Vitamin B3 or niacin is a supplement 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 has 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)
| class | Free medicine |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefit | Overcoming the deficiency of vitamin B3 or pellagra, lowering cholesterol levels |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been 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 |
Precautions 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 history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, blood disorders , hypotension, biliary disease, glaucoma , electrolyte imbalance, hypothyroidism , gout, angina , or diabetes .
- Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from alcohol addiction .
- 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.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking vitamin B3.
Dosage and Rules for Using Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Here are the doses of vitamin B3 for children and adults based on their intended use:
Purpose : Overcoming and preventing vitamin B3 deficiency
- Adults: 300–500 mg per day, divided into several doses.
- Children: 100–300 mg per day, divided into several doses.
Purpose: Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood
- Adult: Initial dose of 250 mg once daily. Dosage can be increased every 4-7 days until cholesterol levels fall. The maximum dose is 6 grams per day.
Nutrition Adequacy Rate (RDA) of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
The daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) for vitamin B3 varies, depending on the patient's age, sex, and health condition. The following is the daily RDA for vitamin B3:
- Age 0–6 months: 2 mg per day
- Ages 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: 16 mg per day
- Women >14 years: 14 mg per day
- Pregnant women: 18 mg per day
- Nursing mothers: 17 mg per day
How to Take Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Properly
Always follow the doctor 's advice and read the instructions on the drug packaging before taking vitamin B3. Do not take more than the recommended dose of vitamin B3.
Vitamin B3 is taken after meals. Swallow the 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. These supplements and multivitamins are only additional intake.
Store vitamin B3 at room temperature, in a dry place, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Interaction of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) with Other Drugs
Vitamin B3 can cause drug interaction effects when used with certain drugs, including:
- Increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis if used with statin drugs, such as atorvastatin , cerivastatin, iovastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, or simvastatin
- Increased risk of liver damage when used with lopitamide, leflunomide, mipomersen, pexidartinib, teriflunomide
- Reduces the effectiveness of allopurinol
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelets
- Increases the risk of side effects of vitamin B3 when used with zinc
- Affects blood sugar levels when used with antidiabetic drugs
- Increased risk of developing hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
If consumed according to doctor's recommendations and the rules for use, vitamin B3 supplements rarely cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can occur after taking vitamin B3 are burning sensation and redness in the face ( flushing ), 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 consult a doctor if you experience the side effects mentioned above or experience an allergic drug reaction after taking vitamin B3.