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Niacinamide for Stress

Niacinamide is a B vitamin that can be used as a way to manage stress. There are groups of chemical treatments and natural treatments when it comes to treating stress. Niacinamide occurs in nature and therefore belongs to a natural form of stress treatment. A treatment is not a cure, but a way to manage a particular problem. Niacinamide can be consumed by eating foods in which it naturally occurs, or it can be purchased and ingested in supplement form.

  1. Function for Stress

    • According to MayoClinic.com, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that comes in supplement form and is found in food. There are many forms of vitamin B3; niacinamide is a form that does not cause flushing, or a short-lived feeling of being very hot, when taken in substantial amounts. Medlineplus.com asserts that niacin is essential to the healthy functioning of nerves. Research recorded at VitaminResearchProducts.com says that niacinamide is related to niacin but has its own properties. It is essential to hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body. Research has shown that among other conditions, niacinamide provides remarkable relief for the treatment of stress.

    Where it Naturally Occurs

    • MayoClinic.com explains that niacinamide is known by many names including, but not limited to, Nicamid, Nicotinamide and Nicosedine. The Mayo Clinic website also states that it is found in many foods including yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables and cereal grains. Also, tryptophan converts to niacin in your body. According to Medlineplus.com, as long as your body has enough iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B6, tryptophan contained in the following foods changes to niacin in the body: cheese, chicken, eggs, fish, milk, nuts, peanut butter, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soy, tofu and turkey.

    Stress Management

    • In order to treat stress with any substance, it is important to take the necessary dose. According to MayoClinic.com, "the dietary reference intake established by the Food and Nutrition Board for niacin (in the form of niacin equivalents, 1 milligram niacin = 60 milligrams tryptophan) ranges from 14 to 18 milligrams daily for adults, with a maximum intake of 35 milligrams daily. 50 milligrams to 6 grams has been taken in divided doses for other conditions based on physician and pharmacist recommendations." Since treating stress is treating a specific condition, speak with a physician or a nutritionist to determine the correct dosage for your body.

    Where to Buy

    • Since niacinamide can be found in food, it is possible to consume the daily allotted amount simply be eating healthily. To consume specific doses, niacinamide is available in supplement form. Supplements are available through online retailers of vitamins and can be found in most grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies and vitamin shops. For careful selection, speak with a pharmacist, doctor or nutritionist.

    Safety

    • A deficiency or overabundance of vitamins can have a negative effect on the body. Side effects provided on MayoClinic.com include those that are mild and may disappear on their own (mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) and those that are severe (liver toxicity, worsening of stomach ulcers and altered blood sugar or insulin levels or uric acid concentrations). If you experience side effects, contact a medical professional. There are possible negative drug interactions when using niacinamide, and those who are pregnant or nursing should not take it; consult a doctor or nutritionist if you decide to use niacinamide for stress.

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