Niacin boosts brain function and memory
5.0Limited
evidence
evidence
The Claim
Some believe that niacin supplementation can enhance cognitive function and improve memory, leveraging its role in energy production and neural health.
Origin
This claim is often circulated in health blogs and supplement marketing, suggesting that because niacin is vital for energy production, it must benefit the brain.
What Science Says
There is limited evidence directly linking niacin supplementation to cognitive improvements in healthy individuals. Some observational studies suggest a potential role in preventing cognitive decline in deficient populations, but RCTs are lacking. The benefits seen are often associated with correcting deficiencies rather than enhancing function in those with adequate niacin levels.
Verdict
Partially True
Sources
- PMID:38190276 Omega-3 supplementation improves depressive symptoms, cognitive function and niacin skin flushing response in adolescent depression: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
- PMID:40771355 Exploring cerebrospinal fluid metabolites, cognitive function, and brain atrophy: Insights from Mendelian randomization.
- PMID:28768650 Intake of niacin, folate, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 through young adulthood and cognitive function in midlife: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.