Niacin B3, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid and is a water-soluble vitamin that prevents the deficiency disease pellagra. It is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5NO2. Other forms of vitamin B3 include the corresponding amide, nicotinamide (”niacinamide”), where the carboxyl group has been replaced by a carboxamide group (CONH2), as well as more complex amides and a variety of esters. The terms niacin, nicotinamide, and vitamin B3 are often used interchangeably to refer to any one of this family of molecules, since they have a common biochemical activity.

Niacin B3 is converted to nicotinamide and then to NAD and NADP in vivo. Although the two are identical in their vitamin activity, nicotinamide does not have the same pharmacological effects as niacin, which occurs as side effects of niacin’s conversion. Thus nicotinamide does not reduce cholesterol or cause flushing, although nicotinamide may be toxic to the liver at doses exceeding 3 g/day for adults. Niacin is a precursor to NADH, NAD, NAD+, NADP and NADPH, which play essential metabolic roles in living cells. Niacin is involved in both DNA repair, and the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland.

Like all the B-complex vitamins, vitamin B-3 is important for converting calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy. But it also helps the digestive system function and promotes a normal appetite and healthy skin and nerves.

Larger doses of niacin, sometimes more than 1,000 milligrams a day, have also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol that clogs the heart’s arteries) and triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol that prevents hardening of the artery walls). However, you should only take increased doses of niacin under the supervision of a physician because overdosing is possible.

B3 Niacin purchased in capsule or tablet form has a specific potency that one can not overdose on when consumed as directed, so it is safer to consume niacin in pre capsulated or tablet for so dosages are known and there is little to no overdosing possible. When purchasing niacin, look for name brands like Solaray, Source Naturals, and Natures Plus at your local or internet health food store to ensure quality and purity.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Niacin is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.