Q: I am 20 years old female, wanted to include vitamin B3 in my diet as dietary supplements. I went to various medical stores and asked for it but they all replied that vitamin B3 or niacin is not available in the market. Please tell me the name of vitamin B3 tablets that are readily available in the market.

A:Vitamin B-3 (niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide) is part of the B-complex factor and is abundant in normal diet. Normally supplementation is not required since excessive intake can cause side effects such as lowering of excretion of uric acid (that can precipitate gout), dry eyes, blurred vision, swollen eyelids, etc. Hence, it is indicated only when there is proven deficiency such as pellagra or required in cases of high lipid levels, or in pemphigus as part of the treatment. Nicotinic acid is sold under the trade name of Nialip as 375 and 500 mg controlled release tablets. These are not meant for use as a nutritional supplement.