A recent study by Jung-hoo Lee showed that inadequate intake of Vitamin B3 raised the odds of gum disease by 1.25 times . The association of vitamin B3 with periodontitis (gum disease) was stronger in females and participants aged 40-59 years.

Niacin is needed by your cells to convert glucose into the usable energy molecule ATP in a process called cellular respiration ( that is how your cells actually use oxygen!), and one glucose molecule can make 30-32 ATP molecules.  ATP molecules are then used by your body to power life’s chemical processes. 

The major source of vitamin B3 in your diet is whole grain cereals and legumes and nuts and meats. Refined cereals have had their vitamin content reduced through the milling process, and so they are often enriched with extra niacin.

Deficiency in niacin was common in previous centuries and this was the cause of skin conditions, intestinal disorders, and psychiatric conditions, as well as decreased natural immunity to infection. 

Deficiency in niacin is more common in poor people that always eat the same kind of food that is low in natural niacin. 

As a bonus, supplementing with niacin will also lower cholesterol levels, particularly triglycerides in the blood, and is helpful to protect the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin from diabetic damage. 

How to take vitamin B3 ( Niacin):

Since vitamin B3 is soluble in water and rapidly eliminated from the body, it is best to take it in three divided doses to get the maximum benefit. Capsules containing 50mg, 250mg, and 500mg of niacin are available and it  is best to start with a lower dose.  Nausea and vomiting is a sign of too much niacin, and it that case the dose should be reduced. 

The most annoying part of taking niacin is the niacin flush, and this could be reduced by taking the niacin with meals.  Niacin flush reduces with time and usually will go away with continued use. 

Yes, your cheeks will turn red and it is harmless.  Screen actors used to take niacin before an emotional scene to simulate a dramatic effect like anger due to the flushing it causes!

If you are unable to tolerate the flush, then you can consider the non-flush version of niacin (Inositol Hexanicotinate)

More details in this article:

Lee J-H, Lee S-A, Kim H-D. Periodontitis and intake of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin among Korean adults. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2020; 48: 21–31.

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