In the search to find the cause of pellagra, a common disease in 18th and early 19th century Spain, Italy and America, researchers stumbled upon nicotinamide.

The niacin content of food products and supplements are usually expressed in niacin equivalents, or milligrams.

Dry skin, loss of appetite, headaches, nausea, mouth ulcers, insomnia and sensitivity to light.

Alcoholics and problem drinkers have benefited from taking niacin, which appears to reduce the craving for alcohol.

Niacin seems to reduce the release of histamine, so it can help reduce allergic reactions such as those of hay fever, eczema, urticaria and sinusitis

Daily supplements of niacin can reduce the appearance of acne rosacea, the reddening of the face that occurs in some menopausal women.

Niacin supplements may help the body to produce more protective “HDL” cholesterol, which in turn helps reduce blocking of the arteries.