Niacin is referred to as Vitamin B3 because it was the third of the B vitamins to be discovered. Niacin is found in a variety of foods including liver, chicken, beef, fish, cereal, peanuts and legumes and is also synthesized by tryptophan, which is found in meat, dairy and eggs. Niacin supplement is used to treat and prevent a lack of natural niacin in the body, and to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Vitamin
Vitamin B-Complex, vitamin B-1, Vitamin B-2, Vitamin C, and phosphorus assist the absorption of niacin. Vitamin B3, generally referred to as niacin, is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B3 can be lost in cooking water, so you should steam, bake, or stir-fry vegetables when possible. Vitamin B3 appears to improve mood as well as induce a calm feeling in people who suffer from panic disorders and anxiety. Vitamin B3 is essential for proper vision and for the prevention of cataracts.
Health
Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need extensive supplements. Health benefits of niacin include maintaining good blood circulation, healthy robust skin condition, and normal functioning of brain, boosting memory power, aiding the digestive tract to absorb sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and a relaxing effect on arthritis conditions. Niacin also helps keep your nervous system, digestive system, skin, hair and eyes healthy.
Levels
Niacin status is generally tested through urinary biomarkers, which are believed to be more reliable than blood plasma levels. Extremely high levels of niacin in the body can lead to peptic ulcers, skin rashes, and potential liver damage. Niacin is beneficial for reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, assisting insulin in the regulation of blood sugar levels and improving circulation. It is also well established that niacin helps reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. It can moreover be used therapeutically to manage cholesterol levels, keep up good circulation, and relieve soreness in arthritics.
Skin
Skin flushing occurs in up to 95% of people who take intermediate-release niacin, and in 65%-70% percent of people taking extended-release forms. Skin especially around the elbows is rough and inflamed. Niacin can cause certain side effects, such as flushing (warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin).
Disease
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, prevents the deficiency disease pellagra. Vitamin B3 has been reported to prevent Alzheimer's-like symptoms in a mouse model of the disease. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to nicotinic acid, or if you have severe liver disease, a stomach ulcer, or active bleeding.
Deficiency
Clinical evidence of niacin deficiency includes fatigue, poor appetite, diarrhea, irritability, headache, emotional instability and possible memory loss. Deficiency symptoms also include failing vision, hypersensitivity to light, skin inflammations and hypersensitivities including skin rashes.
Healthy Diet
Generally, eating a well-balanced diet can prevent a deficiency in this and in most vitamins. A healthy diet and well-balanced lifestyle should be part of everyone's daily regimen.
Sign up here with your email
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon