Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating depression, but the evidence supporting its use is limited and largely inconclusive. Niacinamide is involved in numerous biochemical pathways, including the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme critical for cellular energy metabolism and neuronal function. Some studies have explored the relationship between B-vitamin deficiencies and mood disorders, with a few small-scale observational studies suggesting that low levels of B vitamins, including niacin, may be associated with depressive symptoms. However, these studies do not establish causation, and supplementation has not been consistently shown to improve depressive symptoms in randomized controlled trials.

Historically, severe niacin deficiency leads to pellagra, a disease characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, with psychiatric symptoms that can include depression and confusion. Treating pellagra with niacin reverses these symptoms, but this scenario is rare in developed countries and is not representative of typical depression. Modern clinical guidelines for depression do not recommend niacinamide supplementation except in cases of documented deficiency. Most authoritative reviews conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of niacinamide as a treatment for depression in the general population.

In summary, while there is a biological rationale and historical precedent in deficiency states, current scientific evidence supporting niacinamide supplementation for depression in otherwise healthy individuals is weak. More rigorous, large-scale studies are needed before it can be recommended for this purpose.

More about Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
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acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
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cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
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choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
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pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
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cola nut
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jasmine
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Products containing Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.