While niacin has been linked to increased mortality, the vitamin B3 complex may protect cells against neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

A study also published in June 2018 has looked at nicotinamide riboside (NR) form of vitamin B3 and mitochondrial metabolism. The study used stem cells derived from patients with Parkinson's disease, as well as fruit flies with genetic changes to model the progression of Parkinson's.6

NR has a positive effect on mitochondrial function and was found to prevent age-related loss of dopamine, meaning motor function was maintained. It appears that NR boosts mitochondrial levels of the co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) used to produce energy, and countering effects of damaged mitochondria.6,7

The charity Parkinson's UK has said that the €new findings build upon previous experiments which show how important vitamin B3 may be for keeping brain cells healthy and working properly.€ While this study used modelling, results from a US clinical trial looking at the effect of niacin in humans are expected in late 2019.7