What is niacin used for

On this basis, those who eat a well-balanced diet will tend to consume enough niacin in their food. Vitamin B supplements are available to purchase online , but people should check first with a doctor to make sure they are safe to take. The following foods are good sources of vitamin B Foods that are high in tryptophan are good sources of niacin. The body needs tryptophan to make protein, but if there is extra, it can convert it to niacin. In countries where corn and rice are the main sources of nutrition , pellagra is still a public health problem.

Corn and rice have low levels of vitamin B. In , the U. Public Health Service asked Dr. Joseph Goldberger to go to the South of the country to investigate and deal with pellagra. Rates of pellagra were much higher in the southern states than in the north.

Goldberger inspected prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and orphanages. He found that pellagra rates among the children, prisoners, and patients were considerably higher than rates among the staff, and he concluded that pellagra was not an infection, but that it was probably related to diet. In , scientists confirmed the niacin connection.

Niacin can both prevent and cure pellagra. Now, pellagra is rare in the U. Vitamin E oil is thought to have benefits for a wide range of skin and nail conditions, including treating dry skin, preventing skin cancer, treating….

Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.

The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. High doses of niacin can cause niacin flush, which appears as red skin that may itch or burn.

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These 13 top-rated brands are excellent options for both mom and…. Supplements can be a helpful way to boost your nutrient intake as you age. This article provides a list of the 10 best supplements for healthy aging…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Niacin, Oral Tablet. Prescription niacin is available as a generic drug and as brand-name drugs. Brand names: Niacor, Niaspan.

Niacor comes as an oral tablet, and Niaspan comes as an oral extended-release tablet. Generic niacin comes in both forms. Learn the importance of each B vitamin, their deficiency symptoms, and the best food….

Niacinamide is one of the two forms of vitamin B3 — the other being nicotinic acid. This article explains what niacinamide is, its benefits, uses and…. Getting your meals delivered can save major time on meal prep. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What is niacin? How does it work?

How much do you need? Top food sources. Safety and side effects. Should you supplement? The bottom line. Read this next. Is Niacin Flush Harmful? Niacin and Depression. Medically reviewed by Timothy J.

Legg, Ph. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Cholesterol Control: Statins vs. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiencies. Medically reviewed by Madeline Knott, MD. Niacinamide: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects. Freshly: A Dietitian's Honest Comparison. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking niacin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to niacin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in niacin tablets.

Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's information for the patient for a list of the ingredients. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants 'blood thinners' such as warfarin Coumadin ; aspirin; insulin or oral medications for diabetes; medications for high blood pressure; nutritional supplements or other products containing niacin; or other medications for lowering cholesterol or triglycerides.

If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, your dose may need to be changed because niacin may increase the amount of sugar in your blood and urine. If you become pregnant while taking niacin, stop taking niacin and call your doctor. Alcohol can make the side effects from niacin worse.

This side effect usually goes away after taking the medicine for several weeks. Avoid drinking alcohol or hot drinks or eating spicy foods around the time you take niacin. Taking aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin or naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn 30 minutes before niacin may reduce the flushing.

If you take extended-release niacin at bedtime, the flushing will probably happen while you are asleep. If you wake up and feel flushed, get up slowly, especially if you feel dizzy or faint. Niacin may cause side effects. What other information should I know? Brand names.

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