Niacin in Energy Drinks – Is it a Stimulant or Nootropic?

Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, Nicotinic Acid, and has two additional forms, Niacinamide (Nicotinamide) and Inositol Hexanicotinate. It is an organic compound and normally included as one of the 80 essential human nutrients.

You will find Niacin in a number of multivitamins, energy drinks like Red Bull, 5 Hour Energy and Monster and it is also a common component of nootropic stacks.

While Niacin is not the most powerful cognitive enhancer available, it is known to improve mental energy, focus and alertness. The popular nootropic supplement Picamilon breaks down into Niacin and GABA when it reaches your brain.

Niacin is also one of the 5 vitamins that, when lacking in the human diet, is associated with a pandemic deficiency disease (pellagra). The supplement has also been used for over 50 years to help increase levels of HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) in the blood. It has also been found to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.

Niacin is a colorless and water-soluble solid vitamin. It is derived from pyridine and normally used to help convert food into fuel and energy. This supplement is also useful in helping the body use fats and proteins, as well as helping the nervous system to function properly.

There is also evidence suggesting that Niacin (along with additional B-complex vitamins) are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. Niacin also assists in the synthesis of various sex and stress related hormones, primarily in the adrenal glands. It also helps to improve circulation.

Niacin

Vitamin B3 Supplement

Heart Health

Blood Lipids

Energy

How It Works:

• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Supports proper metabolic functioning
• Promotes heart & nervous system health

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Why is Niacin in Energy Drinks?

Niacin is commonly found in energy drink such as Red Bull. It is also widely used as a pre-workout supplement, but it is not a typical stimulant.

Niacin works through a series of complex biological and mechanical processes within the body.

While it is not a direct precursor of Nicotinamide, both substances are actually precursors to NAD and NADP. These (NAD and NADP) are vital in a number of hydrogen transfer processes in the body including the catabolism of fat, carbohydrate, protein, alcohol.

It is interesting to note that Niacin actually binds to and stimulates a specific type of protein, known as GPR109A. This protein causes the inhibition of fat breakdown in adipose tissue. As a result of blocking this process it causes a decrease in free fatty acids in the blood, which decreases liver secretions of cholesterol (lowering LDL levels).

It is also critically important in cell signaling and DNA repair. Whenever there is a deficiency in any of these supplements or substances, high energy requirement organs like the brain and high turnover rate organs such as the gut and skin are most at risk.

Furthermore, Niacin is a cerebral vasodilator, increasing blood flow to the brain. This has the effect of supplying your brain cells with more oxygen and glucose which can then be used to make ATP – the primary energy currency of the brain.

As a vasodilator, Niacin also helps to flush out toxins and improves the removal of waste products from your neurons. This ensures that your brain cells are functioning at optimal levels and are properly maintained with the necessary nutrients.

Niacin is also vital in the production of steroid hormones, especially within the adrenal gland.

Niacin Benefits for Energy & Brain Function

One of the most important and well-known benefits (and uses) of Niacin supplementation is lowering elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

This works best in individuals who have elevated levels; the supplement does not seem to be particularly effective if LDL levels are already fairly close to normal. When using Niacin for this purpose it is also important to carefully follow the recommended dosage guidelines.

There is some evidence to suggest that Niacin may be beneficial in helping to fight against atherosclerosis and heart disease. One study indicates that taking Niacin in combination with Colestipol helps to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis in people with heart disease (they also had fewer heart attacks and deaths).

Another study combined Niacin with Zocor. The results indicated that this supplement combination can help to lower the risk of having a first heart attack or stroke. Even taking Niacin alone has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, especially second heart attacks.

There are also some interesting effects of Niacin upon Diabetes. Type I Diabetes is a condition where the immune system targets and attacks cells in the pancreas that make insulin, eventually destroying them. Niacin has been shown to help protect these cells, at least for a time.

This supplement also is known to help reduce fats and cholesterol levels in the body, which can be beneficial for those with Type II Diabetes. However, it may also raise blood sugar levels, so be sure to check with your doctor.

The most promising nootropic benefits of Niacin are related to mental energy, motivation, and concentration.

By increasing energy output in the brain, Niacin can have a positive effect on overall cognitive performance. This supplement may help you stay focused for long periods of time and combat fatigue during draining tasks. Niacin also has some neuroprotective benefits that can improve the health of your neurons and supporting cells.

Niacin Dosage

The dosage recommendations for Niacin are all over the map depend upon the purpose of supplementation in the first place.

For example, a child suffering from Niacin deficiency would be directed to take up to 16 mg per day. On the other hand, an adult suffering from the same thing would probably be using 50 to 100 mg three to four times a day.

Generally, however, one should never take more than 500 mg of Niacin in a single day. It is strongly advised that new users start off with the lowest effective dose, which might mean beginning in the range of 10 to 25 mg per day. The dosage may be split into several different administrations throughout the day, as well.

As a nootropic, more people will use Picamilon for their Niacin supply instead of taking Niacin itself. This has to do with how nutrients are transported across the blood-brain barrier. Picamilon is known for targeting the brain more efficiently and therefore can lead to a greater magnitude of cognitive benefits.

Picamilon is essentially a supplement made of the neurotransmitter GABA combined with Niacin. When it enters into the Central Nervous System, it is broken down into these constituents and has a mood enhancing effect, known to reduce anxiety levels while also being somewhat stimulating.

Side Effects & Dangers

There are some side effects which have been associated with Niacin usage. The most common of these is called the Niacin ‘flush,’ which includes a burning, tingling sensation in the face and chest, and red or flushed skin. The best way to help reduce or eliminate this is by taking an aspirin 30 minutes before the Niacin.

At higher doses (such as would likely be required to fight high cholesterol and other conditions) this may lead to stomach ulcers and possible liver damage. People with a history of kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and liver disease should avoid Niacin supplementation.

User Reviews

Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is a supplement that can offer significant benefits if used properly. You consume Niacin on a daily basis in many common foods and energy-boosting produces like Red Bull. Even though it is not the strongest nootropic you can buy today, it does do a good job of complementing other nootropics to improve focus, alertness and energy.

If you are planning to use a particularly high dosage of this supplement, pay attention to the warnings and consult with a doctor first, if you have Diabetes, kidney, or liver issues.

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