Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that can provide a variety of health benefits when taken as a supplement. It can help relieve the discomforts of arthritis and asthma. People with diabetes may benefit from taking it, and it is even thought to help prevent the onset of type I diabetes. Another of the potential benefits of niacinamide is reduction of anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, and it may also help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Skin conditions like acne and rosacea, as well as the effects of aging like wrinkles, may improve with the use of niacinamide.
One of the main benefits is the relief of arthritis. Studies have shown that people who take it as a supplement can show a marked reduction in symptoms of the disease. For some, it may be a useful alternative to taking nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain-relieving drugs.
Improvement of asthma symptoms is another of the possible benefits of niacinamide. Taking it has been shown to decrease both mast cell degranulation and histamine release, which can exacerbate the condition. Therefore, asthmatics may want to try adding the supplement to their diet.
Diabetics may also benefit from taking niacinamide. It is thought to help improve insulin production and also to decrease insulin insensitivity. Those who are prone to the early onset of type I diabetes may also be less likely to develop it if they take niacinamide.
Another of the benefits of niacinamide is its use in reducing psychological distress. People who are stressed, anxious, or depressed may be able to reduce these feelings by taking a supplement, particularly if they are the result of a deficiency of the nutrient. Niacinamide has also been shown to help insomniacs sleep better.
Niacinamide is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can be of particular benefit to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, especially early in the diseases, as it helps reduce inflammation in the brain that can contribute to these conditions. It may also reduce levels of a protein that causes lesions in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
The benefits of niacinamide for treating skin conditions are also extensive. It can be applied as a gel to treat acne. Studies have shown that it may also help in the treatment of rosacea. Thought to have anti-aging properties, it may help to improve the appearance of fine lines, sallowing, and wrinkles in the skin.