Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in cellular energy production, nervous system function, lipid metabolism, and overall metabolic health. It serves as a precursor for NAD+ and NADP+, molecules required for hundreds of biochemical reactions throughout the body.

Niacin is commonly used in integrative medicine to support cardiovascular health, brain function, healthy cholesterol balance, and cellular energy metabolism.

Potential Benefits

• Supports healthy lipid metabolism
• May help increase HDL ("good") cholesterol
• Supports brain and nervous system function
• Promotes cellular energy production
• Supports healthy circulation
• Helps maintain cognitive function
• Supports mitochondrial health
• Contributes to overall metabolic balance
• Serves as a precursor for NAD+ production

How It Works

• Supports the production of NAD+ and NADP+
• Participates in cellular energy metabolism
• Helps regulate cholesterol and lipid pathways
• Supports healthy blood flow and circulation
• Contributes to nervous system and brain function

Why It Is Helpful in AN Protocol

For autistic children and adults, as well as individuals with PANS/PANDAS and neuroimmune disorders:

• Supports cellular energy production
• Helps maintain healthy neurological function
• Supports cognitive performance and brain metabolism
• May contribute to healthy lipid balance
• Supports mitochondrial and metabolic function
• May help reduce fatigue associated with metabolic dysfunction

Key Mechanism

Niacin supports health primarily through:

• NAD+ production
• Cellular energy metabolism
• Lipid regulation
• Nervous system support
• Brain metabolic function

Suggested Use

Typical dose: 500 mg daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Important

• Some forms of niacin may cause temporary flushing, warmth, redness, or tingling of the skin.
• Taking niacin with food may improve tolerability.
• Liver function should be monitored during long-term use of higher doses.
• Different forms of Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, Nicotinamide Riboside) have different metabolic effects.