Vitamins and mineralsNiacin (Vitamin B3) — the forgotten vitamin for cholesterol and nerves?
Sources: 10 · Article: 15 997 characters
Andrzej Frydrychowski claims that niacin can raise HDL, lower LDL and triglycerides, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
- He also describes its role in the normal functioning of the nervous system and cognitive function.
- He links niacin-induced blood vessel dilation with better blood flow to the brain, and also describes reports of its benefits for depression and fatigue, and its use in treating schizophrenia at high doses.
- Niacin can cause flushing, tingling and redness, and at very high doses it can also cause stomach problems.
What the authors write
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Niacin is said to have a beneficial effect on blood lipid levels: raising HDL, lowering LDL and triglycerides, and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
„Niacin has a beneficial effect on blood lipid levels and counteracts atherosclerosis. It reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke, thereby extending average life expectancy. High-density lipoprotein—HDL, which carries cholesterol to the liver—increases by 15 to 30%. Low-density lipoprotein—LDL, which clogs the arteries—falls by up to 25%. Interestingly, triglyceride levels, which everyone blames for causing atherosclerotic lesions (although this is not entirely true), can fall by as much as 50%.”Niacyna korzystnie wpływa na gospodarkę lipidową, działając przeciwmiażdżycowo. Zmniejsza częstotliwość występowania choroby wieńcowej i udaru mózgu, a co za tym idzie wydłuża średnią długość życia. Lipoproteina wysokiej gęstości – HDL, która przenosi cholesterol do wątroby, wzrasta od 15 do 30%. Lipoproteina o małej gęstości – LDL, która zapycha tętnice, spada do 25%. Co ciekawe, poziom trójglicerydów, które wszyscy obwiniają za powstawanie zmian miażdżycowych (choć nie do końca jest to prawda) spada nawet o 50%.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Niacin plays a role in the normal functioning of the nervous system and cognitive function.
„Niacin plays a role in the proper functioning of the nervous system, including the normal performance of cognitive functions. Scientific studies conducted by David Horrobin in 1980 show that schizophrenia was treated with high doses of vitamin B3, resulting in a cure.”Niacyna bierze udział we właściwym funkcjonowaniu układu nerwowego, w tym w prawidłowym przebiegu funkcji kognitywnych (poznawczych). Badania naukowe z 1980 roku prowadzone przez Davida Horrobina wykazują, że dużymi dawkami witaminy B3 leczono schizofrenię z efektem jej wyleczenia.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski describes reports of schizophrenia being treated with high doses of niacin, and its benefits for depression and fatigue.
„Scientific studies conducted by David Horrobin in 1980 show that schizophrenia was treated with high doses of vitamin B3, resulting in a cure. These people showed no flush effect even when given high doses of up to three grams of niacin. It can be concluded that their deficiencies were so severe that there were no side effects. This effect appeared only after taking the vitamin for three to four months, which means that the deficiencies were not corrected until after such a long period of supplementation. Vitamin B3 deficiency causes fatigue and drowsiness. Supplementing with natural vitamin B3 also helps in treating depression—it affects energy metabolism, reducing signs of fatigue.”Badania naukowe z 1980 roku prowadzone przez Davida Horrobina wykazują, że dużymi dawkami witaminy B3 leczono schizofrenię z efektem jej wyleczenia. U tych osób podawanie nawet dużych dawek, czyli trzy razy do grama niacyny, nie powodowało efektu flush. Można stwierdzić, że niedobory były tak duże, że nie dochodziło do efektów ubocznych. Efekt ten wystąpił dopiero po przyjmowaniu witaminy przez trzy – cztery miesiące, co oznacza, że dopiero po tak długiej suplementacji nastąpiło uzupełnienie niedoborów. Niedobór witaminy B3 objawia się zmęczeniem i uczuciem senności. Suplementacja naturalną witaminą B3 pomaga także przy leczeniu depresji – wpływa na metabolizm energetyczny, niwelując oznaki zmęczenia.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski links niacin-induced blood vessel dilation with better blood flow to the brain and improved organ function.
„After niacin is taken, the blood vessels widen, which means that more blood has flowed through the brain. Improved blood flow to any organ improves its function, and at the same time causes no side effects. Its remarkable effect on the body's lipid metabolism should also be mentioned.”Po podaniu niacyny naczynia się rozszerzają, co oznacza, że przez mózg przeszło więcej krwi. Poprawa ukrwienia każdego narządu poprawia jego funkcje, a jednocześnie nie wykazuje działań ubocznych. Trzeba także wspomnieć o jej cudownym działaniu na gospodarkę lipidową organizmu.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Vitamin B3, or niacin, includes nicotinic acid and its amide, nicotinamide.
„Vitamin B3 (niacin), also known as vitamin PP, is the name for two compounds: nicotinic acid (niacin, or pyridine-3-carboxylic acid, a pyridine derivative) and its amide (nicotinamide). Its main metabolite is MNA, or nicotinamide—the amide of nicotinic acid.”Witamina B3 (niacyna), inaczej witamina PP, to określenie dwóch związków: kwasu nikotynowego (niacyny, czyli kwasu 3- pirydynokarboksylowego, pochodnej pirydyny) i jego amidu (nikotynamidu). Jego głównym metabolitem jest MNA, czyli nikotynamid – amid kwasu nikotynowego.
Henryk Różański
Andrzej Frydrychowski gives 16 mg of vitamin PP, or B3, as the daily requirement for an adult man.
„The daily vitamin requirements calculated for an adult man are as follows (according to recommendations in the USA and European Union countries):
Vitamin A 700-900 μg
Vitamin B1 0.9-1.2 mg
Vitamin B2 1.3-1.6 mg
Vitamin B6 1.3-1.7 mg
Vitamin PP (vitamin B3) 16 mg
Vitamin B12 1.4-2.4 μg
Folic acid (vitamin B9) 200-400 μg
Biotin (vitamin H) 15-200 μg”Dzienne zapotrzebowanie na witaminy, wyliczone dla dorosłego mężczyzny, kształtuje się następująco (wg zaleceń w USA i w krajach Unii Europejskiej):
Witamina A 700-900 μg
Witamina B1 0,9-1,2 mg
Witamina B2 1,3-1,6 mg
Witamina B6 1,3-1,7 mg
Witamina PP (witamina B3) 16 mg
Witamina B12 1,4-2,4 μg
Kwas foliowy (witamina B9) 200-400 μg
Biotyna (witamina H) 15-200 μg
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Niacin can cause flushing, tingling and redness, and at very high doses it can also cause stomach problems.
„At the beginning of taking this vitamin, we experience facial redness and tingling, as well as flushing. Body temperature rises by about 0.5 degrees. Blood flow to the cells improves because the blood vessels widen, more blood reaches the cellular level, and energy production increases. However, flushing has no significance or risk to health or life, and it disappears as the vitamin is taken regularly. So we can say that the only “side effect” is a longer life—which, for example, is not entirely beneficial for the social security system. The body regulates the amount of niacin on its own, so we cannot overdose on it by supplementing. People with diabetes should use niacin cautiously, because it slightly raises blood glucose levels. Very high doses may cause stomach problems: bloating, vomiting, indigestion, or worsening of peptic ulcer disease.”Na początku stosowania tej witaminy towarzyszy nam zaczerwienie, mrowienie twarzy i występowanie rumienia. Temperatura ciała podwyższa się o ok. 0,5 stopnia. Poprawia się bowiem ukrwienie komórek, naczynia krwionośne rozszerzają się, dochodzi więcej krwi na poziom komórkowy i następuje zwiększone wytwarzanie energii. Rumień nie ma jednak żadnego znaczenia ani zagrożenia dla zdrowia czy życia, a w miarę regularności stosowania witaminy znika. Możemy więc stwierdzić, że jedynym działaniem „ubocznym” jest przedłużenie życia – co, np. dla zakładu ubezpieczeń społecznych nie jest do końca korzystne. Organizm samodzielnie reguluje ilość niacyny, dlatego, suplementując ją, nie jesteśmy jej w stanie przedawkować. Z rozwagą do niacyny powinni podchodzić cukrzycy, bowiem podnosi ona w niewielkim stopniu poziom glukozy we krwi. Gdy zażyjemy bardzo duże dawki mogą pojawić się dolegliwości żołądkowe: wzdęcia, wymioty, niestrawność czy nasilenie choroby wrzodowej.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Andrzej Frydrychowski describes how the niacin dose is determined individually and says that the usual therapeutic dose is about three doses of half a gram each.
„The niacin dose depends on the purpose of supplementation and the effect we want to achieve. We determine it individually, because each of us has a different level of niacin in the body. Very sensitive people can start with 15 mg of niacin in one dose; I usually start with 50 mg. First, we give the initial dose—if there is no effect, we give another 50 mg, continuing until the flush effect occurs. The individual dose we need is then established. We take the dose we have established three times a day. The usual therapeutic dose of niacin is about three doses of half a gram each.”Dawka niacyny zależy od celu suplementacji i efektu, jaki chcielibyśmy uzyskać. Dobieramy ją indywidualnie, bowiem każdy z nas ma inny stopień jej wysycenia. Osoby bardzo wrażliwe mogą zaczynać od 15 mg niacyny w jednej dawce, ja zwykle zaczynam od 50 mg. Najpierw podajemy pierwszą dawkę – gdy nie ma efektów podajemy kolejne 50 mg, aż dojdzie do efektu flush. Wówczas zostanie ustalona indywidualna dawka, która jest nam potrzebna. Dawkę, którą ustaliliśmy, zażywamy trzy razy dziennie. Zwykle dawka lecznicza niacyny wynosi około 3 razy do pół grama.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 14.
The review indicates that niacin is a promising candidate for easing neurological disorders, although questions remain that require further research.
Aim of the study: Niacin (vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient that treats pellagra, and before the advent of statins, niacin was commonly used to counter dyslipidemia. Recent evidence has suggested that niacin may be a promising treatment for several neurological disorders.
Results: We describe the neurological disorders in which niacin has been investigated or proposed as a candidate medication. These include multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glioblastoma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, we explore the proposed mechanisms through which niacin may improve neuropathology. While several questions remain, the possibility of using niacin as a treatment to ease neurological impairment is promising.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a mouse model of CMT4B1 neuropathy, a niacin-based preparation improved neurophysiological outcomes and reduced nerve fiber degeneration.
Aim of the study: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies are a broad and highly heterogeneous group of disorders for which no therapies are yet available. Because of their great genetic diversity, researchers have sought therapeutic approaches that could benefit several forms, regardless of the specific disease-causing mechanism.
Results: We previously proposed that niacin-mediated TACE activation could be effective in reducing the excessive abnormal myelin associated with different forms of CMT. Here, we explored the effectiveness of this strategy in a long-term preclinical trial and showed that a novel long-lasting niacin-based formulation improves neurophysiology and reduces fiber degeneration in a model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4B1 (CMT4B1) neuropathy, which is characterized by abnormal myelin. We also sought to determine whether this strategy might interfere with nerve regeneration, which depends on Neuregulin type I signaling. Surprisingly, we found that Mtmr2 knockout mice, a model of CMT4B1, have a defect in nerve regeneration, and that niacin-based treatment does not harm nerve regeneration.
Money for the studycompany together with others · Muscular Dystrophy Association, NICHD NIH HHS, European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In mice with experimental encephalomyelitis, niacin improved neurological function and increased the amount of preserved myelin and regenerating axons.
Aim of the study: We investigated the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice with Niaspan, an agent used to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL). EAE mice were treated with Niaspan starting on the day of immunization or the day clinical symptoms began.
Results: Inflammatory infiltrates were significantly reduced in the Niaspan treatment group compared with the EAE controls. HDL levels, intact myelin area, newly formed oligodendrocytes, regenerating axons, and sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli1 gene and protein levels were significantly increased in Niaspan-treated mice compared with EAE controls. These data indicate that Niaspan treatment improved functional recovery after EAE, possibly by reducing inflammatory infiltrates and areas of demyelination, and by stimulating oligodendrocyte formation and axonal regeneration. Niaspan-mediated activation of the Shh/Gli1 pathway may promote functional recovery after EAE.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · NINDS NIH HHS
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a case report, four patients with a rare metabolic disease who received high-dose niacin survived subsequent episodes of febrile infections.
Aim of the study: Early-onset progressive encephalopathy with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy-2 (PEBEL2) is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in NAXD, in which febrile illness or infection triggers rapid clinical deterioration. We describe nine new cases that expand the clinical and molecular spectrum.
Results: Patient fibroblasts confirmed an accumulation of damaged cofactors (S-, R- and cyclic NADHX) and reduced NAXD protein levels. Comparative proteomic analysis revealed distinct molecular profiles in atypical cardiac and prenatal cases compared with typical neurological presentations. Four patients received high-dose niacin (vitamin B3) and survived repeated febrile episodes. These findings support early recognition and suggest that niacin therapy may improve outcomes across the clinical spectrum of PEBEL2.
Money for the studycompany together with others · Australian Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), Genomics Health Futures Mission, National Health and Medical Research Council
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyother
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In healthy people, a high dose of nicotinic acid increased blood NAD+ levels four- to sixfold.
Aim of the study: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NAD+, NADH, NADP+ and NADPH) and glutathione (GSH and GSSG) metabolites are vital regulators of redox state, enzyme function and metabolic flow in hundreds of cellular metabolic reactions. The NAD+/NADH ratio rises during fasting and has been associated with health outcomes in model systems.
Results: In the blood of healthy people aged 18-70 years, these metabolites follow a normal distribution and remain unchanged during aging. High-dose nicotinic acid, a B3 vitamin, resulted in a 4-6-fold increase in blood NAD+ in healthy individuals, suggesting the need for personalized dosing and follow-up in treatment and drug trials. Our data also indicate disease-dependent “redox fingerprints” of NAD and glutathione forms in different degenerative diseases, including cancers. The evidence highlights the potential of redox profiling as an indicator of likely disease and as a measure of treatment response.
Money for the studycompany together with others · Sigrid Juséliuksen Säätiö, Business Finland, Research Council of Finland
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyother
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„“The system is remarkably well-entrenched.” [5] Instead of being hailed as the safe, effective, affordable, life-saving vitamin it is, niacin is bashed in the media, while dangerous drugs are practically revered: Is the only fault we can find with them that they cost too much? We can do better. We can say no to medication. We can do something about high cholesterol, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. We don't have to buy into or believe what we see on TV. And until a headline reads “Life-Saving Vitamins,” I certainly won't. (Helen Saul Case is the author of The Vitamin Cure for Women's Health Problems and Vitamins & Pregnancy: The Real Story.)”"The system is remarkably well-entrenched." [5] Instead of being hailed as the safe, effective, affordable, life-saving vitamin it is, niacin is bashed in the media, and dangerous drugs are practically revered: Is the only fault we can find with them is that they cost too much? We can do better. We can say no to medication. We can do something about high cholesterol, and it doesn't have to cost a pile. We don't have to buy into or believe what we see on TV. And until a headline reads "Life-Saving Vitamins," I sure won't. (Helen Saul Case is the author of The Vitamin Cure for Women's Health Problems and Vitamins & Pregnancy: The Real Story.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„1955 Niacin is first shown to lower serum cholesterol. 1956 Mayo Clinic researcher William Parsons, MD, and colleagues confirm Hoffer's use of niacin to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease; Dr. Harrell demonstrates that supplementing the diets of pregnant and lactating mothers with vitamins increases their children's IQ scores at three and four years of age. 1957 Dr. McCormick publishes on how vitamin C fights cardiovascular disease. 1960 Dr.”1955Niacin is first shown to lower serum cholesterol. 1956Mayo Clinic researcher William Parsons, MD, and colleagues confirm Hoffer's use of niacin to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease; Dr. Harrell demonstrates that supplementation of the pregnant and lactating mothers' diet with vitamins increases the intelligence quotients of their offspring at three and four years of age. 1957Dr. McCormick publishes on how vitamin C fights cardiovascular disease. 1960Dr.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„[2] 1,000 to 3,000 mg/day (100 times the RDA) of niacin is a standard treatment for controlling cholesterol. [3] Similar doses of niacin have been shown to reduce inflammation [4] and reduce brain injury after strokes. [5] Extensive evidence shows that vitamin D is an important regulator of immune system responses. [6] Many of these regulatory pathways work best when vitamin D is present in the bloodstream at levels considerably higher than average values in the American population. Regular vitamin D supplementation, by taking a daily multivitamin and an additional daily 1,000 IU of vitamin D, is recommended.”[2] 1,000 to 3,000 mg/day (100 times the RDA) of niacin is a standard treatment for controlling cholesterol. [3] Similar doses of niacin have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation [4] and to reduce injury to the brain after strokes. [5] Extensive evidence shows that vitamin D serves as an important regulator of immune system responses. [6] Many of these regulatory pathways are optimized when vitamin D is present in the bloodstream at levels considerably higher than average values in the American population. Regular vitamin D supplementation, by taking a daily multivitamin and an additional daily 1,000 IU of vitamin D, is recommended.
Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.