Vitamin B3 counteracts fatty liver disease

- and dangerous related disorders

Modern diets, soft drinks, candy, excessive alcohol intake, and obesity contribute to the fact that around one-third of the world’s population has developed fatty liver disease, often without realizing it. Over time, this increases their risk of liver inflammation, liver fibrosis (scar tissue), cirrhosis, primary liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease. It is well known that treating fatty liver disease requires dietary changes, although the results are often inadequate. According to a study published in Metabolism, vitamin B3 appears to have a therapeutic effect by influencing a genetic factor involved in the liver’s fat metabolism.

Fatty liver disease, also known as steatotic liver disease (SLD), is a general term for conditions in which the liver accumulates excessive amounts of fat, including cholesterol and other lipids. An estimated one-third of the world’s population suffers from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primarily due to excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, which turns the liver into a metabolically disturbed fat-producing organ. Fatty liver disease may also result from heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the precursor condition metabolic syndrome, all of which are associated with unhealthy dietary habits. Fatty liver disease develops slowly and, over time, often leads to complicated liver inflammation that can damage liver cells and cause liver fibrosis (scar tissue). In addition, fatty liver disease increases the risk of cirrhosis, primary liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Fatty liver disease is therefore a very serious health risk, especially because there are still no effective methods for diagnosing or treating fatty liver disease and later stages such as liver fibrosis. As a result, there is a growing need to focus more on prevention and treatment based on natural approaches.

Vitamin B3 is most effective for regulating metabolic disturbances in the liver

The new study was conducted by researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea. The study was based on growing evidence that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in regulating the genes involved in the development of fatty liver disease. The condition is also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
The researchers analyzed fat metabolism and the microRNA profile in liver tissue from patients and obese mice with MASLD. Prior to the study, the mice had been fed a diet high in carbohydrates (particularly fructose) and seed oils (containing omega-6 fatty acids), as this diet resembles modern eating habits that are known to contribute to fatty liver disease.
The researchers also examined the effects of 150 different nutrients and medications approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States. They found that vitamin B3 (niacin) was the most effective in treating fatty liver disease caused by metabolic dysfunction in the liver (MASLD).

How does vitamin B3 affect liver metabolism?

The researchers observed that vitamin B3 boosts a liver protein (SIRT1) that suppresses microRNA-93 (miR-93). This is a genetic factor that normally causes the liver to accumulate fat. Vitamin B3’s suppression of microRNA-93 also improved insulin sensitivity, levels of inflammation, and other disturbances related to metabolic dysfunction in the liver.
The study demonstrated that the genetic factor microRNA-93 is elevated in patients and experimental animals with fatty liver disease, and that vitamin B3 can reduce microRNA-93. As a result, vitamin B3 helps reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver, including cholesterol and other lipids.
On the other hand, mice that continued to express elevated levels of microRNA-93 showed worsening metabolic dysfunction in the liver.
According to the researchers, the study therefore demonstrates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic disturbances related to the development of fatty liver disease. They also emphasize that vitamin B3 is a safe compound that may now be used as part of the prevention and treatment of fatty liver disease.

Sources of vitamin B3 and actual requirements

Good sources of vitamin B3 include meat, fish, eggs, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and other protein-rich foods.
Vitamin B3 deficiency is particularly common in people consuming a monotonous, low-protein diet high in carbohydrates and fats from seed oils. Aging, alcohol abuse, diuretic medications, and immunosuppressive drugs may also cause vitamin B3 deficiency.
In addition, inherited or acquired DNA variations may make it difficult to convert vitamin B3 from food and supplements into its active form known as NAD. This means that many people may require far more vitamin B3 than the official recommendations suggest.
Of course, it is best to obtain sufficient vitamin B3 through a healthy and varied diet containing adequate amounts of protein.
The recommended intake for adults is set at 16 mg. There are also supplements containing relatively high doses of vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, which may be considered in connection with fatty liver disease. However, because nicotinic acid may cause “niacin flush” with redness and warmth in the face, which is harmless, it is always advisable to start with low doses and gradually increase to higher therapeutic doses.
It is also possible to choose vitamin B3 supplements containing nicotinamide or supplements that combine both forms.

References:

UNIST. Fatty liver breakthrough: A common vitamin shows promise. ScienceDaily 2026

Yo Han Lee et al. Hepatic miR-93 promotes the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by suppressing SIRTT1. Metabolism 2025

Soraya Djadjo, Tushar Bajaj. Niacin. StatPearls (Internet) 2023