Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide)
What is this known for?
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential B-vitamin that primarily contributes to cardiovascular health. However, the effects of niacin have also been theorized to extend to growth and cognition through increased NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels.
Why are we using it in Power On?
Function #1: Vitamin B3 is a crucial ingredient for producing brain energy (ATP).
Vitamin B3 is a precursor to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy production. ATP is the source of energy that your body uses to keep everything going and functioning. It is the biochemical way to store and use energy – it is the primary energy carrier in all living beings.
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. doi:10.3390/nu8020068.
Function #2: Vitamin B3 is a crucial ingredient for producing NAD, which is another important energy source
Vitamin B3 is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) that helps generate energy and support vital processes in the body. NAD+ is also a key co-enzyme in the production of brain energy (ATP), and many brain cell functions are dependant on Vitamin B3 derived nucleotides such as NAD+.
Rennie G, Chen A, Dhillon H, Vardy J, Damian D. Nicotinamide and neurocognitive function. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2014;18(5):193-200. doi:10.1179/1476830514y.0000000112.
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. doi:10.3390/nu8020068.
Function #3: Vitamin B3 helps support neurotransmitter production
Vitamin B3 also affects cognitive function by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Vitamin B3 is required for producing NAD and NADH, which is in turn needed for dopamine production. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known for its role in cognition and attention.
Wakade C, Chong R. A novel treatment target for Parkinson's disease. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2014;347(1-2):34-38. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2014.10.024.
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. doi:10.3390/nu8020068.
Why this form?
The niacin form has a high side effect profile, including uncomfortable redness and itching sensation of the skin, even at relatively low doses for some people. This water soluble form, niacinamide, is safe and efficacious.
Can be found in:
Milk, eggs, rice, fish, beef, turkey, chicken, legumes, and peanuts