially effective in elevating levels of high-density lipoprotein -- HDL or "good" cholesterol. Because the pharmacologic doses of niacin exceed the recommended daily amounts, you will need a prescription to obtain them.
Niacinamide does not treat cholesterol, but may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and delay the progression of Type 1 diabetes. Both osteoarthritis and CFS cause joint pain, but this doesn't mean that niacinamide treats both conditions.
Side Effects
You can purchase niacinamide without a prescription, and you may find yourself tempted to try it to treat CFS. But understand the risks and discuss them with your doctor before taking niacinamide for any reason. If you take more than 100 mg of niacin or niacinamide daily, potential side effects include dizziness, gastrointestinal issues and mouth pain. Headaches and skin flushing may also occur, but are more common among users of niacin than niacinamide. Skin flushing makes your chest and face turn red and your skin itch, burn and tingle. If you take high doses of niacin or niacinamide, serious side effects include gout, gastrointestinal ulcers, vision loss and liver damage. Although serious side effects occur most often among persons who take 3 g or more of niacin a day, they can occur at lower dosages.
CFS Treatment
Treatment for CFS may include antidepressants, pain therapy and counseling. Exact treatment depends on your specific symptoms. Alternative therapies include yoga, massage, tai chi and acupuncture. Try to develop good sleep habits. Go to bed at the same time every evening, for instance. Avoid alcohol and nicotine. The type and severity of CFS symptoms may vary from one day to the next. Avoid overdoing it on days when you feel well; the extra physical or mental exertion may exacerbate symptoms. If you find it difficult to cope with CFS, joining a support group may help. While it is not likely to help with CFS specifically, niacin from food sources may enhance your general well-being, such as improving metabolism and liver function and contributing to hair, skin and eye health. Good sources include nuts, fish, meat, chicken, eggs and milk.
