Niacin

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What is Niacin?

Niacin is a B complex vitamin found in a many foods such as liver, poultry, fish, nuts and dried beans. It is needed for the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract function. Vitamin B3 is made up of niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide.



Side Effects

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) anxiety, blood clotting, blurred vision, change in insulin levels, decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism), dental pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dry skin, fluid in the abdomen/liver inflammation (ascites), gout, headache, increased blood sugar, increased homocysteine levels (may increase risk of heart disease), increased risk of bleeding, increased uric acid levels, increase in blood levels of creatine kinase (indicator of muscle damag...



Reactions / Interactions

Drugs used to treat seizures, diazepam, thyroid drugs, antioxidants, nicotine, drugs used to lower cholesterol, drugs used to control blood sugar levels, antibiotics, antifungals, drugs that increase bleeding risk, hormonal drugs, birth control pills, alcohol, and herbs or supplements with similar effects.



What is Niacin?

Niacin is a B complex vitamin found in a many foods such as liver, poultry, fish, nuts and dried beans. It is needed for the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract function. Vitamin B3 is made up of niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide.

Side Effects

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) anxiety, blood clotting, blurred vision, change in insulin levels, decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism), dental pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dry skin, fluid in the abdomen/liver inflammation (ascites), gout, headache, increased blood sugar, increased homocysteine levels (may increase risk of heart disease), increased risk of bleeding, increased uric acid levels, increase in blood levels of creatine kinase (indicator of muscle damage), increase in blood eosinophils, itching, "lazy eye" (toxic amblyopia), liver toxicity/failure, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), low blood pressure, macular swelling, mild stomach upset, nausea, niacin-induced muscle cell damage (myopathy), palpitations, panic attacks, rash (pruritis), severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), skin flushing, skin yellowing (jaundice), tooth or gum pain, vomiting, warm sensation, worsening of stomach ulcers.

Reactions / Interactions

Drugs used to treat seizures, diazepam, thyroid drugs, antioxidants, nicotine, drugs used to lower cholesterol, drugs used to control blood sugar levels, antibiotics, antifungals, drugs that increase bleeding risk, hormonal drugs, birth control pills, alcohol, and herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Safety

Avoid niacin/vitamin B3 if allergic to niacin or niacinamide. Avoid if history of liver disease or dysfunction, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), heart disease, blood clotting, bleeding disorders, asthma, anxiety, panic attacks, thyroid disorders, stomach ulcers, gout or diabetes. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

Recommended daily doses range from 16-35 milligrams. Taking niacin supplements with food may reduce the likelihood of stomach upset. Doses are usually started low and increased slowly to minimize flushing, although aspirin or ibuprofen may reduce the flushing adverse effect.

Adults (18 years and older)

300-3000 milligrams of immediate-release (crystalline) niacin daily (divided into 2-3 doses); 500-2000 milligrams of sustained-release niacin. Doses are usually started lower and increased gradually.

Children (18 years and younger)

Not enough scientific data available.

Evidence

Condition: High cholesterol Grade: A

Condition: Pellagra Grade: A

Condition: Atherosclerosis Grade: B

Condition: Prevention of heart attack reoccurrence Grade: B

Condition: Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline Grade: C

Condition: Osteoarthritis (niacinamide) Grade: C

Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

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While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Niacin Videos

Niacin Articles

  • The Effects of Niacin on the Body

    Niacin is one of the B vitamins. Niacin and its amide form, Niacinamide, form vitamin B3. Niacin is found in many foods, including yeast, eggs, poultry, nuts, meat, cereal grains, green vegetables,...

  • List of Foods With Niacin

    niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used mainly by the body as an enzyme to help release food from energy. Tryptophan, an amino acid present in many protein foods, can be converted to niacin in th...

  • Health Benefits of Niacin

    niacin is a vitamin that is also known as vitamin B3. Another name for niacin is nicotinic acid. niacin is found in many foods, including eggs, milk, meat and green vegetables. It can also be found...

  • Facts on Niacin

    Scientists discovered niacin, also known as vitamin B3, in the 18th century when many people in Spain and Italy were suffering from a disease known as pellegra, which means "skin that is rough." P...

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Related Symptoms

  • Confusion

    Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity, including feeling disoriented and having diffic...

Food for Thought

Nabisco Fig Newtons (snack pack)

...gredients: ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAM...

Calories: 200     Fat: 4g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 230mg     Total Carbohydrates: 39g     Fiber: 3g     Sugars: 22g     Protein: 2g     Vitamin C:    

Wendy's Grilled Chicken Go Wrap

...lour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Water...

Calories: 250     Fat: 10g     Cholesterol: 45mg     Sodium: 730mg     Total Carbohydrates: 24g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 4g     Protein: 17g     Vitamin C:    

Ritz Snack Crackers, Whole Wheat

...gredients: ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE [VITAMIN B1], RIBOFLAVIN [VITAM...

Calories: 70     Fat: 2.5g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 120mg     Total Carbohydrates: 11g     Fiber: >1g     Sugars: 2g     Protein: 1g     Vitamin C:    

Wendy's Premium Fish Fillet

..., Enriched Bleached Flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Modified Corn...

Calories: 450     Fat: 22g     Cholesterol: 45mg     Sodium: 1020mg     Total Carbohydrates: 47g     Fiber: 1g     Sugars: 5g     Protein: 16g     Vitamin C:    

Panera Bread Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

...dium EDTA), wonton strips (wheat flour [niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], vegetable oil [soyb...

Calories: 410     Fat: 19g     Cholesterol: 65mg     Sodium: 900mg     Total Carbohydrates: 31g     Fiber: 5g     Sugars: 7g     Protein: 32g     Vitamin C:    

Starbucks Cinnamon Raisin Bagel

...LOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WA...

Calories: 280     Fat: 0g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 400mg     Total Carbohydrates: 62g     Fiber: 2g     Sugars: 12g     Protein: 8g     Vitamin C:    

Show More

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    Niacin is used with diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and ...

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Related Diseases

  • Pellagra

    ...ccurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid).

  • Bullous pemphigoid

    Bullous pemphigoid is a skin disorder characterized by large blisters.

  • High blood cholesterol and triglycerides

    The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have...

  • Carcinoid syndrome

    Carcinoid syndrome is a group of symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors -- tumors of the small intestine, colon, a...

  • Alcoholic neuropathy

    Alcoholic neuropathy is damage to the nerves that results from excessive drinking of alcohol.

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia

    Familial hypercholesterolemia is a condition passed down through families in which a person has high levels of "bad" ...

Vitamins

  • Niacin

    Niacin is a B complex vitamin found in a many foods such as liver, poultry, fish, nuts and dried beans. It is needed ...

  • Buckshorn Plantain

    Buckshorn plantain is found in Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. In the Canary Islands, buckshorn plantain h...

  • Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)

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Related Tests

  • Mental status tests

    Mental status tests are used to determine whether a disease or condition is affecting a person's thinking abilities, ...

Related Poisons

  • Multiple vitamin overdose

    Multiple vitamin overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended...

Conversations On Niacin

  • Problem with the Custom Nutrition Label:'Calories from Fat'


    • Posted On August 30, 2007 06:51:05 PM

      ....2 Vitamin D 87.5 Thiamin (B1) 12 Niacin (B3) 12 Vitamin B6 9 Vitamin B12 75 Magnesium 15 Zinc 15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------... Read More

    • Posted On August 30, 2007 01:00:39 PM

      Hi, I am a new gold member, and really very happy with this site. I did notice a problem with the custom nutrition label. For some unknown reason the 'calories from fat' calculation is in error.... Read More

  • spinach entry way off


    • Posted On March 31, 2008 06:36:52 PM

      ...amin (B1) 11.3% Riboflavin (B2) 24.7% Niacin (B3) 4.4% Vitamin B6 22% Vitamin B12 0% Magnesium 39.1% Panthothenic Acid 0.018mg Zinc 9.1% Manganese 84.0% FYI: I think the error was th... Read More

    • Posted On March 31, 2008 06:29:21 PM

      Way too many carbs & protein in here http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutrition- ... ic/spinach I noticed this when I entered 3 cups of this for 21 calories & 17 grams of protein. No way ... Read More

  • vitamin content of foods eaten


    • Posted On November 7, 2008 01:27:17 PM

      ...)18.25 * Riboflavin (B2)41.75 * Niacin (B3)23.75 * Vitamin B616.25 * Folic Acid (Folate)20.75 * Vitamin B1237.5 * Magnesium5 * Zinc8 * Copper5 Est. Percent of Ca... Read More

    • Posted On November 7, 2008 01:41:16 PM

      ....4338 * Riboflavin (B2)4.0054 * Niacin (B3)3.0786 * Vitamin B621.184 * Folic Acid (Folate)5 * Phosphorus3.5 * Magnesium10 * Panthothenic Acid3.024 * Zinc1.4266666... Read More

  • mushrooms


    • Posted On January 9, 2008 07:38:18 PM

      ...such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), biotin (B7), cobalamins (B12), and ascorbic acid (C), as well as minerals, including iron, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus. Mushrooms hav... Read More

    • Posted On January 9, 2008 05:41:00 PM

      I love mushrooms and they are pretty low cal.. but do you guys know if they're healthy for you or not? also are they considered a veggie? Read More

  • 5 Hour Energy


    • Posted On January 13, 2008 01:13:14 PM

      ...o I drank 2. Now I'm experienceing a Niacin rush (I FEEL SO F-ING HOT!) But these work Well And I'm cleaning my room YAY Wish me luck plz k thx bye ily all!!!!! Read More

    • Posted On January 13, 2008 02:12:16 PM

      ...d no sugar. Just lots of Vitamin B6 and Niacin lol. Read More

  • Lowered my cholestrol with Daily Plate!


    • Posted On August 14, 2007 07:51:49 PM

      ... biking before marriage and a move) and niacin and red yeast rice, a natural statin you can get at GNC and Whole Foods. Read More

    • Posted On August 14, 2007 02:57:37 PM

      I started with the Daily Plate in March... I've lost 15 lbs... but more importantly? I dropped my LDL (bad) cholestrol by 55pts! And I'm not hungry or starving or deprived, because I plan my foo... Read More

Show More

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Connect With People Who Have Niacin

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Talk

djcostanza: RT @MrEvidence: RT @DJ_GREENLANTERN: what if Obama quoted "you lack the minerals and vitamins, iron, and the niacin.." #healthcare Fuck who that I offend!

sui_kl: ELISã‚‚PAINã‚‚NIACINã‚‚ãœã‚“ãœã‚“ãªã‹ã£ãŸã¡ãã—ょã†â€¦ã£ã€‚æ±äº¬ã«å¸°ã‚ŠãŸããªã‚‹ã§ã”ã–ã‚‹

eghpodk: If I take Niacin supplement can I stop taking the Vytorin? http://bit.ly/9hQh0u

Zombacon: And now it's gradually going down my body. Oh man. Must be epic late side-effects from the Niacin I took for my ear...

liaBIGPUNov: RT @MrEvidence: RT @DJ_GREENLANTERN: what if Obama quoted "you lack the minerals and vitamins, iron, and the niacin.." #healthcare Fuck who that I offend!



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