Niacin (Vitamin B3): Benefits, Dosage & Health Uses

Niacin occurs naturally in plants and animals, and is fortified in some foods. Sometimes large doses of niacin supplements are prescribed for various health issues.

Identification

• Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3, nicotinic acid, and niacinamide. In normal dietary doses, niacin is used to convert carbohydrates into energy, and keep your nervous system, digestive system, skin, hair and eyes healthy.

Recommendations

• In normal doses, women should have 15 milligrams of niacin daily, and men 15 to 19 milligrams a day. But sometime large dosing is prescribed for certain ailments.

Prevention/Solution

• Niacin deficiency can lead to pellagra, which has symptoms such as inflamed skin, digestive problems, and mental impairment. This is usually avoided with the normal daily niacin intake.

Considerations

• Most niacin-related problems can be prevented with a healthy diet. Good sources of niacin include meats, seafood, almonds, seeds, wheat products, beans, rice bran, green leafy vegetables, and carrots.

Warning

• You should take large doses of niacin only under medical supervision, since it can cause severe side effects such as liver damage, peptic ulcers, and skin rashes.