Niacin
- Latin Name: Nicotinic Acid / Niacin
- Common Name: Vitamin B3
- Category: B-complex Vitamin
- Source: Found naturally in meats, fish, grains, and legumes; also produced synthetically for supplements.
What is Niacin?
Niacin, also called vitamin B3, is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a vital role in your body's everyday functions. This essential vitamin helps convert the food you eat into usable energy for your cells. Niacin supports metabolism, nervous system health, and skin wellness. Your body can obtain niacin from food sources or supplements, and it also makes small amounts from the amino acid tryptophan found in protein-rich foods.
Niacin Benefits
Energy Metabolism Support
Niacin helps convert food into cellular energy through its role in over 400 biochemical reactions. It promotes efficient nutrient use for vitality throughout the day. Working together with other B vitamins, niacin supports your body's natural energy production processes.
Healthy Skin
This vitamin supports skin barrier function and hydration, helping maintain healthy-looking skin. It may help reduce the appearance of dryness and support skin health.
Circulation and Detox Support
Niacin promotes healthy circulation and oxygen flow throughout the body. It supports the body's natural detoxification processes by helping cells function optimally. This vitamin works with your body's systems to maintain healthy circulation.
Mood and Stress Balance
Niacin helps support neurotransmitter synthesis for emotional well-being. As part of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, it's necessary for proper brain function and energy production. This vitamin may complement a balanced mood and help support restful sleep patterns when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Metabolic and Blood Sugar Balance
This vitamin helps maintain healthy carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Niacin supports balanced blood sugar levels already within the normal range by helping your body process nutrients effectively. It works with your metabolism to support overall metabolic wellness.
Energy Metabolism Support
Healthy Skin
Circulation and Detox Support
Mood and Stress Balance
Metabolic and Blood Sugar Balance
PureHealth Research Products With Niacin
Ageless Brain
Memory | Focus | Clarity
Ageless Brain contains 8 research-backed ingredients that strengthens memory retention, cognitive brain functions, learning, concentration, mental clarity, and alertness. It also, improves mood, and overall well-being.
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Stress Release Complex
Mood | Sleep | Wellness
Stress Release contains 9 research-backed ingredients designed to support the body's natural stress response, reduce metal fatigue, promote relaxation and better sleep, enhance immune function, and improve overall health & wellness.
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Hearing Support Formula
Ear Health & Wellness
Hearing Support Formula is a powerful formula featuring 16 research-backed ingredients designed to promote hearing clarity. It fights free radicals and oxidative stress, supports the inner ear structures, improves blood flow, and nourishes the body.
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Ageless Brain
Memory | Focus | Clarity
Ageless Brain contains 8 research-backed ingredients that strengthens memory retention, cognitive brain functions, learning, concentration, mental clarity, and alertness. It also, improves mood, and overall well-being.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Stress Release Complex
Mood | Sleep | Wellness
Stress Release contains 9 research-backed ingredients designed to support the body's natural stress response, reduce metal fatigue, promote relaxation and better sleep, enhance immune function, and improve overall health & wellness.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Hearing Support Formula
Ear Health & Wellness
Hearing Support Formula is a powerful formula featuring 16 research-backed ingredients designed to promote hearing clarity. It fights free radicals and oxidative stress, supports the inner ear structures, improves blood flow, and nourishes the body.
Subscribe & Save 10%
Daily Niacin Dosage
The recommended daily intake for niacin varies by age and gender. Adult men need about 16 mg daily, while adult women require 14 mg per day. These amounts can typically be obtained through a balanced diet including niacin-rich foods. When taking niacin supplements, it's best to follow product guidelines or consult with a healthcare professional. Some people may experience a temporary warming sensation called "niacin flush" when taking supplements, particularly at higher doses.
| Demographic | Recommended Daily Intake (mg NE) | Upper Limit (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-6 months) | 2 | Not established |
| Infants (7-12 months) | 4 | Not established |
| Children (1-3 years) | 6 | 10 |
| Children (4-8 years) | 8 | 15 |
| Children (9-13 years) | 12 | 20 |
| Adolescents (14-18 years) | 14-16 | 30 |
| Adult Men (19+) | 16 | 35 |
| Adult Women (19+) | 14 | 35 |
| Pregnant Women | 18 | 30-35 |
| Breastfeeding Women | 17 | 30-35 |
Niacin Dosage for Cholesterol Support
Higher niacin intakes are sometimes used under professional guidance to support healthy lipid metabolism and maintain cholesterol balance. Research studies have explored dosages ranging from 500 mg to 2,000 mg per day, taken in divided doses. These therapeutic levels exceed daily nutritional needs and should only be attempted under medical supervision. High-dose niacin can cause flushing and may affect liver function, so professional guidance is essential. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using high-dose niacin supplements.
Interactions with Other Ingredients
Niacin and Vitamin C contribute to skin health and support collagen synthesis. Together, they may help promote skin brightness and overall wellness. Vitamin C and niacin work alongside each other in supporting healthy skin appearance and maintaining cellular health.
Niacin and Caffeine are often paired in energy supplements to support alertness while encouraging healthy metabolism. Niacin helps convert food into energy, while caffeine provides a temporary boost in mental alertness. When combined, they may support both physical energy and mental focus.
Niacin Side Effects
Niacin is generally well-tolerated at normal dietary levels found in foods and standard supplements. The most common temporary effect is flushing, which appears as warmth, redness, or tingling in the face and upper body. This typically occurs with doses of 50 mg or higher and usually subsides within an hour.
High doses may cause dizziness, upset stomach, or digestive discomfort. Taking niacin with food and starting with lower doses can help your body adjust. Always follow dosage guidelines and consult a healthcare provider before taking high-dose niacin supplements.
FAQ
References
What's the difference between Niacin and Niacinamide?
Niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide) are both forms of vitamin B3. They provide similar vitamin activity in the body but have different structures. The main difference is that niacin can cause temporary skin flushing, while niacinamide does not. Both forms support energy metabolism and cellular health effectively.
What causes the "Niacin flush"?
Niacin flush occurs when niacin causes blood vessels near the skin to widen temporarily. This creates warmth, redness, and sometimes tingling, usually on the face and upper body. The flush happens because niacin triggers the release of prostaglandins. While it can feel uncomfortable, it's harmless and typically fades within an hour. Starting with lower doses can help minimize this effect.
Is Niacin good for dry skin?
Niacin can support skin health by helping maintain the skin barrier function and supporting moisture balance. It promotes the production of ceramides, which help skin retain water. When applied topically as niacinamide, it can help improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of dryness. Many skincare products include niacinamide specifically for its skin-supporting properties.
Can Niacin help with energy levels?
Yes, niacin plays a vital role in energy production. As a key component of NAD and NADP coenzymes, it helps your body convert food into usable energy at the cellular level. However, taking extra niacin beyond your daily needs won't provide an additional energy boost. Maintaining adequate niacin levels through diet or supplements supports consistent energy throughout the day.
Is Niacin safe to take daily?
Niacin is safe to take daily at recommended dietary levels (14-16 mg for adults). At these amounts, it's well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Higher supplemental doses should be taken under healthcare supervision, as they may cause flushing or other effects. Most people get adequate niacin from a balanced diet, but supplements can help fill gaps when needed. Always follow product guidelines or professional advice.