3 Health Benefits of Niacin (Vitamin B3)

    • Healthy Heart

      Shown to help lower blood cholestorol Levels, as Niacin causes blood vessels to dilate.

    • Brain Function.

      Your brain needs Niacin as part of two vital coenzymes (NAD and NADP) to function properly. Brain fog and various psychiatric symptoms have been associated with a Niacin deficiency.

    • Healthy Skin

      Niacin causes the blood vessels near the skin to open up, which has led to lots of medical research into how it can be used to treat various skin conditions.

    RDA

    How much Niacin do I need?

    Females should aim to consume 13.2mg per day, and Males 16.5mg.

    Too Much

    Can I take too much Niacin?

    Taking too much Niacin can lead to a range of issues. The most common are headaches, dizziness and low blood pressure.

    Supplements

    Is getting Niacin from supplements the same as getting Niacin from food?

    A synthetic form of niacin called inositol hexanicotinate, causes less flushing of the skin than taking natural forms. FLushing of the skin can also be reduced by taking supplements immediately after meals. Aside from this advantage of the supplement form, everything is the same.

    Supplements are often prescribed to those affected by heart problems.

    Top Sources of Niacin (per serving)

    Here are some foods rich in Niacin. (1μg is 0.001mg)