Vitamin B-Complex

At Work in Biochemical Reactions

More than 50 body processes, from releasing energy from food to making hormones and detoxifying chemicals, all depend on niacin. As with many of the other B vitamins, niacin is also involved in energy production and a whole host of other chemical reactions through its derivatives. The normal physiologic role of niacin is as a component of enzymes that are involved in the oxidation-reduction reactions needed for respiration in tissues.

Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) is rapidly becoming one of the substances of choice for promoting healthy levels of cholesterol.* Vitamin B3 has been conclusively found to promote a healthy balance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (unhealthy cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (healthy cholesterol).*

Niacin may also promote the health of airway systems and joints in the body.* This is most likely because of niacin’s ability to help prevent histamine release, a biochemical normally released in the body during allergic reactions. Due to this fact, niacin has also been suggested by some studies to promote normal range of motion and promote joint health.* Another novel use of niacin has been to counter occasional sleeplessness.* It has proven to be a sleep enhancer.* The nutrient activates certain receptors in the brain that affect sleep.

Scientific References

Alderman JD, Pasternak RC, Sacks FM, et al. Effect of a modified, well-dash niacin regimen on serum total cholesterol, high density lipoporotein cholesterol and the cholesterol to high density lipoprotein ratio. Am. J. Cardiol. 64: 725-729. 1989.

Balabolkin II. Gordeeva GF. Fuseva ED. Dzhunelov AB. Kalugina OL. Khamidova MM. [Use of vitamins in allergic illnesses in children]. [Russian] Voprosy Meditsinskoi Khimii. 38(5):36-40, 1992 Sep-Oct.

Cohen L and J Morgan, Effectiveness of individualized long-term therapy with niacin and probucol in reduction of serum cholesterol. J. Fam. Pract. 26:145-150.1988.

Crouse JR. New developments in the use of niacin for treatment of hyperlipidemia: New considerations in the use of an old drug. Coronary Artery Disease. 7:321-326. 1996.

Dipalma JR and R McMichael. Assessing the value of meganutrients in disease. Bull NY Acad Med. 58:252-262. 1982.

Donowitz M, Wicks J and GW Sharp. Drug therapy for diarrheal diseases: A look ahead. REV Infect. Dis. 8(Suppl.2):s188-s201. 1986.

Elam MB. Hunninghake DB. Davis KB. Garg R. Johnson C. Egan D. Kostis JB. Sheps DS. Brinton EA. Effect of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: the ADMIT study: A randomized trial. Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial. JAMA. 284(10):1263-70, 2000 Sep 13.

Figge HL, Figge J, Souney PF, et al. Nicotinic Acid: A review of its clinical use in the treatment of lipid disorders. Pharmacotherapy. 8:287-294. 1988.

Gerras C, et al. The Encyclopedia of Common Diseases. Rodale Press. St. Emmaus,PA. p.522-525. 1976.

Gotto AM Jr. The new cholesterol education imperative and some comments on niacin [editorial]. American Journal of Cardiology. 81(4):492-4, 1998 Feb 15.

Gotto AM, Bierman EL, Connor WE, et al. Recommendations for treatment of hyperlipidemia in adults: A joint statement of the nutrition committee and the council on arteriosclerosis. Circulation. 69:1067a-1090a. 1984.

Guyton JR. Effect of niacin on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. [Review] [12 refs] American Journal of Cardiology. 82(12A):18U-23U; discussion 39U-41U, 1998 Dec 17.

Hoffer, Abram, Ph.D., M.D. Orthomolecular Medicine for Physicians. Keats Publishing. New Canaan, CT. p.156. 1989.

Hoogwerf BJ, Bantle JP, Kuba K, et al. Treatment of Type II Hyperlipoproteinemia with Four Different Treatment Regimens. Atherosclerosis. 51:251-259. 1984.

Knopp RH, Ginsberg J, Albers JJ, et al. Contrasting effect of unmodified and time-release forms of niacin on lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic subjects: clues to mechanism of action of niacin. Metabolism. 34:642-650. 1985.

Marks BD, Marks AD, and CM Smith. Basic Medical Biochemistry: A Clinical Approach. Lippincot Williams and Wilkins. Philadelphia. 1996.

Murray MF. Niacin as a potential AIDS preventive factor. Medical Hypotheses. 53(5):375-9, 1999 Nov.

O’Keefe JH. Harris WS. Nicotinic acid—the underused ally in the fight against coronary disease [comment]. [Review] [28 refs] Journal of Cardiovascular Risk. 4(3):161-3, 1997 Jun.

Rabbani GH, Butler T, Bardhan PK, et al. Reduction of fluid-loss in cholera by nicotinic acid: A randomized controlled trial period. Lancet. 2:1439-1442. 1983.

Schaefer EJ and RI Levy. Pathogenesis and management of lipoprotein disorders. N. Engl. J. Med. 312:1300-1310. 1985.

Sposito AC. Caramelli B. Serrano CV Jr. Mansur AP. Ramires JA. Effect of niacin and etofibrate association on subjects with coronary artery disease and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 35 mg/dl. American Journal of Cardiology. 83(1):98-100, A8, 1999 Jan 1.

Wiersum, J, M.D. Vitamin for Migraine, Meniere’s. Cortlandt Forum. V.97. February 1991.

Yovos GJ, Pattl ST, Falko JM, et al. Effects of nicotinic acid therapy on plasma lipoproteins in very low density lipoprotein apoprotein C subspecies in hyperlipoproteinemia. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metabol. 54:1210-1215. 1982.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.