Vitamin B-3 essentially comes in two forms: niacin (or nicotinic acid) and niacinamide and both possess the same vitamin activity in the body. Some people prefer to take niacinamide because niacin can cause flushing, itching, burning, and tingling sensations whereas niacinamide does not. However, niacin, not niacinamide, is recommended for circulatory problems, and it has greater cholesterol and triglyceride lowering properties. Niacin (also called nicotinic acid) is a vitamin that is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Small amounts are usually included in "one-a-day" vitamin supplements. However, when given in large amounts, niacin has a drug-like effect on blood cholesterol levels. It seems to inhibit the secretion of cholesterol from the liver into the circulation, and also increases the amount of high density lipoprotein, the so-called 'good cholesterol'.
Another novel use of niacin is to treat schizophrenia. World-renowned author and researcher, Dr. Abram Hoffer, uses very high doses of niacin to treat schizophrenia with good results. The greatest concern when taking high levels of niacin is the harmless flush experienced by some.
