The Vitamin Secret to a Healthy Brain

Alzheimer’s disease is a relentless thief, stealing memories, independence, and identity. You stay active, eat well, and challenge your mind—but what if one simple nutrient could be the key to protecting your brain? Scientists at the University of Indiana have uncovered a powerful yet overlooked supplement that may stop Alzheimer’s in its tracks. Even better? It’s affordable, accessible, and already in your kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Niacin Blocks Brain Plaques: Research shows that niacin (vitamin B3) may help prevent the formation of amyloid plaques, a major contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.

• Clinical Studies Support Its Memory-Boosting Benefits: A long-term study found that individuals consuming higher amounts of niacin had a 70% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

• Easy Access to a Powerful Brain Booster: Niacin is readily available in foods like chicken, fish, and avocados or as an inexpensive supplement, making it a simple addition to any diet.

The Overlooked Vitamin That Could Halt Alzheimer’s Disease

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably doing everything you can to avoid Alzheimer’s disease. Because without a sharp mind, you will slowly lose your independence… and identity.

That’s why you never miss your morning tee time or bike ride. Eat plenty of fresh produce, and always take the opportunity to learn something new.

But if you’re not taking this one supplement, your hard work might not add up to much in the battle against this brain-destroying disease.

Researchers from the University of Indiana have pinpointed a certain wonder nutrient that can stop Alzheimer’s in its tracks…

Even better? It’s cheap and easy to get your hands on.

I’m talking about vitamin B3, or niacin, as it’s more commonly called.

This powerful B vitamin helps your body turn food into energy, is essential for the proper functioning of your nervous and digestive systems, and can even help lower cholesterol¹.

Now, brand-new research reveals this nutrient might help stop Alzheimer’s disease at its source – amyloid plaques. These misfolded proteins develop in the specific parts of your brain that control memory and cognition and are thought to be a key driver behind Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.

Blocks the Formation of Brain Plaques

In a recent animal study, researchers treated five-month-old mice with Alzheimer’s with an FDA-approved oral formulation of niacin (Niaspan®) for 30 days. After treatment, researchers studied the brains of these mice, looking for changes directly related to Alzheimer’s disease².

And boy, did they find some!

As it turns out, niacin helped block the formation of amyloid plaque, resulting in improved cognition.

According to Gary Landreth, PhD, Martin Professor of Alzheimer's Research and co-author of the study, niacin works because their research “directly showed that these actions were due to the HCAR2 receptor.”

“In the brain, niacin interacts with a highly selective receptor, HCAR2, present in immune cells physically associated with amyloid plaques. When niacin- used in this project as the FDA-approved Niaspan drug -- activates the receptor, it stimulates beneficial actions from these immune cells,” Prof. Landreth said³.

Of course, this research is very early and was only performed on animals. But animal research isn’t the only science showing niacin can help your memory…

Niacin’s Memory-Sharpening Benefits Proven in Clinical Study

In a study, researchers tracked the dietary habits of 3,718 people aged 65 and older who resided in three south Chicago neighborhoods. For five years researchers followed their eating habits and, for 815 of these people, researchers performed clinical tests.

At the end of the study period, researchers found that participants consuming the least amount of niacin were 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Even worse? Those who ate the least amount of niacin experienced a significant loss in cognitive function when compared with those who were getting more niacin in their diets⁴.

Neuroscientists agree that niacin is likely to be helpful to patients suffering from brain illness or neurological disorders. For example, currently, teams around the country are studying niacin in clinical trials to treat Parkinson's disease ⁵and glioblastoma (a hard-to-treat and often fatal cancer of the brain)⁶.

Additionally, Prof. Landreth and his research partners plan to further their research into niacin and the brain by collaborating with Jared Brosch, MD, associate professor of clinical neurology, who is applying for a clinical pilot trial.

While we await more research, it’s clear that increasing your niacin intake is probably a good idea.

Getting More Niacin

You can increase your levels of niacin by eating the following foods:

• Liver
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beef
• Fish
• Brown rice
• Avocados
• Nutritional yeast⁷

Niacin supplements are also available at your local drugstore or through online retailers for about five cents per dose. Some people prefer non-flush niacin capsules as the vitamin’s positive actions on the circulatory system can cause skin to flush. As always, check with your doctor before starting any supplement.

Summary

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that robs individuals of their identity and independence. However, new research from the University of Indiana suggests that niacin (vitamin B3) could be a game-changer in preventing cognitive decline. In animal studies, niacin blocked the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Additionally, a clinical study found that people with the lowest niacin intake were 70% more likely to develop the disease. Fortunately, niacin is affordable, widely available in foods like poultry, fish, and brown rice, and easy to supplement. While further research is ongoing, increasing niacin intake appears to be a promising step in safeguarding brain health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does niacin help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Niacin activates a receptor in the brain that helps immune cells clear harmful amyloid plaques, which are associated with cognitive decline.

What foods are rich in niacin?

Niacin is found in liver, chicken, turkey, beef, fish, brown rice, avocados, and nutritional yeast.

Are niacin supplements safe?

Niacin supplements are generally safe but may cause skin flushing. Non-flush versions are available, and you should consult a doctor before starting supplementation.

Is there clinical research supporting niacin’s brain benefits?

Yes, studies have linked higher niacin intake to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, and ongoing clinical trials are exploring its benefits for other neurological conditions.

How much niacin should I take daily?

The recommended daily intake for adults is 14-16 mg, but doses vary based on health needs. Always check with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.