Can Niacin Help Your Depression?

Not only is niacin instrumental in converting the food you eat into energy, it’s also been associated with boosting your serotonin levels, which is one of the main two deficiencies that lead to depression. In this blog we’ll explain what niacin is, where to find it, and how it might help you with your depression symptoms.

What is niacin? How does it help me?

At its base, niacin helps break down the nutrients you get from your food and turns it into energy.  That’s one of the big reasons we chose it for our Energy Boost Nutramin. Not only is niacin natural and vegan-friendly, but it helps your brain get energized.  

Niacin also:

• Helps break down fatty acids
• Improves your circulation
• Is a powerful antioxidant
• Reduces cholesterol levels
• Helps stress hormones

How much niacin do I need?

Niacin is measured in milligrams (mg) of niacin equivalents (NE)

According toHarvard University, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults who are nineteen years and older is 16 mg NE for men and 18 mg (NE) for women.

There are a range of symptoms that are connected to niacin deficiency, including depression, anxiety, and headaches.  Some of the more severe side effects are skin conditions, dementia, and even (in extreme cases) death.

Niacin and depression

It’s important to note that according to scientific research, there’s currently no evidence that niacin can be used to treat depression. Always consult with your physician before changing or altering any medications, or starting a new supplement. 

The American Psychiatric Association defines depression as, “a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.”

How can niacin help your depression?

You may have heard that serotonin is your happy chemical. People who suffer from low serotonin levels are also more likely to have depression because the serotonin levels in your brain help to regulate your mood. 

Other symptoms of low serotonin:

• digestive problems
• schizophrenia and other phobias
• panic disorders and anxiety
• sleep problems
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Serotonin is created by an amino acid called tryptophan. Now, here's where niacin comes into play: Niacin is part of the metabolizing process of forming serotonin from tryptophan. (1)

Where to find niacin

There are food-based ways to ingest niacin, such as:

• Peanuts 
• Eggs
• Liver
• Fish
• Beets
• Broccoli

Or you can check out Nutracelle's Mood Boost gummies: Say goodbye to stress and anxiety symptoms with Nutramin's natural magnesium, B vitamins and plant-based Ashwagandha herbal blend. Learn more here.

You can also find niacin in our sugar-free Energy Boost gummies for adults!  Introducing a tantalizing, natural, stimulant-free way to amplify concentration, attention and focus – without any sugar or caffeine! Learn more here.