Niacin and Dentistry: When a Simple Vitamin Becomes a Clinical Concern
When I first encountered a patient taking niacin (vitamin B3), I assumed, like many dentists might, that it was just another harmless supplement. But after consulting the Digital Drug Handbook,1 I realized that niacin is far from benign.
While this essential nutrient has profound therapeutic effects, it also has a surprising number of side effects, many of which can impact dental care. Understanding niacin’s complexities has changed how I approach patient discussions, and I hope sharing these insights will do the same for you.
Niacin’s therapeutic role
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods such as poultry, fish, meat, and enriched grains, as well as in supplement form such as nicotinic acid or nicotinamide.2 It plays a critical role in energy production, DNA repair, and neuroprotection. A deficiency can cause pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, with early signs including glossitis, weakness, and appetite loss...
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While this essential nutrient has profound therapeutic effects, it also has a surprising number of side effects, many of which can impact dental care. Understanding niacin’s complexities has changed how I approach patient discussions, and I hope sharing these insights will do the same for you.
Niacin’s therapeutic role
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods such as poultry, fish, meat, and enriched grains, as well as in supplement form such as nicotinic acid or nicotinamide.2 It plays a critical role in energy production, DNA repair, and neuroprotection. A deficiency can cause pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia, with early signs including glossitis, weakness, and appetite loss...
Click Here to Read More