Significant deficiency in Niacin levels brought about by certain medical conditions or poor diet has been shown to be associated with the development of symptoms such as diarrhea and skin peeling. Although the nutrient is needed by the body in relatively low levels for regulation of various bodily conditions, experts have found that the role of Niacin is very important. In order to increase Niacin levels and help maintain the body’s homeostasis, Niacinamide, a special form of Vitamin B3 or Niacin, has been developed and is intended to be included in health supplement formulations. Many studies have been conducted for several years to establish health effects of Niacinamide supplementation and in the past decade, experts have established that the most accepted health benefit of using the compound is the prevention of Acne development.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also popularly referred to as Nicotinamide, is a form of Vitamin B3. The natural form Niacin can be taken from various food sources while Niacinamide is usually derived from dietary supplements. Although claimed to be as useful as Niacin, Niacinamide, according to experts, has no effects whatsoever in terms of fat and cholesterol level regulation. This means that it cannot be used as a replacement of Niacin as a treatment for high cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia. In many other aspects, however, the health benefits of using Niacinamide are similar to that of the natural Vitamin B3. The mechanisms of action of Niacinamide are mostly published in various health news publications. No safety issues are associated with Niacinamide supplementation, except that it may become toxic to the human body in very high doses.
Health benefits of using Niacinamide
Many product developers include Niacinamide in health supplement formulations but some other manufacturers have developed beauty products with Niacinamide as it is said to prevent Acne development. The following are some of the claimed health uses of taking Niacinamide supplements:
- It may reduce skin inflammations
Inflammatory conditions affecting the skin and the integumentary system as a whole are said to be treated effectively with Niacinamide supplementation. Niacinamide target skin cells and effectively reduce swelling brought about by various factors including infection and breaks in the integrity of the skin. In oral form, Niacinamide effectively works from internal skin layers before the surface layers.
- It may help treat Diabetes
While researches say that Niacinamide has no effect in cholesterol regulation, specific quantitative studies reveal that it has certain effects in treating Diabetes Mellitus brought about by unhealthy diet. There are no exact explanations as to how this observation has developed but some experts say that it may be associated with insulin production.
- It may help prevent mental health conditions
Physicians also recommend the use of Niacinamide supplements for purposes of treating and preventing various mental health conditions such as Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. This health claim, however, is not recognized by the FDA.
Conclusion
Niacinamide may also be taken from food sources. As such, it is safe for use and very effective.
