Vitamin B3 or niacin is a supplement that is used to treat a deficiency (deficiency) of vitamin B3 or pellagra. In addition, this supplement can also be used in the treatment of dyslipidemia.
The need for vitamin B3 can actually be met by regularly consuming milk, rice, eggs, whole wheat bread, fish, lean meat, nuts, yeast, and green vegetables. However, when a person is malnourished, addicted to alcohol, or a carcinoid tumor, the risk for vitamin B3 deficiency increases.
Niacin plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, nerve cells, and the digestive system. In lowering cholesterol levels, vitamin B3 works by reducing the production of proteins that transport cholesterol in the blood. Vitamin B3 is water soluble so it is excreted in the urine and cannot be stored in the body.
Vitamin B3 trademarks: Dipa Vibez C 500, Hemaviton Action, Ififort C, Nutrimax B Complex
What Is Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefit | Overcoming vitamin B3 deficiency or pellagra, lower cholesterol levels |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules |
Warning Before Taking Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B3 should not be used carelessly. The following are things you should pay attention to before taking vitamin B3:
- Do not take vitamin B3 if you are allergic to this supplement. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart disease, liver disease, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, blood disorder, hypotension, biliary disease, glaucoma, electrolyte imbalance, hypothyroidism, gout, angina, or diabetes.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from alcoholism.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking vitamin B3.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Here are the dosages of vitamin B3 for children and adults based on their intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming and preventing vitamin B3 deficiency
- Mature:300–500 mg per day, divided into several consumption schedules.
- Children: 100–300 mg per day, divided into several consumption schedules.
Purpose: Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood
- Mature: Initial dose 250 mg, once a day. The dose can be increased every 4-7 days until cholesterol levels fall. The maximum dose is 6 grams per day.
Nutritional Adequacy Rate (RDA) Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
The daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) for vitamin B3 varies, depending on the patient's age, gender, and health condition. The following is the daily RDA for vitamin B3:
- Age 0–6 months: 2 mg per day
- Age 7–12 months: 4 mg per day
- Ages 1-3 years: 6 mg per day
- Ages 4–8 years: 8 mg per day
- Ages 9–13 years: 12 mg per day
- Male >14 years old: 16 mg per day
- Women >14 years old: 14 mg per day
- Pregnant mother: 18 mg per day
- Breastfeeding mothers: 17 mg per day
How to Take Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Correctly
Always follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking vitamin B3. Do not take vitamin B3 more than the recommended dose.
Vitamin B3 is taken after meals. Swallow vitamin B3 tablets or capsules whole with the help of a glass of water.
Intake of vitamin B3 from supplements and multivitamins cannot replace intake from food. Supplements and multivitamins are only additional intake.
Store vitamin B3 at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight.
Interaction of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) with Other Drugs
Vitamin B3 can cause drug interactions when used with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis if used with statin drugs, such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, iovastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin
- Increases risk of liver failure when used with lopitamide, leflunomide, mipomersen, pexdartinib, teriflunomide
- Decreases the effectiveness of allopurinol
- Increases risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents
- Increases risk of vitamin B3 side effects when used with zinc
- Affects blood sugar levels when used with antidiabetic drugs
- Increases risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
If taken according to the doctor's recommendations and the rules for use, vitamin B3 supplements rarely cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can appear after taking vitamin B3 are a burning sensation and redness on the face (flush), bloating, stomach pain, dizziness, or pain around the mouth.
If consumed in excessive doses, vitamin B3 can cause gout, increased blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, stomach ulcers, and even blindness.
Immediately see a doctor if you experience the side effects mentioned above or experience an allergic reaction to drugs after taking vitamin B3.