Dr. Hoffer's enigmatic "cure" for schizophrenia, alcoholism, and trauma

Nicotinic acid, in its various forms, is the subject of a fairly heated debate over its possibly fantastic properties when it comes to anti-aging, Schizophrenia, alcoholism, and trauma.

This article is mostly going to focus on decoding what the human data is saying about Vitamin B3 and how this squares up with the anecdotal experiences of the Biohacking community.

Scientific Research

It has been widely studied worldwide as a Nootropic and general health-promoting agent with nearly 400 human clinical trials published. Its most prolific use is treating high Cholesterol.

Niacin vs Niacinamide vs Nicotinamide

Niacin turns into Niacinamide in the body. Nicotinamide is just a different name for Niacinamide. They are also sometimes referred to as Nicotinic acid - not to be confused with nicotine, the addictive agent in cigarettes.
A few key differences...

• Niacin and Niacinamide share the same psychiatric benefits. Niacinamide does not cause a flush, which some may appreciate.

• Niacinamide is not a cholesterol hack like Niacin.

• Niacinamide is more bioavailable, an imperfect metaphor, that should make sense to biohackers would be to say that Niacinamide is to Niacin what Alpha GPC is to Choline.

They all end up being converted into NAD+ and NADH, promising antiaging agents...

The Niacin Flush

Niacin will produce a warming, energizing sensation in your face and skin for 15 to 30 minutes. If the Niacin flush is too much for you, the following will reduce the sensation:

• Taking an Aspirin

• A cold meal or drink

• Taking it before a meal

Interestingly, the Niacin flush seems to be an indicator of general mental health, a 2015 Swedish study on schizophrenia stated:

The small group of niacin non-responding patients exhibited an even lower overall test performance. Delayed niacin flush also correlated inversely with psychomotor function and IQ in the patients.

So I may start offering Vitamin B3 to the woman I date, if they flush then it’s a good sign, if not I’ll plan my escape. Sound like a good strategy to avoid the crazies?