Niacin – an essential Nutrient for the Heart

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an important vitamin in the B group. The vital substance is involved in numerous metabolic processes in the body. For example, the vitamin plays a role in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. A lack of niacin can have far-reaching consequences. In order to prevent deficiency symptoms such as skin changes and diarrhea, a substitution can be useful.

What can niacin do for you?

Niacin takes on various tasks in the body. The areas of application of the vital substance are correspondingly broad.

• Beautiful skin The skin is not only our largest sense organ, it also protects us from harmful external influences. Itching, blemished skin or lumps can severely affect overall well-being. Niacin plays an important role in skin health. The vital substance can support the natural protective barrier of the skin in its function and contribute to a beautiful complexion.
• Cardiovascular system A strong heart and healthy vessels are the basic prerequisites for a vital and active life. Normal cholesterol levels are of particular importance for cardiovascular health. Studies show that niacin can contribute to a normal relationship between LDL and HDL cholesterol and to a healthy total cholesterol level.
• Positive mood Like most B vitamins, niacin also affects your mood. People who suffer from a depressed mood more often benefit from taking niacin. Niacin plays a role in the production of serotonin. The messenger substance is popularly known as the 'happiness hormone'. Studies show that niacin can contribute to a more positive and stable mood.

Buying niacin - What should you watch out for?

If you want to buy high-dose niacin, you will find that there is a large selection of preparations. We will tell you what you should really look out for when buying niacin.

• Products and dosage forms
• Forms of niacin
• Dosage and ingredients
• Application and tolerance
• Additives and allergens
• Price-performance ratio
• Satisfaction guarantee

Products and dosage forms

You can buy niacin tablets or niacin in powder form. Capsules are also available. We will explain the main advantages and disadvantages of the individual dosage forms.

• Niacin powder
  You can simply stir the desired dosage of niacin powder into water, other beverages or even into food. Most manufacturers give a dosage recommendation on the packaging, the active ingredient content per measuring spoon or teaspoon is standardized. Niacin powder is particularly suitable for people who do not want to swallow capsules or tablets. The powder is usually odorless, but many people experience the taste as very intense. If you don't like that, you can use tablets or capsules.
• Niacin tablets
  Niacin tablets are made from compressed powder. They are available with different active ingredients, so that the dosage can be easily adapted to your own needs. You can easily take the tablets with a little water. They are also well suited for use when traveling or during leisure.
• Niacin capsules
  Niacin capsules are made from a capsule shell and powder. Just like the tablets, they can be dosed and taken easily and precisely. Capsules with a plant based capsule shell are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Forms of niacin

Niacin is the collective term for the two pyridine derivatives nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. The body can convert both forms into one another and is also able to produce niacin itself from the amino acid tryptophan. Nicotinamide is often referred to as niacinamide.

If you want to buy niacin 500 mg or other doses, you will always come across the terms 'flush' or 'flush-free'. After taking niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, a so-called flush can occur. The facial skin becomes very red. Some people also experience a feeling of heat or tingling of the skin. The flush is by no means dangerous and is not a sign of an intolerance. The symptoms usually disappear quickly. If you still want to avoid such a flush, you can resort to nutritional supplements with niacin in the form of nicotinamide. This variant is often referred to as 'flush-free' because the flush does not appear here.

Niacin dosage

Depending on the age and gender, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends the intake of 2 to 17 mg of niacin per day. The requirement can be increased in the case of physical or psychological stress. There is also an additional requirement when taking various medications and increasing alcohol consumption. The recommended dosage range for healthy people is 100 to 500 mg of niacin a day.

Application and tolerance

Niacin has low toxicity. Undesirable side effects usually only occur from very high daily doses of 2000 to 6000 mg per day. These side effects include an increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

If you want to take niacin in the form of nicotinic acid and still want to prevent a flush, you should definitely avoid drinking alcohol when taking it. It is also advisable to take niacin immediately after a meal or right before going to bed. You should also note that hot baths or the consumption of spicy foods immediately before taking nicotinic acid can promote the development of a flush.

The combination with other vitamins from the B group can make sense, since the individual vital substances can support each other in their effects. In addition, a lack of vitamin B3 is often accompanied by a lack of vitamin B2 and vitamin B1.

Additives and allergens

A high quality nutritional supplement should be free from unnecessary additives such as artificial colors or preservatives. Potential allergens such as lactose, gluten, yeast or soy should also not be included.

An allergy to niacin is extremely rare. Skin symptoms such as reddening, burning or itching may occur. These allergy symptoms are in no way to be confused with the harmless flush that can occur when taking nicotinic acid. If you are known to have an allergy against niacin, you should not take any supplements.

Price-performance ratio

When buying niacin, you shouldn't just pay attention to the price. Very cheap food supplements often contain unnecessary additives or have a very low dose. To achieve the desired effect, you therefore need to take a larger amount of the appropriate dietary supplement. The price, which at first glance is very cheap, is put into perspective quite quickly. A price comparison can be particularly worthwhile if you buy niacin online. On the internet, you can get high quality products with a good price-performance ratio.

Satisfaction guarantee

Niacin is usually very well tolerated. Nevertheless, intolerance reactions can occur in rare cases even with high-quality preparations. When you buy niacin from a retailer with a satisfaction guarantee, you do not take any risks though. If you don't like it or if they are not tolerated well, you can return the product and get your money back.

Questions and answers about buying niacin

You may also be interested in these questions and answers about buying niacin.

Where can you buy niacin?

You can find a large selection of niacin supplements online. You can also buy niacin at the pharmacy or at a drugstore.

Who is niacin suitable for as a dietary supplement?

Niacin as a dietary supplement is suitable for all people who value a good supply of nutrients and vital substances. To a certain extent the body can also produce niacin, but this does not cover the daily vitamin requirement. Malnutrition can lead to a deficiency. People who drink alcohol are particularly at risk. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also have an increased need and should therefore ensure that they consume enough of this.

Niacin studies and references

• Chen AC, Damian DL. Nicotinamide and the skin. Australas J Dermatol, 55(3), 2014, 169–175.
• Boden WE, Sidhu MS, Toth PP. The Therapeutic Role of Niacin in Dyslipidemia Management. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther, 19(2), 2014, 141–158.
• Young SN. How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. J Psychiatry Neurosci, 32(6), 2007, 394–399.

Niacin - Vitamin B3, the metabolic all-rounder

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, takes on numerous metabolic tasks in the human body. It contributes to skin health, has a positive influence on blood lipid levels and affects the ... Read more ›