WHAT IF YOU HAVE NO ENERGY?
	Most of us know the benefits of exercise and diabetes but what if you have no energy? In my “Diabetes #2” article, niacinamide research was briefly looked at. In this article, we’ll cover it in greater depth. Diabetes can be deadly so check with your health care provider.

WHAT DO ATHLETICS AND DIABETES HAVE IN COMMON?

In athletics, vitamin B(s) has long been connected with increased energy. Niacin is vitamin B3. Nicotinamide (known as niacinamide in this country) is a more water-soluble form of niacin and doesn’t cause a “niacin flush.” Niacinamide has been shown in research projects to prevent the development of diabetes (Diabetologia, various and 93;36(6):574-6). A small amount of higher brain functioning indicates that supplementation with a vitamin B complex and extra vitamin B3 would be a good place to start.

NOT ALL VITAMINS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

There are four categories of vitamins. Natural vitamins, renamed from synthetic to gain a broader customer base. These vitamins are made from chemicals in the lab. I’m not sure what’s “natural” about lab chemicals but the FDA works in strange and mysterious ways. Food based vitamins contain a small amount of food in the formula. Food vitamins are made from food but can be low in potency. Food compound vitamins are a combination of food, herbs and are standardized for higher potency.

SYNTHETIC IS NOT THE SAME.

Synthetic “natural” B vitamins are generally cheaper and don’t appear to help with the treatment of diabetes. Neither do food-based vitamins. Food and food compound vitamins are available but you have to do your homework and read labels. Higher prices aren’t necessarily the best indicator of higher quality. Two brands of food vitamins and food compound vitamins that have been around for many years are Standard Process Labs and Rainbow Light. I don’t have any connection with any vitamin manufacturers and seldom take any supplements except magnesium citrate for restless leg syndrome.

NIACINAMIDE RESEARCH AND DIABETES.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK. Researchers found that niacinamide (vitamin B3) can prevent the development of diabetes. For many years it has been known that oral niacinamide can prevent the development of diabetes in animals. A large study in Israel, Canada and 18 European countries was begun to see if the same results could be achieved in humans. The research said, “Early results are extremely promising.”

THE BETA CELLS PRODUCE INSULIN.

Approximately 25 milligrams of niacinamide per every two pounds of body weight (approximately 1875 milligrams for a 150 pound person) was orally given to adults with newly-diagnosed type I diabetes. Some patients showed restoration, or slowing of the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. The beta cells are what produce insulin. Other patients showed a complete resolution of the disease. The research indicated if niacinamide was given early enough it was able to prevent diabetes from developing. (Diabetologia 93;36(6):574-6).

NIACINAMIDE AND CHILDREN.

A similar study in New Zealand using oral niacinamide in diabetically high-risk children aged 16 or less, showed remarkable differences. Eight children were given a placebo while fourteen were given daily doses of between 100 and 200 milligrams of niacinamide, calculated by body weight. All eight untreated children eventually developed diabetes while only one of the fourteen treated children developed the disease. (Diabetologia 91;34(5):362-5).

NIACINAMIDE OFTEN TERMINATES THE DISEASE.
	When given at the onset of the disease, niacinamide often terminates the advancement of the disease and in some cases restores the pancreatic function to the point that insulin is no longer required. Lancet 87;1(8533):619-20, Diabetologia 89;32(3):160-2).

DIABETES TREATMENT FOR $20.00 PER YEAR?
	Niacinamide costs approximately $20.00 per year for a child. An adult would be proportionately higher around $75.00 per year for someone in the 150-pound range.

IS IT SAFE?
	At high doses, much higher than those in the research, niacinamide can cause a degree of sedation, a feeling of depression, liver toxicity in very large doses and one case of diarrhea was reported in the N Z study. Alternatives, Dr. David G. Williams.

IT CAN'T BE PATENTED!

Why haven’t you heard or read this information before? According to Diabetes Care 94;17:897-900, various pharmaceutical companies conducted tests that combined drugs and niacinamide to see if they could enhance the effects. They didn’t. In fact the findings were that niacinamide worked best when taken alone. Since there was no way to patent any formulas and there was no way to profit without patented formulas, there was no reason to publicize the information. In other words: business as usual!

TAKE A VITAMIN B COMPLEX.
	Any vitamin B when taken alone will leach other B vitamins from the system and can cause, or accelerate, vitamin B deficiencies. If you take niacinamide it would be advisable to take a vitamin B complex using the vitamin information above.

THERE'S MORE TO LONG-TERM HEALTH THAN TAKING A PILL..
	So, why not just eat whatever you want and take niacinamide? Long-term health isn’t quite that easy. In “Diabetes #4” we’ll look into another source of vitamin B3 and how to access it.