Niacinamide |
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Basic Information
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B-3 and sometimes called
nicotinamide.
Brand names:
Niacinamide Capsules
Niacinamide Tablets
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
Halibut
Peanuts
Pork
Salmon
Sunflower seeds
Swordfish
Tuna
Turkey
Veal
REASONS TO USE
Maintains normal function of skin, nerves, digestive system.
Corrects niacin deficiency.
Dilates blood vessels.
Treats 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 or headaches.
Improves digestion.
Protects against pollutants and toxins.
Treats leprosy.
Stimulates sex drive.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
Anyone with inadequate caloric or dietary intake or increased
nutritional requirements.
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
has 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.
Anyone with hyperthyroidism.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Early symptoms:
Muscular weakness
General fatigue
Irritability
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Swollen, red tongue
Skin lesions, including rashes, dry scaly skin in areas
exposed to sunlight, wrinkles, coarse skin texture
Nausea and vomiting
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
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 synthesis of DNA.
Becomes a component of two co-enzymes (NAD and NADP), which
are necessary for utilization of fats, tissue respiration,
production of sugars.
Miscellaneous information:
The body manufactures niacinamide 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.
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 with high doses to unborn child outweighs benefits. Don't
use.
Breast-feeding:
Studies inconclusive. Consult doctor about supplements.
Don't take megadoses.
Effect on lab tests:
Urinary catecholamine concentration may show 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 doses 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, fainting, sweating, headache, high
blood sugar, high uric acid, heart-rhythm disturbances.
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 immediately. |
| 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) |
Seek emergency treatment. |
| Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Skin dryness |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| 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 excessively low blood pressure. Use caution.
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