Evidence supporting the use of: Niacin (vitamin B3)
For the health condition: Schizophrenia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Niacin (vitamin B3) has historically been used as a treatment for schizophrenia, largely due to the work of Dr. Abram Hoffer and colleagues in the 1950s and 1960s. This approach, known as orthomolecular psychiatry, posited that high doses of niacin could alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. Hoffer and others published case reports and some small clinical studies suggesting improvement in some patients, which popularized the use of niacin in alternative and integrative psychiatric circles. However, these early studies were often methodologically weak, lacking adequate controls or blinding. Subsequent, larger, well-controlled clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a clear benefit of niacin supplementation for schizophrenia. As a result, mainstream psychiatry does not recognize niacin as an effective treatment for this condition, and major guidelines do not recommend its use. The continued use of niacin in some circles is primarily based on historical tradition and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific evidence. Today, niacin may still be encountered in some alternative or complementary medicine practices, but the overall quality of evidence is low, and high doses can have significant side effects. Therefore, the use of niacin for schizophrenia is justified primarily by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

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