TL;DR:
Niacin (vitamin B3) helps your body turn food into energy, supports heart and brain health, and improves circulation. It’s one of the best-studied nutrients for healthy cholesterol and blood flow.

What Is Niacin?

Niacin (vitamin B3) is one of the essential B vitamins your body needs every day. It helps turn food into energy and supports your nervous system, brain, and heart. You get niacin from foods like chicken, fish, seeds, and whole grains — or from supplements.

Niacin and Heart Health

Niacin can help improve cholesterol levels — raising “good” HDL and lowering “bad” LDL and triglycerides. Studies show it can help support healthy circulation and blood vessel function, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Niacin and Energy

Inside your cells, niacin helps make NAD — a compound that turns nutrients into usable energy. NAD also helps repair DNA and supports the body’s natural defenses against aging and stress.

Flushing and Safety

Some people feel a warm flush or redness after taking niacin — that’s normal and harmless. The “flush-free” or “sustained-release” types can be easier on your skin but should be used carefully since very high doses may affect the liver. Work with doctors trained in natural healthcare for safe use.

Other Possible Benefits

Research suggests niacin may also:

  • Support healthy blood sugar balance

  • Help with circulation-related issues (like erectile dysfunction)

  • Support brain and nerve function

Bottom Line

Niacin is a powerful but often overlooked nutrient that helps keep your heart, brain, and metabolism running smoothly.

For Practitioners: Want to see the full research, citations, and clinical data?
Read the detailed review here: Niacin: Clinical Research, Safety, and Therapeutic Benefits

FAQ: Niacin Basics

Q: What does niacin do for the body?
A: Niacin (vitamin B3) helps turn food into energy, supports healthy cholesterol and circulation, and plays a role in brain and nerve function.

Q: What causes the “niacin flush”?
A: The flush is a warm, red feeling on the skin caused by temporary widening of small blood vessels. It’s usually harmless and fades within an hour, but it can feel uncomfortable.

Q: Can I get enough niacin from food?
A: Most people can meet their basic niacin needs with a balanced diet that includes poultry, fish, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Higher, therapeutic doses should only be used with guidance from a healthcare professional.

Q: Is niacin safe to take every day?
A: Normal dietary amounts are safe for most people. High-dose supplements—especially sustained-release or “no-flush” forms—should be used only under medical supervision, because they can affect the liver in some individuals.