Supplement Reviews

Niacin (vitamin B3)

Niacin (vitamin B3) is also termed nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Meats provide niacin as free nicotinamide(12). Niacin can occur as two nucleotides: NAD and NADP. It can also be formed in the liver from the amino acid tryptophan. There are about 200 enzyme which require NAD and NADP. NAD helps produce ATP(energy). NADPH is used in a variety of processes including fatty acid synthesis, cholesterol and steroid hormone synthesis, oxidation of glutamate, and it may help reduce the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbate. Niacin has also been shown to decrease cholesterol levels. It does cause a flush ( redness and vasodilation) especially when taken on an empty stomach. Very high doses of niacin may also be hard on the liver. Some bodybuilders use it to increase vascularity along with yohimbe. Since it acts as a vasodilator, it does work pretty well to increase vascularity in many bodybuilders. It may also increase energy during a workout. If you have problems with the liver or the “niacin flush”, you may want to try the inositol hexonicotinate form which is easier on the liver and doesn’t cause the dreaded flush. Niacinamide is also a flush free form of niacin. Food sources of niacin include tuna, chicken breast, and beef.

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