Heath, E. M., Wilcox, A. R., Lickliter, K. L., & Kornatz, K. W. (1996). Effect of niacin on endurance performance in cyclists. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 28(5), Supplement abstract 11.

Large doses of niacin, a B vitamin, reduce fat utilization during exercise. The inhibition of free fatty acid mobilization during moderate exercise caused significant performance impairment. However, at higher intensity exercise levels, where fat utilization plays a lesser role, performance impairment is reduced and not exhibited in some individuals.

Implication. When niacin is taken as part of a vitamin supplementation program, the amount ingested should be carefully considered so that there is no disruption of fat use to fuel activity.

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