{"id":42930,"date":"2021-10-08T16:20:09","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T20:20:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=42930"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:49:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T18:49:09","slug":"niacin-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/niacin-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"10 niacin benefits and its side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is one of the essential B-complex water-soluble vitamins that the body needs to turn food into energy. All vitamins and minerals are important for optimal health, but niacin is especially beneficial for the nervous and digestive systems. Let\u2019s take an in-depth look to better understand niacin benefits and its side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Free niacin coupons<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

10 niacin benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n

Niacin is naturally present in many foods and is available in supplement and prescription form, so it\u2019s easy to get enough niacin and reap its health benefits. Tissues in the body convert niacin into a usable <\/span>coenzyme<\/span><\/a> called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD),<\/span> which is used by more than 400 enzymes in the body to perform essential functions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although niacin deficiencies are rare among people in the United States, they can become severe and cause a systemic disease called <\/span>pellagra<\/span><\/a>. Mild cases of pellagra can cause diarrhea and dermatitis, while more severe cases can cause dementia and even be fatal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pellagra is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can be avoided by consuming the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of niacin. The adult RDA for niacin is 14 to 16 mg per day. Niacin is readily available in fish, chicken, beef, turkey, fruits, and vegetables. Niacin can also be made in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid is found in chicken, turkey, nuts, seeds, and soy products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Niacin is also in many over-the-counter multivitamins as a dietary supplement. <\/span>Nature Made<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Centrum<\/span><\/a> adult multivitamins contain 20 mg of niacin per tablet, which is about 125% of the adult RDA. Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are two forms of niacin supplements. Over-the-counter niacin supplements are available in a variety of strengths (50 mg, 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg) that exceed the RDA. Prescription forms of niacin include brand names such as <\/span>Niaspan (extended-release)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Niacor (immediate-release)<\/span><\/a> and are available in strengths as high as 1,000 mg. Niacin can be found in an extended-release formulation to lessen some side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While more studies need to be conducted and supporting evidence must be determined, there are a variety of uses for niacin. In terms of health benefits, niacin potentially can:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Control cholesterol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Lower blood pressure<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Improve mental health<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Clear skin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Manage migraines<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Promote joint health<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Protect cognitive function<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Support digestion<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Minimize birth defects<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Improve erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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