What it does: It enables the body to create cellular energy from food and supports normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, nerve health, and healthy skin.
How it is used: Supplement users often take niacin to support cardiovascular health, promote energy metabolism, and maintain neural and skin function, especially when dietary intake is insufficient.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Niacin is found in foods such as meats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and fortified cereals. As a supplement, it usually appears as nicotinic acid or niacinamide tablets, capsules, or powders.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Its ability to support energy conversion and cholesterol balance makes it valuable for general wellness, heart health, and for people with low dietary niacin.
What to know before use: High supplemental doses may cause temporary skin flushing, and long-term use of high doses can impact liver health—consult a healthcare provider before starting high-dose niacin.
Niacin: Found in Everyday Foods Like Peanuts and Tuna
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a nutrient your body needs every day but can’t produce in large amounts on its own. You can find niacin naturally in common foods like peanuts, tuna, and chicken. It’s included in many supplement formulas because it helps convert the food you eat into energy your body can use.
