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Niacin Review – 8 Facts You Need to Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Facts | Nutrition Info | Health Benefits | Warnings | Cost | How To Take | Conclusion

Niacin nutritional supplement based on an essential substance: Vitamin B3. The nutrient is indeed mandatory for a healthy nutrition and its benefits extend over a large number of bodily functions and systems.

This product is created by the reputable company Alfa Vitamins Laboratories founded in 1994 in Florida, USA. The company’s core activity is the manufacturing dietary supplements (as tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and creams). It is a member of the Natural Products Association, considered the largest non-profit organization in the nutritional foods industry. The organization stands for the rights of consumers to benefit of quality and effective products that cause as less side effects as possible. Alfa Vitamins Laboratories claims that all their manufacturing practices follow the guidelines established by the FDA, Department of Agriculture, and USP.

The nutrient is one of the eight B vitamins known as the B Complex. While each member of the complex is known to play a unique function and to have a distinctive structure, they also perform a synergistic function working together to achieve more health enhancing roles.

Niacin is designed to be used by adults and contains twice the daily recommended dose for a healthy adult. Children, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and patients suffering from a health condition are recommended to consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

Facts

1) Niacin Quick Facts

Niacin is a vitamin-based formula.

The richest dietary sources of this vitamin are rice, wheat, fish (anchovies, tuna), liver, chicken and veal, sun-dried tomatoes, and peanuts.Niacin is believed to effectively assist in the treatment of niacin deficiency (including a condition caused by it called pellagra), high cholesterol osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, diarrhea cataracts, alcohol dependence, acne, migraine headache, etc. For many of these claims the results of clinical trials have been mixed or inconclusive, while for others research is still ongoing. The use of niacin is considered likely safe with mild side effects like flushing reactions, intestinal gas, pain in the mouth, dizziness, etc. If very high doses are taken, the side effects are more severe: ulcers, gout, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood sugar, etc.

Niacin interacts with other drugs and is considered dangerous for those who suffer from allergies, low blood pressure, diabetes, liver damage, gout, gallbladder disease. or heart disease.

Nutrition Info

2) Ingredients of Niacin

Niacin contains the following ingredients: Niacin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica, and Croscarmellose Sodium.

3) Does Niacin Work and it is Safe?

The formula is a vitamin-based dietary supplement.

Niacin is one of the eight B vitamins, and is known to have multiple health benefits such as assisting energy production; maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails; improving the production of sex hormones; lowering bad cholesterol; alleviating neurological conditions (age-related: Alzheimer’s disease, loss of thinking skills, memory loss); improving digestion; etc.

Niacin was proven effective for the treatment of high cholesterol, niacin deficiency, and conditions caused by it (such as pellagra). Further research is still necessary for the use of niacin in the treatment of osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, diarrhea cataracts, alcohol dependence, acne, migraine headache, etc.

The vitamin is considered safe for most people. Mild side effects may occur, however. These side effects include flushing reactions (burning, itching, redness on the face, chest and arms, and headaches), upset stomach, dizziness, intestinal gas, etc. More serious reactions may occur if very high doses are ingested; these side effects include ulcers, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, and high blood sugar.

Niacin is likely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women if taken in the recommended amounts. The substance may aggravate allergies (they facilitate the release of histamine), increase blood sugar (dangerous for diabetics), worsen liver damage, and lower blood pressure. Niacin also interacts with other drugs, like the medication used in the treatment of diabetes and many others.

For a full list of side-effects and interactions, it is always best to ask your healthcare practitioner. Niacin is recommended in doses of 1 tablet daily unless otherwise directed by a health professional.

Health Benefits

4) Niacin Health Benefits

  • The formula is available at a relatively low price for a month’s supply (approximately $2.50)
  • The manufacturer’s website ensures a safe online purchasing experience
  • There is a refund offered for online purchasing from the official site
  • The manufacturer enjoys a positive reputation due to extensive experience

Warnings

5) Niacin Product Warnings

  • No evidence of clinical trials involving the formula exists
  • Vitamin B3 is best taken in combination with other B vitamins, rather than as a single ingredient.
  • Lack of reviews from consumers make the evaluation process of the product difficult
  • No free trial period is mentioned
  • Many potential drug interactions and possible side effects of Niacin

Cost

6) Niacin Cost

The formula is sold on the official website of the manufacturer for a very accessible price. A bottle contains the necessary supply for two months if the suggested dose is not exceeded.

The product is available for online purchasing. No other online retailer could be identified. Transactions are secured using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology. Shipping charges vary depending on the country of delivery. The product comes with a 100% quality assurance guarantee offered for online purchasing. Full or partial refunds are ensured by the manufacturer if the client is not satisfied with their product. A full refund is offered if the bottle is returned sealed. Shipping charges are not refundable.

How To Take

7) How to Take Niacin

The effectiveness of Niacin has not yet been scientifically proven. Moreover, we could not find any testimonial or consumer review that supports (or invalidate) the potency of the formula. The suggested dose is 1 tablet daily or as directed by a healthcare specialist.

Conclusion

8) Conclusion

Niacin is a vitamin based supplement offered as the necessary support of niacin intakes for those who suffer from a deficiency or any other condition that would worsen in the absence of Vitamin B3.

Niacin contains a relatively high amount of active substance a capsule delivering approximately 200% of the daily recommended value. Niacin may be potentially dangerous in high amounts especially if used by people who already suffer from certain conditions.

Niacin is a common ingredient used to supplement the diet and is believed to be important for the proper functioning of a large number of organs. Other competitors offer niacin based supplements, weather it comes as a single ingredient or in combination with other vitamins and minerals. The effectiveness of these products cannot be evaluated correctly without proper research, which is not the case (most of them are not clinically researched).

For a complete list of interactions, correct dosage and warnings, you should always ask your healthcare practitioner.

3.5/5 - (2 votes)
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Chevy

For me this is not the best choice. I don’t feel any difference from before. I read my energy and sexual function should improve, but it does not seem to work. I will see my doctor about this, maybe I’m taking the wrong thing!

Sindy

This product is great for me! The doctor found that my levels of niacin were pretty low so he recommended this formula. I have been taking it ever since. It’s been 4 months now and I feel great! I am really happy with the price as well.