Vitamin B3
The body uses the water-soluble vitamin B3 in the process of releasing energy from carbohydrates. It is needed to form fat from carbohydrates and to process alcohol. The niacin form of vitamin B3 also regulates cholesterol, though niacinamide does not.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Acne Vulgaris | Apply 4% gel twice per day | as Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) [3 stars] In a double-blind trial, applying a topical 4% niacinamide gel twice daily for two months significantly improved acne. |
High Triglycerides | 500 mg three times per day | [3 stars] The niacin form of vitamin B3 is used by some doctors to lower triglycerides, however, the quantity needed to achieve reductions may cause side effects. Ask your doctor is niacin is right for you. |
Intermittent Claudication | 2 grams twice per day | as Inositol Hexaniacinate (Vitamin B3)[3 stars] Inositol hexaniacinate, a special form of vitamin B3, has been used successfully to reduce symptoms, this treatment should be monitored by a doctor. |
Osteoarthritis | Refer to label instructions | [3 stars] Supplemental niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) has been reported to increase joint mobility, improve muscle strength, and decrease fatigue in people with osteoarthritis.
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Atherosclerosis | 2,000 mg per day (only under a doctor's supervision) |  [2 stars] In a preliminary trial, doctor-supervised supplementation with extended-release niacin in combination with a cholesterol-lowering statin drug appeared to reverse atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the brain). |
Dysmenorrhea | 200 mg daily throughout menstrual cycle; for cramps: 100 mg every two to three hours | [2 stars] The niacin form of vitamin B3 has been reported to be effective in relieving menstrual cramps in 87% of a group of women supplementing with it throughout the menstrual cycle. |
Dysmenorrhea (Rutin, Vitamin C) | 200 mg niacin daily, 300 mg vitamin C daily, and 60 mg rutin daily througout menstrual cycle; for cramps: 100 mg niacin every two to three hours | [2 stars] Supplementing with a combination of vitamin B3, vitamin C, and the flavonoid rutin resulted in a 90% effectiveness for relieving menstrual cramps in one study. |
High Triglycerides | 500 mg three times per day | as Inositol Hexaniacinate (Vitamin B3)[2 stars] Some doctors recommend inositol hexaniacinate (a special form of vitamin B3) as an alternative to niacin, which can have negative side effects. |
Peripheral Vascular Disease | 1,200 mg a day of inositol hexaniacinate | [2 stars] Vitamin B3 may help prevent and treat skin ulcers caused by peripheral vascular disease. |
Raynaud’s Disease | 3 to 4 grams daily of inositol hexaniacinate | [2 stars] A variation on the B vitamin niacin, inositol hexaniacinate has been shown to reduce arterial spasm and improve peripheral circulation. |
Schizophrenia | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] High amounts of vitamin B3 may create a more optimal biochemical environment and increase recovery rate and reduce hospitalization and suicide rates. |
Type 1 Diabetes | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Taking vitamin B3 (as niacin or niacinamide) might prevent or limit the severity of type 1 diabetes. |
Alcohol Withdrawal | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Preliminary research has suggested that niacin may help wean some alcoholics away from alcohol. Niacinamide—a safer form of the same vitamin—might have similar actions. |
Anxiety | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to anxiety medications. One study found that niacinamide helped people get through withdrawal from benzodiazepines—a common problem. |
Cataracts | 40 mg daily with 3 mg daily vitamin B2 | [1 star] Vitamin B3 is needed to protect glutathione, an important antioxidant in the eye. |
High Cholesterol | 400 to 500 mg of inositol hexaniacinate three to four times daily | as Inositol Hexaniacinate (Vitamin B3)[1 star] Inositol hexaniacinate, a special form of niacin, does not appear to improve cholesterol levels. |
High Cholesterol | 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily under a doctor's supervision | [1 star] High amounts (several grams per day) of niacin, a form of vitamin B3, have been shown to raise HDL-cholesterol and lower LDL-cholesterol levels; however, niacin therapy has not been found to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and has substantial toxicity. |
HIV and AIDS Support | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B3 may play a role in HIV prevention and treatment. A form of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has been shown to inhibit HIV in test tube studies. |
Hypoglycemia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Research has shown that supplementing with niacinamide (vitamin B3) can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. |
Hypothyroidism | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B3 (niacin) supplementation may decrease thyroid hormone levels. |
Multiple Sclerosis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency may contribute to nerve damage. Researchers have found that injections of thiamine or thiamine combined with niacin (vitamin B3) may reduce symptoms. |
Photosensitivity | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can reduce the formation of a kynurenic acid—a substance that has been linked to photosensitivity. |
Tardive Dyskinesia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In some studies, taking vitamin B3 as niacin or niacinamide, along with other nutrients, appeared to prevent the development of tardive dyskinesia. |
Type 2 Diabetes | Less than 2 grams daily | [1 star] Dietary niacin (vitamin B3) is important for healthy management of cholesterol and triglycerides; however, high dose supplementation with niacin could worsen glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.