Discover the power of vitamin and vitamin supplements for hair care

Niacin, or B3 as it is commonly known, is one of the 8 water soluble B vitamins. Like all B vitamins, niacin helps to metabolize carbohydrates into the blood sugar, glucose, which is then used to produce energy. As well, niacin is also necessary to break down fats and proteins within the body. B complex vitamins (the 8 Bs) play a key role in regulating proper muscle tone along the digestive tract, while also promoting efficient nervous system function and skin, hair, mouth, eyes and liver health.

Niacin plays a key role in countless functions within the body. It is directly involved in assuring the function of more than 200 enzymes, including the synthesis of hormones and blood cells and the metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates for energy production.

Niacin can be found in many forms including niacinamide, inositol hexaniacinate and nicotinic acid, all of which have different results within the body. Studies show however, that when niacin is delivered as a nutrient at low doses of between 20 to 40 mg, there are no differences between the chemical forms. Inositol hexaniacinate is the form with the least adverse symptoms and is the most tolerated by the body.

In the 1950s it was discovered that high doses of niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, could lower bad cholesterol levels. The main indicators of cardiovascular health are cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the risk of heart attack and strokes. As such, studies conducted have used these indicators as a measurement for niacin’s effectiveness on heart health. In several large, well controlled studies, nicotinic acid has been shown to reduce the total LDL or bad cholesterol levels, by about 20 percent. As well, triglyceride levels dropped by up to 25 percent, while at the same time increasing total HDL or good cholesterol levels.¹

Unfortunately, the amount of niacin required to effect these metabolic changes also results in a niacin intolerance in 15 to 40 percent of patients. The primary symptom of high dose niacin is what is commonly referred to as a niacin flush, in which the small capillaries under the skin dilate and the skin becomes a bright red color, creating a tingling, burning sensation. Researchers suggest however, that this can be reduce by taken an aspirin 30 minutes prior to taken the niacin. Headaches and light headedness may also be present with higher doses.

The biggest problem however, is the possible risk of severe liver damage. Niacinamide,(another form of niacin) on the other hand, does not cause these symptoms, but its also does not have the same positive effect on cholesterol levels. Slow release niacin supplements are available, which do have the pro-cholesterol effects, but again, these have the potential for causing liver damage even at low doses of just 500 mg per day. The safest form of niacin is inositol hexaniacinate or niacinol, which when compared to the timed-release forms. has less adverse effects on the liver.

Along the same lines as cholesterol regulation, niacin mediations are also used to prevent atherosclerosis (plaque build up along blood vessel walls). According to review of the major trials to date, evidence supporting the use of niacin as a preventative measure and treatment option for atherosclerosis, is not only consistent but overwhelmingly positive.² A newer study also suggests that using niacin in conjunction with simvastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug, may significantly reduce further progression of heart disease, while also reducing the risk of heart attacks and death.³

Preliminary studies point to niacinamide as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis. Research suggests that niacinamide may promote cartilage repair caused by arthritis, improving symptoms including joint mobility. As well, because niacinamide has proven safe to use along side other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications to reduce inflammation such as ibuprofen, niacinamide could help to reduce the amount and need for anti-inflammatory drugs.⁴ Researchers also report that niacin must be used for at least three weeks before any benefits are seen and that using niacin over the long-term, 1 to 3 years, may reduce the risk and progression of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes is often associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease and as such, scientists speculate that people suffering from diabetes may benefit from niacin supplementation. Controversy arises however, over the fact that although niacin has shown to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL, it may also raise blood sugar levels, something that could be catastrophic for diabetics. In one study including 125 diabetics and 343 healthy people, 3,000 mg per day of niacin was shown to raise glucose levels in both groups, but according to researchers hemoglobin levels (a more accurate marker for blood sugar levels over time) did decease in the group with diabetes over a 60 week follow-up.⁵

Vitamin B3 is essential for proper vision and for the prevention of cataracts, damage to the lens of the eye. In one Australian study the diets of 2900 people were reviewed. Result showed that those who eat protein rich diet along with, Vitamin A and the, Thiamin and Niacin, were at a significantly lower risk of developing cataracts.⁶

Further investigation concluded that supplements that included Vitamin B12, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B1 have protective agents again cataract formation.

Niacin is now being studied for use in various skin care products as an anti-aging substance, a remedy for acne and possibly as an anti-cancer preventative. Since niacin has a dilating effect on vessels and capillaries it is thought to be increasing circulation to the scalp and stimulating ‘hair growth’. Studies in the direction are in progress, but evidence does suggest that niacin will soon be available for these purposes.

Niacin has been shown to work best when combined with biotin . Niacin is also known to have positive effect on hair growth by reducing cholesterol which when get collected in the scalp can trigger the formation of DHT.

In the US, the main cause of niacin deficiency is alcoholism. Studies have found that although a niacin deficiency is not that common, it can also be found in areas in which people eat corn, a grain low in niacin, as a staple food. Typical symptoms of a niacin deficiency are fatigue, indigestion, canker sores, vomiting and depression. In severe cases a condition can result known as pellagra, which is characterized by dementia, diarrhea, and cracked, scaly skin. Niacin deficiency symptoms can also manifest as a burning sensation in the mouth with a swollen, bright red tongue.

Niacin is found in most high-protein foods including beef, chicken and turkey, tuna and other fatty fish like salmon and swordfish, pork, brewer’s yeast, beets, milk, peanuts and sunflower seeds.

Like many vitamin supplements, the recommended dose or niacin will vary according to both age and weight as well as the symptoms for which it is being prescribed. Although it is found that only extremely high doses of niacin (1,500 to 3,000 mg per day) have been found to be helpful for most conditions, the average RDA for women 19 and older is 14 mg per day and 16 mg per day for men over the age of 19. A well, regardless of the form of niacin being used, regular liver tests are recommended. As well, there are many drug interactions for niacin and as such, any treatment should be carried out under the care of a trained professional.

References:

1. Thomas VL, Gropper SS, “Effect of chromium nicotinic acid supplementation on selected cardiovascular disease risk factors”, Biol Trace Elem Res, 1996 Dec;55(3):297-305.
2. Guyton JR, “Effect of niacin on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease”, Am J Cardiol, Dec 17, 1998;82:18U–23U.
3. Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chalt A, et al, “Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease”, N Engl J Med, 2001;345(22):1583-1592.
4. 4 Jonas WB, Rapoza CP, Blair WF, “The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: A pilot study”, Inflamm Res, 1996;45:330-334.
5. Visalli N, Cavallo MG, Signore A, et al, “A multi-centre randomized trial of two different doses of nicotinamide in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (the IMDIAB VI)”, Diabetes Metab Res Rev, 1999;15(3):181-185.
6. Kuzniarz M, Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Flood VM, “Use of vitamin supplements and cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study”, Am J Ophthalmol, 2001;132(1):19-26.