Niacin (Vitamin B-3) |
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Basic Information
Niacin is also called Vitamin B-3.
Brand names:
Niacin Capsules
Niacin Extended-Release Capsules
Diacin(R)
Niac(R)
Nico-400(R)
Nicobid(R)
Nico-Span(R)
Tega-Span(R)
Niacin Extended-Release Tablets
Span-Niacin(R)
Niacin Oral Solution
Nicotex(R)
Niacin Tablets
Nicolar(R)
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? Yes, for high doses used for cholesterol
reduction.
Fat-soluble or water-soluble: Water-soluble
NATURAL SOURCES
Beef liver
Brewer's yeast
Chicken, white meat
Halibut
Peanuts
Pork
Salmon
Sunflower seeds
Swordfish
Tuna
Turkey
Veal
REASONS TO USE
Maintains normal function of skin, nerves, digestive system.
Reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in blood.
Corrects niacin deficiency.
Dilates blood vessels.
Treats vertigo (dizziness) and ringing in ears.
Prevents premenstrual headache.
Treats pellagra.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Prevents heart attacks.
Treats or prevents motion sickness.
Alleviates mental illness, notably schizophrenia.
Cures depression.
Prevents migraine headaches.
Improves poor digestion.
Protects against pollutants and toxins.
Treats leprosy.
Stimulates sex drive.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake
or increased nutritional requirements.
Older people (over 55 years).
Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
People with a chronic wasting illness including malignancies,
pancreatic insufficiency, cirrhosis of the liver, sprue.
Anyone who experiences excess stress for long periods or who
have recently undergone surgery.
Athletes and workers who participate in vigorous physical
activities.
Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically
removed.
People with recent severe burns or injuries.
Those with diabetes.
Infants born with errors of metabolism (congenital disorders
due to chromosome abnormalities).
Anyone with hyperthyroidism.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Early Symptoms:
Muscle weakness
General fatigue
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Swollen, red tongue
Skin lesions, including rashes, dry scaly skin, wrinkles,
coarse skin texture
Nausea and vomiting
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Irritability
Dizziness
Late Symptoms of severe deficiency called pellagra:
Dementia
Death
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Acne
Poor circulation
Mental problems
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
Urinary N-1 methylnicotinamide.
Urinary 2--pyrindone/N-1 methylnicotinamide. Test results
not always conclusive.
Abnormal-liver-function studies.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
| Age |
RDA |
| 0-6 months |
6mg |
| 6-12 months |
8mg |
| 1-3 years |
9mg |
| 4-6 years |
11mg |
| 7-10 years |
16mg |
| MALES |
| 11-18 years |
18mg |
| 19-22 years |
19mg |
| 23-50 years |
18mg |
| 50+ years |
16mg |
| FEMALES |
| 11-14 years |
15mg |
| 15-22 years |
14mg |
| 23+ years |
13mg |
| Pregnant +2mg |
|
| Lactating |
+4mg |
What this vitamin does:
Aids in release of energy from foods.
Helps synthesize DNA.
Becomes component of two co-enzymes (NAD and NADP), which are
both necessary for utilization of fats, tissue respiration and
production of sugars.
Miscellaneous information:
The body manufactures niacin from tryptophan, an amino acid.
Available as:
Tablets or capsules: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid.
Don't chew or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after
meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Extended-release capsules or tablets: Swallow whole with full
glass of liquid. Don't chew or crush. Take with or immediately
after food to decrease stomach irritation.
Oral solution: Dilute in at least 1/2 glass water or other
liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
Injectable forms are administered by doctor or nurse.
A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
Some forms available by generic name.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are allergic to niacin or any niacin-containing vitamin
mixtures.
Have impaired liver function.
Have an active peptic ulcer.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Diabetes.
Gout.
Gallbladder or liver disease.
Over age 55:
Response to drug cannot be predicted. Dose must be
individualized.
Pregnancy:
Risk to fetus with high doses outweighs benefits. Do not use.
Breast-feeding:
Studies are inconclusive. Consult doctor about supplements.
Don't take megadoses.
Effect on lab tests:
Urinary catecholamine concentration may falsely elevate
results.
Urine glucose (using Benedict's reagent) may produce
false-positive reactions.
Falsely elevates blood sugar.
Falsely increases growth-hormone level in blood.
Falsely elevates blood uric acid with large daily doses.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of vitamin.
Others:
High dosages over long periods may cause liver damage or
aggravate a stomach ulcer.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Body flush, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea,
weakness, lightheadedness, headache, fainting, sweating, high
blood sugar, high uric acid, heart rhythm disturbances,
jaundice.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue vitamin, and consult
doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS section
below.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire
bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest
Poison Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| Abdominal pain |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
|
convenient. |
| Faintness |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Headache |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
|
convenient. |
| "Hot" feeling, with skin flushed |
Nothing. |
| in blush zone (always) |
| Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Nausea or vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Skin dryness |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
|
convenient. |
| Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
|
immediately. |
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
| Interacts with |
Combined effect |
| Anti-diabetics |
Decreases anti-diabetic effect. |
| Beta-adrenergic blockers |
Lowers blood pressure to |
|
extremely low level. |
| Chenodiol |
Decreases chenodiol effect. |
| Guanethidine |
Increases guanethidine effect. |
| Isoniazid |
Decreases niacin effect. |
| Mecamylamine |
Lowers blood pressure to |
|
extremely low level. |
| Pargyline |
Lowers blood pressure to |
|
extremely low level. |
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
Tobacco decreases absorption. Smokers may require supplemental
niacin.
Alcohol may cause extremely low blood pressure. Use caution.
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