Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B3 (mixed)
For the health condition: Alcoholism
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin B3, which includes niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide), has been traditionally used in the context of alcoholism, largely based on anecdotal evidence and the practices of orthomolecular medicine proponents such as Dr. Abram Hoffer. Historically, chronic alcohol use is known to cause deficiencies in several B vitamins, including B3, due to poor diet and impaired absorption. Supplementing with B vitamins, including B3, is considered important in the general management of individuals with alcohol use disorder to address these deficiencies and help prevent complications such as pellagra (a disease caused by severe niacin deficiency). However, the direct use of Vitamin B3 as a treatment specifically for alcoholism (i.e., to reduce alcohol cravings, prevent relapse, or treat alcohol dependence itself) is based more on traditional and anecdotal practices rather than robust clinical evidence. Some early small studies and case reports suggested potential benefits, but large, well-controlled trials are lacking. Current mainstream medical guidelines recommend B vitamin supplementation primarily to address or prevent deficiency in alcohol-dependent individuals, not as a primary therapy for alcohol dependence itself.
Other ingredients used for Alcoholism
amino acidsashwagandha
beta caryophyllene
branched-chain amino acids
daidzin
eleuthero
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
kudzu
magnesium
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
silymarin
thiamin (vitamin B1)
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
zinc
shen-chu
Agrimony
Agmatine
BCAA
Caryophyllene
Cactus
Dihydromyricetin
Devil's Club
Prickly Pear Cactus