Niacinamide is one of the water-soluble B-complex vitamins. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is also known as Vitamin B-3. When an amide molecule attaches itself to niacin, it becomes niacinamide. One major difference is that in doses exceeding 50 mg, niacin typically produces flushing of the skin. Niacin and niacinamide also have different applications. It its niacinamide form, it is useful in arthritis and early-onset type I diabetes; niacin is an effective reducer of high cholesterol levels.
VitaminB-3 is important for many reasons, but especially for its striking effect upon the circulatory and nervous systems. Niacinamide is very important for brain metabolism. Studies done with Vitamin B3 show that Niacinamide is instrumental in relieving symptoms of schizophrenia such as paranoia and hallucinations; Vitamin B3 has helped elderly patients regain mental clarity; because it dilates blood vessels, niacinamide brings more oxygen to the brain. Niacinamide has helped insomniacs because of its sleep-inducing qualities. Niacinamide dilates the blood vessels, it helps remove lipids from arterial walls. Vitamin B-3 has been used to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and legs cramps of the elderly. Niacinamide is also a digestive aid. Niacinamide helps stabilize blood sugar, and has been used to treat acne. Niacinamide has also been extremely beneficial to arthritis sufferers. Niacinamide is one of the most stable of the B vitamins. Vtiamin B-3 is resistant to the effects of heat, light, air, acid, and alkali. Vitamin B-3 helps increase energy through improving food utilization and has been used beneficially for treating fatigue, irritability, and digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Niacinamide may also stimulate extra hydrochloric acid production. Niacinamide needs are increased during pregnancy, lactation, and growth periods, as well as after physical exercise. Stress, illness, and tissue injury also increase the body's need for Vitamin B-3.