Introduction

Vitamin B3 is found in grains, nuts, and meat. The body uses vitamin B3 to make energy from fats and carbs. Vitamin B3 has been used to improve heart health and lower cholesterol. It has also been used to improve symptoms of diabetes. It is also used to manage niacin deficiency. Vitamin B3 can be taken as a pill or powder. It can also be applied as a cream or oil and has been used to improve acne and signs of aging. It can also be injected into the bloodstream by a healthcare provider.

What Research Shows

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use vitamin B3 on the skin and to take it orally in small doses for a short time, but face and body flushing is likely and stomach upset may also happen. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take large amounts of vitamin B3.

• People with heart, liver, endocrine, metabolic, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, liver, and kidney problems should talk to their doctor before taking vitamin B3.
• People with blood disorders should talk to their doctors before taking vitamin B3.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse such as:

• Taking vitamin B3 while using nicotine may cause dizziness.
• People with high cholesterol or high blood pressure should talk to their doctors before taking vitamin B3. It may interact with their medicines.