Niacin (vitamin B3) – pharmacological profile, recommended dosing regimens, and adverse reaction potential. The role of niacin in adjunctive therapy for depressive disorders
Tomasz Jankowski
2026-03-16
4 min. read
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Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, constitutes a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin complex, playing an indispensable role in a multitude of physiological processes. Its discovery dates back to the 18th century, when widespread outbreaks of pellagra—a condition stemming from chronic niacin deficiency—prompted researchers to investigate its biological significance. Only the severe health repercussions associated with its insufficiency revealed the compound’s fundamental importance in cellular energy metabolism and the preservation of tissue integrity, thereby underscoring its status as an essential nutrient.
Nitrogen and its salts, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
Niacin, commonly referred to as vitamin B3 or vitamin PP, is a common name for two compounds: nicotinic acid and its amide. These compounds are essential in the process of forming our coenzymes: dinucleotide niconaminidine (NAD+) and its phosphorus (NADP+). Both of these compounds have extremely important functions in many reactions. NAD+ is primarily an oxidizing agent, which means that it can take on electrons. They are involved. For example, in glycolysis, which is the breakdown of molecules in the skin, during the formation of amino acids.
The properties of niacin
However, high doses of grams may have beneficial properties in some clinical cases. It has been shown that niacin may reduce LDL cholesterol fraction levels, inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis, reduce triglyceride levels, and also have a beneficial effect on adiponectin levels.
Dosage of niacin
Niacin dosage depends on the purpose of its supplementation. medicines available on the market are immediate or prolonged absorption. In the United States, some medicines have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of dyslipidemia, e. g. Niacor. One tablet contains up to 500 mg of niacin (while the daily dose for adults is 14 16 mg).
Niacin has side effects
The most common symptom in most people taking even relatively low doses (50 100 mg) is called flashing. This is redness, tingling and burning sensation on the face, chest, arms caused by an enlargement of blood vessels.
Niacin for the depression
Niacin is not routinely used in the treatment of depression, but some people see this potential in it. However, in less than a year of low blood pressure, suicidal thoughts and other characteristic medical conditions have receded. A woman has been battling ineffective pharmacologically treated depression for 27 years of her life. A breakthrough in her case has been the use of other niacin drugs. First at a dose of 3000 mg, then increased to 6000 mg.
