Why Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Is Essential for Heart, Brain, and Nerve Health


Why Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Is Essential for Heart, Brain, and Nerve Health

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, plays a powerful role in maintaining your body’s most critical systems—from your heart and brain to your skin and nerves. At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we often recommend nutritional support like niacin for patients recovering from low back pain, sciatica, or nerve irritation. In this post, we’ll explore why Vitamin B3 is essential, how to recognize a deficiency, and how it fits into your whole-body wellness plan.

What Does Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Do for the Body?

Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble B-vitamin that helps convert the food you eat into usable energy. It also plays a role in:

  • Reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
  • Supporting brain and nervous system function
  • Improving circulation and reducing inflammation
  • Maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes
  • Assisting in DNA repair and stress responses

At our Upper Darby chiropractic office, we focus on restoring nerve function and reducing inflammation—both of which niacin supports.

Signs You Might Be Low in Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 deficiency, while rare in the U.S., can cause a condition known as pellagra. However, even mild deficiency may lead to:

  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Memory issues or brain fog
  • Skin rashes or dry, cracked skin
  • Digestive discomfort
  • Headaches or irritability
  • Burning or tingling in the hands and feet

Some of our patients experiencing chronic pain, inflammation, or neuropathy may benefit from B3 as part of their healing journey.

Top Food Sources of Vitamin B3

To meet your daily B3 needs, include these niacin-rich foods in your diet:

  • Chicken, turkey, and lean beef
  • Tuna and salmon
  • Brown rice and whole grains
  • Peanuts
  • Legumes and seeds
  • Fortified cereals and breads

How Much Vitamin B3 Do You Need Daily?

The recommended daily intake for Vitamin B3 (from the NIH):

  • Men: 16 mg per day
  • Women: 14 mg per day
  • Pregnant women: 18 mg
  • Breastfeeding: 17 mg

Higher doses are sometimes prescribed to support cholesterol or nerve issues, but this should only be done under medical supervision.

Can Vitamin B3 Help with Pain and Inflammation?

Yes. Niacin may help with:

  • Reducing nerve pain and tingling in conditions like sciatica or neuropathy
  • Lowering systemic inflammation, which may improve joint mobility and recovery
  • Supporting circulation to injured tissues

We often recommend nutritional support like B3 to help enhance results from therapies such as SoftWave Therapy, spinal decompression, and class IV laser therapy.

Chiropractic + Nutrition: Whole-Body Wellness in Upper Darby

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, we don’t just treat symptoms—we support healing from the inside out. Our team integrates chiropractic adjustments, advanced therapies, and nutrition to help your body heal faster and function better.

If you’re dealing with nerve pain, tingling, migraines, or inflammation, we can evaluate whether Vitamin B3 or other nutritional approaches could support your treatment plan.

Visit Us in Upper Darby for Chiropractic and Nutritional Care

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
115 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Serving the communities of Havertown, Drexel Hill, and surrounding areas.

📞 Call us today at 610-789-1800 or book online to start feeling better—naturally.