Niacin

Niacin

Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin, also known as Vitamin B3. As many as 200 enzymes require Niacin's coenzymes for energy metabolism. Niacin is also used to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency), a disease caused by inadequate diet and other medical problems. Niacin is a precursor to the amino acid tryptophan, and it can be made from tryptophan in the body.

Health Benefits of Niacin

• Niacin is generally used to support healthy cholesterol levels and help reduce certain fatty substances in the blood.
• Niacin also helps to regulate blood sugar, and it works at the cellular level to protect the skin and keep the digestive system healthy.
• As with other B vitamins, Niacin helps the process the body uses to get or make energy from food.
• Niacin supports energy production, increasing the rate of metabolism.
• Niacin helps maintain healthy skin and muscle tone
• Niacin enhances immune and nervous system function,
• Niacin promotes cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia.

Niacin is particularly crucial in converting into proteins, carbohydrates and fat into body energy. [1] Niacin is reported to ahve the ability to naturally lower the levels of "bad" cholesterol which is known is known to clog the arteries in the heart. It is also believed that Niacin may help in offsetting Atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries. [1] Recent studies have also made a connection between populations with Alzheimer's having lower levels of Niacin in their system. A mild deficiency of Niacin may result in indigestion, canker sores, vomiting, fatigue and depression while a much more serious deficiency may cause pellagra which is cracked scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhea. [1]

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Additional Information

Sources of Niacin / Vitamin B3

Niacin / Vitamin B3 can be consumed naturally through a diet high in beef, chicken, fish, peanuts and yeast. Alcoholics tend to be the leaders in Niacin deficiency in most nations. ^[1]

Niacin / Vitamin B3 Dosages

The daily recommended intake of Niacin in adults ranges from 16 milligrams for adult males and 14 milligrams for adult females; though pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to up their intake to 18 milligrams and 17 milligrams per day respectively. Niacin, like the entire Vitamin B family, is a water-soluble vitamin. Regular ingestion of Niacin through a pill or tablet will result in its elimination through urine. ^[2]

High dosages of Niacin have been found to be toxic and should not be taken unless you are under orders of a physician. Various side effects include the "niacin flush" where your face and chest can feel a tingling sensation and turn bright red. This condition usually passes in about 20-30 minutes. Also, after long periods of use of mega dosages of Niacin, your liver could be damaged and ulcers could begin to form in your stomach. ^[1]

People with stomach or liver problems should not increase their normal Vitamin B3 intake. The presence of Niacin is an important part of nutrition and one that can always be met through a well balanced diet. Those feeling the need to increase the amount of Niacin are advised to include another B vitamin complex, as taking only one type of Vitamin B may create an imbalance in the body. ^[2]