Confused about the Two Vitamin B3's Niacinamide and Niacin?

Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or liver disorders. There are two forms of vitamin B3 Niacinamide and Niacin.

Niacinamide

This particular form of vitamin B3 may enhance glucocorticoid secretion, a naturally produced anti-inflammatory adrenal hormone. In clinical trials, it has clearly been more effective than placebo and it has very promising effects for arthritis. William Kaufman, M.D. published detailed observations on many of his patients with osteoarthritis who took niacinamide. He documented improvements in joint function, range of motion, increased muscle strength and endurance.

There is some evidence that vitamin B in the form of niacinamide may provide some benefits for those with osteoarthritis. In a double-blind study, 72 individuals with arthritis were given either 3,000 mg daily of niacinamide (in six equal doses) or placebo for 12 weeks. The results showed that treated participants experienced a 29% improvement in symptoms, whereas those given placebo worsened by 10%.

This vitamin helps transform food into energy in the body and is crucial to metabolize fat and protein. One of its special talents is to help your body deal with physiological stress after injury. You need more B3 at that time. There are some differences in the two forms of the vitamin.

Niacin

The niacin form of this vitamin can reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack. It lowers your triglycerides and cholesterol and may actually help reverse atherosclerosis. Reduces repeat heart attacks by 29 percent. Has potentially serious side effect-producing irregular rhythm. Because it causes your blood vessels to dilate, too much niacin makes you look and feel flushed.

There are three forms of niacin on the market today, all with potential health benefits. The first, which is known as nicotinic acid, has shown promise in controlling cholesterol levels. The second, which is called nicotinamide, has seen use in the treatment of diabetes and arthritis. The third, inositol hexaniacinate, shares similar benefits with nicotinic acid. However, it does not produce the unpleasant tingling redness commonly associated with nicotinic acid.

Caution - Sustained Release Niacin's impact on liver function:

Evidence exists that sustained-release niacin, with respect to both dosage and severity, is more hepatotoxic than crystalline niacin. Three patients who developed hepatitis during treatment with sustained-release niacin were subsequently treated with equivalent or higher doses of crystalline niacin, with no evidence of recurring hepatocellular damage.

The time course for the development of niacin-induced hepatitis is unpredictable; although hepatitis may develop many months after beginning niacin therapy, much shorter intervals have also been documented with Sustained-release preparations. Although the mechanism for niacin-induced hepatitis is unknown, these cases support previous observations that crystalline niacin may be less hepatotoxic than sustained-release preparations in certain patients.

Niacinmide

Neither the heart benefits nor the uncomfortable flush happens with the niacinamide form of the vitamin, also known as B3-A. In doses of one to three grams per day, niacinamide has therapeutic effects for many insulin- dependent diabetics (Type 1 diabetes). It is a key nutrient in the treatment of schizophrenia when used in doses of three to six grams per day. Natural sources of niacinamide include beef liver, brewer's yeast, halibut, chicken, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.

Ease symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The anti-inflammatory properties associated with niacinamide may help in calming joint inflammation, a frequent cause of rheumatoid arthritis arthritis pain. In a double-blind, 12-week study, osteoarthritis sufferers who received niacinamide supplements reported less inflammation and greater joint flexibility than other participants who were given a placebo. The niacinamide group also required less conventional anti-inflammatory medication to relieve their customary arthritis pain and swelling.

Good for These Symptoms:

• Dermatitis
• Digestive problems


• Anxiety


• Fatigue


• Insomnia


• Headache


• Physiological stresses (injury, surgery)


• High cholesterol and triglyceride
• Cardiac disease

Signs of Deficiency:

• Pellagra, (a skin disease)
• Redness of the skin and inflammation caused by gastrointestinal disturbances.


• Impaired recent memory


• Depression


• Hyperirritability


• Apprehension


• Emotional instability

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