Vitamin B3 (Niacin) for Cognitive Function

Research suggests a potential connection between niacin-related metabolic pathways and cognitive function, though the evidence remains preliminary and indirect. A 2025 Mendelian randomization study — a genetic analytical approach used to infer causal relationships — identified niacinamide and niacin metabolism as significantly linked to both brain structural changes and cognitive outcomes, positioning these pathways as possible therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative conditions, though the authors note that experimental confirmation is still needed. A 2005 cross-sectional study of elderly long-term care residents found no significant association between measured niacin and other B vitamin levels and cognitive performance on a standardized exam, though the study was small and limited to a single population. The remaining studies in this set examined niacin in unrelated contexts — acne genetics and COVID-19 lipid management — and offer no meaningful evidence regarding cognitive function. Taken together, the current body of research on niacin and cognition is sparse and largely exploratory, with no randomized controlled trials directly testing niacin supplementation for cognitive outcomes; more rigorous human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn.