The Vitamin That Drives 500 Enzymatic Reactions - The True Value of Niacin

Introduction | Niacin, the Nutrient That Impressed Me the Most

Since I first stepped into the world of nutrition, I have studied and tried countless nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and enzymes—each one is a vital piece that supports human life, and I have approached them all with respect.

However, among them, there is one that moved my heart more strongly than any other.

That is niacin.

Niacin (vitamin B₃) is generally known as a "vitamin that maintains the health of skin and mucous membranes" or a "coenzyme involved in energy metabolism." However, its true essence was far more profound.

The more I researched, the more I realized that niacin is not just a coenzyme, but a central entity that drives the very 'circuitry' of life activities. It is involved in ATP production, over 500 enzymatic reactions, lactic acid metabolism, its relationship with tryptophan, and even the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. I was shocked that there existed a nutrient with such multifaceted, deep, and delicate functions.

In this article, I have summarized the process of how I encountered niacin, learned its essence, and ultimately made the decision to include it in high doses in our company's products.

Why niacin now? It is because the key to restoring the minds and bodies of modern people is hidden within this seemingly plain vitamin.

Chapter 1 | Encountering Niacin

─ The Moment I Was Most Impressed by Nutrition

When I first started learning about nutrition, I approached each nutrient mainly from the perspective of "supplementing what is lacking." If iron was low, I provided iron; if zinc was low, I provided zinc. I often thought about one-to-one responses to individual symptoms or ailments.

However, at one point, I faced the questions: "Why are so many people 'chronically tired'?" and "Why are there people who do not recover even when they take in nutrients?"

As I delved deeper into those questions, I encountered the existence of niacin.

At first, it had the plain title of "vitamin B₃." I only recognized it as a vitamin for dermatitis or stomatitis, but as I researched, I encountered one astonishing fact after another.

Before I knew it, I was drawn into niacin. No matter which literature I read, "niacin is here too," "niacin is there too"—it was as if niacin was silently sitting at the intersection of human energy and nerves.

"I wish I had known sooner." At the same time I thought that, I was convinced.

This is a nutrient that does not just 'supplement' but 'raises the baseline.'
Moreover, isn't it the very 'lost foundation' that modern people are seeking?

This realization fundamentally changed my view on nutrition. And after that, my exploration of the magnificent network called niacin began, extending to mitochondria, the Cori cycle, serotonin nerves, the autonomic nervous system, and even the 'spirit.'

Chapter 2 | The Vitamin That Supports 500 Enzymatic Reactions

If I were to describe the essence of niacin in a single phrase, I would say it is truly the "vitamin that ignites the circuits of life."

Countless chemical reactions occur in our bodies every single day. Among them, the number of enzymatic reactions involving niacin is an astonishing over 500 types. This is an exceptionally high rate of involvement among all enzymes, and it can be said that it is positioned at the center of metabolism.

■ The "Protagonists": NAD / NADP

There are two main active forms of niacin:
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
NADP (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate)

These act as coenzymes that mediate oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions in the body and are involved in the metabolism of all carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

For example, energy production pathways such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain cannot move forward a single step without NAD. In other words, niacin is involved in everything that "converts the food we eat into energy in the form of ATP."

■ Enzymes are the "Keys," Niacin is the "Keyhole"

To use an analogy, if an enzyme is a "key," then niacin is like a "keyhole." If niacin is not present as a coenzyme, no matter how many keys (enzymes) you have, they will not turn, and the reaction will not proceed.

This is the true meaning of the existence of a coenzyme.

Vitamins are often thought of as "supporting roles," but niacin is the exception. It is no exaggeration to call it the "protagonist in the shadows."

■ What happens when niacin is deficient?

If niacin is deficient, a bottleneck in enzymatic reactions occurs.
The following areas are particularly affected:

• Energy deficiency (stagnation of ATP production)

• Lactic acid accumulation and fatigue

• Dermatitis, neurological symptoms, and decreased concentration

• Disruption of parasympathetic nerve dominance (inability to relax)

In other words, there is a high possibility that niacin deficiency is at the core of the "vague malaise" that modern people suffer from.

Niacin is not just a "vitamin."
It is the "starting point of the circuit" that unlocks the keys called enzymes.
When I learned that fact, my view of this nutrient changed completely.

Chapter 3 | The Cori Cycle and Mitochondria - The Core of Fatigue and Regeneration

Essential to discussing the function of niacin is the Cori cycle. This cycle is a mechanism that reuses lactic acid produced in muscles as an energy source and is the very wisdom of the body that "does not let fatigue end as mere waste products."

And as a coenzyme supporting that circuit from behind the scenes, niacin functions quietly, yet reliably.

■ Lactic acid was not the "villain"

During intense exercise or long periods of work, muscles can become "stiff" or "sluggish." While lactic acid is considered the cause, this substance is actually not just a "fatigue substance."

When glucose is broken down in muscles, in an oxygen-deficient environment, it is converted from pyruvate to lactic acid. At this time, NAD⁺ is indispensable, and niacin is deeply involved here.

And the generated lactic acid is carried by the bloodstream to the liver and converted back into glucose. This is the Cori cycle.

It is precisely because of this circulation that we possess a body that can "move again even after getting tired."

■ A circuit that cannot run without niacin

The process in which lactic acid is converted to glucose in the liver (gluconeogenesis) also involves numerous redox reactions.

Involved in all of them is niacin in the form of NAD⁺ / NADH. If this is lacking, the recycling of lactic acid stalls, manifesting as symptoms such as
"fatigue that won't go away,"
"unable to wake up in the morning,"
or "not recovering after training."
In other words,
if niacin is insufficient, fatigue is not "recovered".

■ Cooperation with mitochondria

And another essential stage for niacin is the mitochondria. Here, two energy factories, the TCA cycle (citric acid cycle) and the electron transport chain, are in operation, where large amounts of NADH are produced and converted into energy in the form of ATP.

Without NAD⁺, the mitochondrial circuit would also stop.

In other words, the Cori cycle of
lactic acid → liver → glucose and the energy circuit of
nutrients → mitochondria → ATP neither can "circulate" without niacin.

Niacin is the "vitamin that creates flow."
It turns stagnant fatigue back into the activities of life.
Thinking of it this way, the biological regeneration device known as the Cori cycle feels even more precious.

Chapter 4 | Tryptophan and Niacin

─ Bridging serotonin nerves and the parasympathetic nervous system

Niacin is not just a "key to energy production."
In fact, it is also deeply involved in the realms of mental stability and autonomic nervous system regulation.

Holding the key to this is an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is known for becoming the material for neurotransmitters such as
serotonin and melatonin in our bodies, but in fact, at the same time—no, preferentially—it is also used for niacin synthesis.

■ Tryptophan is also a "raw material for niacin"

After being ingested from food, tryptophan first enters a metabolic route in the liver called the kynurenine pathway. Through this route, niacin (NAD⁺) is ultimately synthesized.

In fact, the human body can biosynthesize approximately 1mg of niacin from 60mg of tryptophan. In other words, if you are not getting enough niacin from your diet, tryptophan is used for 'niacin production' instead of for 'serotonin nerves'. This is a very important point.

■ The mechanism by which niacin deficiency causes 'mental distress'

A problem arises here.
The 'feeling down,' 'irritability,' and 'difficulty falling asleep' common among modern people
are linked to low levels of serotonin and melatonin, but the underlying cause may be 'tryptophan hijacking' due to niacin deficiency.

In other words, there is a possibility that a chain reaction of 'niacin deficiency → tryptophan deficiency → serotonin decrease → autonomic nervous system imbalance' is occurring.

Niacin can also be an indirect culprit that robs you of mental stability.

■ The parasympathetic nervous system and niacin

It is the parasympathetic nervous system that suppresses excitement, tension, and irritability, and leads to relaxation, sleep, and recovery.

When there is enough niacin, tryptophan is reliably converted into serotonin, which then supports nighttime sleep as melatonin.

Furthermore, there are reports that niacin itself is involved in relaxation-related neurotransmission, such as the GABAergic and histaminergic systems.

In short, sufficient niacin serves as the 'foundation' for maintaining parasympathetic dominance.

The modern era is an age of 'sympathetic nervous system dominance.'
Stress, excessive carbohydrates, alcohol, blue light...
All of these deplete niacin and inhibit the function of the parasympathetic nervous system.

That is why I think:

Niacin is a 'nutritional switch' for regulating the nerves.

By adopting this perspective, simple 'Vitamin B3' transforms into a 'bridge' that connects the mind and body.

Chapter 5 | Why modern people need niacin

The more I learn about the multifaceted roles of niacin, the more I have arrived at a certain 'modern question.'

In this chapter, I will examine the modern lifestyle habits and social environments that are accelerating the depletion of niacin, and unravel why 'niacin is the vitamin that modern people need the most.'

■ Stress and niacin depletion

First, we must focus on stress.
Psychological stress, physical stress, chemical stress.
All of them accelerate the depletion of niacin.

When under stress, the adrenal glands secrete the stress hormone (cortisol), which leads to a sudden spike in NAD⁺ consumption within the body. In fact, it has been reported that people in a state of chronic stress are prone to niacin deficiency.

In other words, niacin is also a "nutrient that is easily depleted."

■ Alcohol and Excess Carbohydrates

Large amounts of niacin (NAD⁺) are also used when breaking down alcohol.
When NAD⁺ is exhausted by alcohol metabolism, other metabolic systems fall into dysfunction.

Niacin is also essential for carbohydrate metabolism.
A "carbohydrate-centered diet" is actually a lifestyle of wasting B vitamins as well.

In short, the modern diet—the regular consumption of alcohol, white sugar, refined wheat, and processed foods—promotes a lifestyle that "uses up niacin without replenishing it."

■ Smartphones, Blue Light, and Sympathetic Nervous System Dominance

Another aspect of niacin is nerve stabilization. Therefore, modern life, which tends to make the sympathetic nervous system dominant (smartphone addiction, staying up late, SNS fatigue, etc.), causes disturbances in neurotransmitters and increases situations that require niacin.

Niacin plays an unmissable role as a key to breaking this negative loop.

■ Modern Society = A Niacin-Depleted Society

To summarize so far, it can be said that modern society is truly an "environment where niacin is easily depleted and difficult to replenish."

• Stressful society

• Carbohydrate-centered diet

• Normalization of processed foods

• Alcohol culture

• Excessive stimulation from smartphones and the sympathetic nervous system

All of these are factors in niacin depletion.
And the lack of niacin comes back to haunt us in the form of metabolic stagnation, nervous system disturbances, and chronic fatigue.

That is precisely why niacin is an "essential nutrient for the modern age".

Chapter 6 | The "Experience" of the Niacin Flush

The nutrient known as niacin has a rare characteristic among the many vitamins. It is something you can physically feel.

For many nutrients, it is difficult to tell whether they are "working" after consumption. However, with niacin, reactions such as "flushing," "redness," "itching," and a "tingling sensation" can spread throughout the entire body just 10 minutes after intake. This is the phenomenon known as Niacin Flush.

■ A flush is not an "abnormality"

When I first experienced this reaction, I was a bit surprised myself. My face suddenly felt hot, my skin turned red, and it felt as if I had developed a rash. However, upon researching it, I found that it was proof that niacin was working normally.

This flush is a reaction that occurs because niacin induces histamine and dilates peripheral capillaries. In other words, it can be said that this is a state where blood flow has spread throughout the body, and oxygen and nutrients are reaching every corner of the cells.

The flush subsides naturally in about 90 minutes, leaving no aftereffects. In fact, for those suffering from cold sensitivity or chronic poor circulation, it can even be a positive sign.

*However, I have heard stories of people having to go to the hospital due to a severe flush after taking a high dose of 1,000mg or more of niacin. I make it a point to tell people to start by trying 200mg to 300mg. Please proceed at your own risk.

■ Why does a flush occur?

There are several forms of niacin, but the type called "niacin (nicotinic acid)" is what triggers this flush.

On the other hand, types called "niacinamide (nicotinamide)" or "non-flush niacin" are less likely to cause a flush, so many people choose these for daily intake.

However, for me, this flush was the first moment I "knew the nutrient niacin not just in my head, but in my body." It was truly an experience where I could feel that niacin had "started moving" through my blood flow and heat.

Also, it seems that as metabolites decrease, the flush becomes less likely to occur. I take 300mg of niacin only on days I play soccer, but for the past few years, I have not flushed at all.

■ Not "working," but "at work"

The niacin flush is not merely a side effect, but rather feedback from the body that "niacin is doing its job."

The physical sensations of heat, itching, and redness are evidence that multiple physiological reactions—energy metabolism, peripheral vasodilation, and histamine release—are occurring simultaneously.

This is rare for a supplement, and I feel it is, in a sense, a charm "unique to niacin."

Of course, when using it continuously on a daily basis, it is one method to use the non-flush type, and intentionally use the flush type as a litmus test to listen to the body's voice.

This precious experience of "feeling niacin" is also a gateway to grasping the power of invisible nutrition through the five senses.

Chapter 7 | The reason for adding a high dose of niacin to "Moringa-fortified protein"

The more I learned about niacin, the more I was captivated by its importance and potential. Enzymatic reactions, energy metabolism, neurotransmission, regeneration, blood flow. In every area, niacin is at the "starting point." This fact significantly changed my philosophy of nutritional design.

And so, I made a decision.

■ Design Philosophy: 'Regeneration and Autonomy'

What we have developed is a product called Moringa-infused protein. Its design philosophy was based on the following questions:

• Can we create a protein that is not just 'muscle material,' but one that regenerates the entire body?

• Is there no protein that already contains 'nutrients necessary for metabolism,' starting with niacin?

• Can we even design the very 'circuit' where consumed nutrients are absorbed and converted into energy?

Thus, what was born was a composition of protein + minerals + niacin + moringa.

■ The Reason for the 'High-Dose' Niacin Formulation

In this product, we have included 32.7mg of niacin per scoop (15g). This is equivalent to more than double the recommended daily intake for Japanese people (13–15mg).

Incidentally, the amount of niacin intake via supplements that I recommend to professional soccer players is 200mg or more. If you take two scoops of Moringa-infused protein, you can guarantee an intake of 60mg of niacin. I am convinced that this is, in fact, very effective.

In general protein supplements, niacin is almost always present in 'trace amounts' or 'not included at all.' However, to metabolize protein and utilize it as ATP, the 'spark' known as niacin is absolutely essential.

In other words, 'protein without niacin' is like 'firewood that won't burn'.

That is precisely why I dared to formulate it at a level some might call 'excessive.'
By including niacin from the start, the entire sequence of intake → absorption → metabolism → regeneration flows smoothly from the beginning.

That is the design intent of this product.

■ Delivering Something 'Unassuming but Effective'

Niacin is not a flashy ingredient. It doesn't work instantly like caffeine, nor does it provide pleasure like carbohydrates. However, it is a nutrient that works deeply, quietly, and reliably.

I wanted to deliver this 'unassuming but effective' sensation to more people. And this Moringa-infused protein is the form in which I have delivered it, along with reliable protein.

It is precisely because I believe in the value of niacin that I am this particular about it.
That sentiment lies at the foundation of this product.

■ Conclusion

Niacin is by no means a 'trendy supplement ingredient.'
However, I can state this with certainty.

Feeling easily tired
Cannot sleep
Not recovering
Mood is unstable
Shallow breathing
Lack of motivation

If the root cause of such "vague malaise" lies in clogged energy and neural circuits then the nutrient that
switches on those circuits is niacin.

Notice 1 | Our Classic "Moringa-Infused Protein"

Ishokudogen Lab and Growith are holding our annual early summer campaign.

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Notice 2 | For those suffering from malaise

Tests show no abnormalities.
It doesn't improve even with rest or exercise.

Such "malaise" may be caused by the body's overall balance (tensegrity) being disrupted because muscles are tight and contracted.

In many cases, the problem is not a major injury or widespread dysfunction, but small muscle stiffness (muscle contracture/trigger points) remaining in a very small area.

When these small contractures are scattered throughout the body,

• pelvic movement is restricted

• the body's axis becomes unstable

• and the burden concentrates on the extremities such as the shoulders, elbows, and limbs

In that state, no matter how much you exercise or relearn posture and movement,
the body's natural coordination will not return.

What we do first is not to train the whole body or force a reconstruction of movement.

It is to pinpoint and remove the single muscle contracture that is destroying the structure through muscle tuning. With just that, the body will naturally regain its coordination.

Without taking unnecessary detours, we call back the mechanisms the body inherently possesses.
We believe this is the shortest path approach.

Through muscle tuning and reactivation, we restore the supple body balance that people naturally have.

Before fixing technique.
Before changing the direction of your efforts.
We start by restoring the structure first.

Also, if you are a parent supporting a child in their developmental years aiming to become a professional in various fields, please feel free to contact us if you are interested.

*If you register for the official LINE account of Muscle Tuning Seitai-in UROOM, you can receive your first treatment at 50% off. (Excludes premium therapists.)

Information on the Noto Reconstruction Support Charity T-shirt

On New Year's Day 2024, Noto, my wife's hometown, was shaken significantly by an earthquake.
It has been a year and a half since then.
While media coverage has decreased, reconstruction is not progressing as hoped.
To ensure this is not treated as 'something that is already over,' we created a charity T-shirt.
It is a small prayer from two brands: Growith, which I operate, and ima, which my wife launched.

Introduction to our services and recommended note articles

■ Muscle Tuning Seitai-in UROOM

Muscle Tuning Seitai-in 'UROOM' was born to save 'pain refugees' suffering from chronic pain and discomfort. We view the body not as 'parts' but as an 'overall connection,' and aim for fundamental improvement and recurrence prevention through our unique method of optimizing muscles, skeleton, and blood flow. We place particular importance on the functionality of the psoas major muscle and pelvis, and by restoring harmony in posture, movement, and breathing, we draw out the body's inherent suppleness. We boast a high repeat rate (approximately 60%) and are widely supported by everyone from athletes to the elderly.

■ Ishoku Dogen Lab

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■ Introduction to note membership

We have opened a membership where you can subscribe to paid articles at a reasonable price, with three courses available.
① MTR Standard Plan: We carefully select highly reproducible articles from soccer-specialized articles published in the past and publish at least two per month (on the 15th and 30th).
② Plan to Align Body and Mind: We publish at least two paid articles every month.

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