Contrary to its name, nicotinic acid has almost nothing to do with tobacco nicotine. The first is useful for humans, and the second is a dangerous poison, an alkaloid. To avoid confusion in definitions, let's just say that nicotinic acid is also called "niacin", or vitamin PP. What role does this substance play in the body, reviews of nicotinic acid, its use in medicine, cosmetology and sports - you can read below.
How, by whom and why was niacin discovered
For centuries, in countries where the basis of nutrition is corn grains (Italy, Spain, Argentina), people suffered from pellagra. To date, scientists have managed to almost completely eradicate this disease. A great contribution to the study of the causes of pellagra disease was made by scientists Funk and Goldberger. They admitted the existence of a certain substance, whichmakes people sick. In addition, in 1914, R. N. Funk noticed that pellagra suffers mainly from poor people, whose diet contains a lot of corn, but almost completely lacks milk, meat, and eggs. It became clear that mostly people get sick, in the diet of which there is not enough of a certain component.
In 1937, nicotinic acid was first synthesized in the laboratory. Since then, a lot of time has passed and today the usual niacin can be purchased at every pharmacy.
What is nicotinic acid prescribed for?
Doctors prescribe a course of vitamin PP for the following diseases:
- chronic diseases of the liver and gallbladder (cirrhosis, hepatitis of various etiologies, cholecystitis, cholestasis, fatty and other hepatoses);
- osteoarthritis;
- prevention and treatment of pellagra;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine;
- neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease);
- psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne and other skin diseases;
- blood sugar regulation (relevant for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes);
- in violation of lipid metabolism and obesity - to speed up metabolism;
- maintaining metabolic processes in the cells of the whole organism;
- alopecia (hair loss) of any etiology.
Niacin is available in 3 forms:
- nicotinic acid,
- nicotinamide,
- nositol hexaniacinate.
Nicotine availableacid in tablets and ampoules for intramuscular injection. You can buy at any pharmacy, the cost is low - about 100 rubles per package with a full course of the drug. The method of administration of nicotinic acid (orally or in the form of injections) depends on the personal preferences of the patient. Many adults continue to be afraid of injections, so they often prefer the tablet form (which, by the way, is more toxic to the liver).
Nicotinic acid belongs to the list of drugs for the purchase of which it is not necessary to have a prescription. However, it is still better not to self-medicate.
Why was this acid called nicotinic acid?
Niacin can be called differently and any of these names will mean the same substance:
- nicotinic acid;
- vitamin PP;
- vitamin B3.
This acid is officially a drug (unlike other B vitamins) and is actively involved in metabolic processes.
Nicotinic acid and nicotine are completely different substances with different molecular structures. Nicotine is a poison, an alkaloid, while nicotinic acid is a vitamin.
The name PP means "anti-pellagric". This substance can quickly cure a disease called pellagra (one of the varieties of beriberi, nicotinic acid deficiency).
Side effects
Do not forget that anyonethe drug has contraindications. If you do not follow the instructions recommended for nicotinic acid, then the following side effects may occur:
- skin itching, redness, tingling in the hands, wrists, forearms, face, neck, ears, upper back (this is due to the rush of blood to the upper body);
- nausea (occurs when the recommended dosage is significantly exceeded);
- headaches and dizziness (occurs only in people prone to migraines);
- deterioration of the gallbladder, stimulating the production of bad cholesterol;
- increased blood levels of AST, LDH, total bilirubin;
- In diabetics, niacin can increase blood sugar levels.
To prevent side effects, you must follow the instructions for nicotinic acid. The daily requirement for vitamin B3 for pregnant and lactating women: 19-21 mg, for adults: 25 mg, for heavy physical labor: 30 mg, for children from 1.5 to 7 years old - 5 mg; from 7 to 13 years - 10 mg; for boys aged 14-19 - 21 mg; for girls aged 14-19 - 20 mg.
Caution should be used in patients with hemorrhages, severe arterial hypotension, glaucoma, liver and kidney failure, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
Influence on the liver
In moderate dosages, vitamin B3 can only bring benefits. However, if the patient has a history of chronic liver disease, it is worth taking nicotinic acid with extreme caution. It even makes sense to reduce its intake to 10 mg per day.
The fact is that nicotinic acid has long been used in the treatment of high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Just like statins, Vitamin B3 can cause irreparable damage to the liver. Nicotinic acid in some cases causes a moderate increase in the level of asparagine transferase and alanine transferase, which in some cases accompanies the appearance of jaundice, an increase in liver parameters, and in rare cases even acute liver failure.
The toxic effect on the liver of nicotinic acid depends on the method of administration (intramuscularly or orally) and on the dose. Toxic doses start at 1-1.5 grams per day. People with chronic liver disease are at risk of developing irreparable toxic effects in overdose.
Is it possible to increase hair growth using niacin?
What girls can't come up with in the fight for chic hair. A few years ago, the Network was full of "miracle reviews" about nicotinic acid, which claimed that after a course of this vitamin, their hair began to grow like never before.
In medicine, such cases are indeed registered. Nicotinic acid dilates blood vessels even when applied to the scalp - due to this, the effect of stimulating the work of hair follicles is achieved. But the speed of hair growth is limited by physiology: no matter how hard you try, no matter what you rub into the roots, it is simply impossible to accelerate hair growth over three centimeters per month.
Many girls are happy to add an ampoule of vitamin to a regular mask. This stimulates hair growth, helps to strengthen them. Reviews about nicotinic acid for hair are mostly enthusiastic, the effect of it is really good for alopecia.
How do athletes use nicotinic acid?
The use of niacin in bodybuilding is justified. Vitamin PP speeds up metabolism (which contributes to fat burning and muscle definition), improves blood circulation, and, in combination with proper nutrition, increases anabolism.
It is justified to take high doses of niacin during the "drying" period in athletes. The lipid-lowering effect of nicotinic acid facilitates and accelerates the process of fat burning, transports the decay products of fat cells for removal from the body.
Nicotinic acid in cosmetology
Many women love to add niacin to masks and homemade creams. Due to the flow of blood, the complexion improves, a slight blush appears, the pores are better cleansed. Cosmetic clay masks with the addition of a drop of nicotinic acid are popular. Feedback on this procedure is only positive. After mixing such a mask to a homogeneous consistency, it is necessary to apply it in a thin layer on the skin of the face and leave for 10-15 minutes. As a result, the complexion is evened out, the pores are cleared.
But the most effective use of nicotinic acid was in mesotherapy. Salon mesococktails from cellulite, almost all contain niacin in their composition. Of course, asauxiliary component. At home, it is impossible to make high-quality mesotherapy for yourself, therefore, the cosmetic use of nicotinic acid is limited to adding it to face and hair masks.
Intramuscular administration
The drug is produced not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of a 1% injection solution in 1 ml ampoules. With intramuscular administration of nicotinic acid in ampoules, the risk of complications from the urinary system and liver is reduced, even at high doses. This method of administration is preferable and safer than taking pills.
Neurologists recommend combining nicotinic acid injections with injections of other B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, riboflavin). Such a course has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system, reduces pain in osteochondrosis and arthritis.
Nicotinic acid in ampoules is inexpensive - about 100 rubles per package, in which 10 vials. You can choose a manufacturer to your taste ("Nikospan", "Enduracin", "Vial", "Moskhimfarmpreparaty") - they practically do not differ in quality and cost.
Is it possible for myself, at home, to pierce a course of injections of nicotinic acid? Yes, it's quite safe. It is better to train yourself to put drugs under the supervision of a nurse - she will advise how not to touch the vessels when the needle is inserted and to avoid bruising after the injection.
Nicotinic acid tablets
Receptionorally can provoke an increase in the side effect - itching and redness of the upper body. This is the so-called hyperemia: a tingling and burning sensation, redness of the skin. This condition usually resolves within half an hour after taking the pill.
To reduce hives, doctors recommend taking the pill immediately after a meal, assimilation with food is easier and faster.
Nicotinic acid reviews often bias this side effect. In fact, there is nothing wrong with it, and it does not bear dangerous consequences for the body, on the contrary, it indicates good conductivity of blood vessels.
Why is nicotinic acid prescribed in tablets? The indications are the same as for intramuscular injection, but many people are afraid of injections and prefer capsules.
Natural sources of nicotinic acid
It is not necessary to swallow pills or give injections, you can adjust your diet and introduce on a daily basis foods such as:
- unroasted nuts: peanuts, pistachios;
- spices: turmeric, nutmeg, coriander;
- cherry, rosehip, gooseberry;
- broccoli;
- rice and rye bran;
- boiled buckwheat;
- hard natural cheese;
- chicken fillet.
Also, nicotinic acid can be synthesized in the human body independently from the amino acid tryptophan. Which in turn is found in hard cheese and dairy products. So no matterwhether you are taking pills, you need to eat fully and varied.
Nicotinic acid and other vitamins - can I combine?
Niacin should be correctly combined with thiamine, pyridoxine and magnesium preparations. Being antagonists, these components nullify each other's action. The compatibility of nicotinic acid with many vitamins is questionable.
For example, the popular drug "Magne B6" due to the high content of pyridoxine muffles the effect of niacin. Reviews, however, are still positive, because patients are often severely deficient in magnesium. As a result, some of the components are still absorbed, albeit not completely.
When administered intramuscularly, B vitamins and niacin should be separated. For example, in the morning to make injections of nicotinic acid and cyanocobalamin. And in the evening - thiamine, pyridoxine and riboflavin.
