Vitamin B3 - An Extraordinary Vitamin for Your Health (Part 2)

In the part one, we discussed the basic forms of vitamin B3, its impact on cholesterol, and the typical side effects of niacin use. Now let’s look at further benefits and practical aspects of its application.

Vitamin B3, the Nervous System, and Chronic Diseases

Vitamin B3 has strong neuroprotective effects, meaning it protects the entire nervous system. Medical practice has shown that its use:

• May help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, in some cases leading to complete remission when taken in gram-level doses daily.

• Supports protection against strokes, heart attacks, and sepsis.

Practical examples from Dr. Hoffer’s patients show that the body’s reaction to niacin, such as skin flushing, can indicate optimal vitamin saturation. In some cases, this effect only appears after months or even years of therapy.

High Doses and Safety

Cases of extreme doses (e.g., 11 g taken at once by a patient with schizophrenia) have shown that healthy individuals can tolerate much higher amounts of vitamin B3 while remaining fully conscious and with stable vital signs. However, using high doses above 2 g per day should only be done under the supervision of a doctor familiar with the mechanisms of this vitamin.

Impact on Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism

Some publications warn that niacin “raises blood sugar.” In medical practice:

• This effect is usually temporary and minor, and can be corrected with minimal insulin dose adjustments.

• Vitamin B3 may help protect diabetic patients from complications such as vision loss or foot amputations by improving lipid levels.

Interactions with Other Vitamins and Supplements

• Vitamin B3 works best alongside other B vitamins, so high-quality “B Complex” preparations are recommended.

• Supplementing with vitamin C (200-400 mg daily) and selenium may reduce the intensity of skin flushing.

Additional Benefits and Uses

• May support detoxification and addiction treatment, including alcoholism.

• Potentially plays a role in cancer prevention during chemo- or radiotherapy.

• Protects against anaphylactic shock in people highly sensitive to allergens.

• Helps reduce xanthomas (skin deposits) and other lipid-related skin changes.

Practical Recommendations

• Start with small doses (50-100 mg of niacin) with a meal, preferably once a day.

• Gradually increase the dose while monitoring the body’s reactions.

• For preventative use, 500-1000 mg daily is sufficient.

• At doses above 1-1.5 g, it is worth monitoring liver enzymes (ALT, AST).

• Remember that skin flushing is normal and not a contraindication for continued use.

It is also worth noting that since 2020, regulations have limited vitamin B3 in supplements to 16 mg - which effectively prevents many people from accessing effective doses in practice.

Vitamin B3 is a supplement with enormous health potential: safe, natural, and effective when used wisely and gradually. It deserves closer attention, as it can transform how we care for cardiovascular, neurological, and immune health.

Source: Jerzy Zięba, Hidden Therapies