Niacin

Niacin is a water soluble vitamin that belongs to vitamin B family, also called as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. ^{[1, 2]} Niacin is available in two different forms niacinamide (nicotinamide) and inositol hexanicotinate which have some different effects from niacin and also obtainable in different other complex amides and variety of esters. ^{[1, 2, 3]} It is an organic compound having the molecular formula C₆H₅NO₂, and is a derivative of pyridine. ^[2]

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Positive Health Aspects of Niacin or Vitamin B3

Effects on Blood Glucose Level

Niacin in the form of niacinamide or nicotinamide can lower the elevated levels of blood glucose levels by increasing the production of insulin from pancreas. ^{[1, 3, 5, 6, 8]}

Effects on High Cholesterol Levels

Niacin reduces high cholesterol levels of the blood and improves circulation. It raises the levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol and therefore, it lessens the risks of heart related problems. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8]}

Favorable Effects on Blood Vessels

Niacin may have wholesome effects in reducing the hardening effects of blood vessels because it avoids fatty depositions on the walls of blood vessels by lowering the cholesterol levels of the blood. ^{[1, 8]}

Aids Mental Functions

Niacin encourages nervous system health and helpful for various mental illnesses. ^{[3, 4]} It has positive effects in supporting the functioning of nervous system. ^[4] Vitamin B3 has positive effects on the condition of depression, ^{[3, 5, 6]} anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. ^{[3, 6]} Niacin improves memory loss, ^{[1, 2, 3, 5]} migraine headaches, and feelings of tiredness, weakness and irritability. ^[3]

Supports Bones and Joint Health

Niacinamide may improve bones and joint health, increases joint mobility and reduces weakening and possible shattering of bones. ^{[1, 6, 7]}

Effects on Skin Health

Niacin is vital for healthy skin and helpful for various skin problems like acne, aging of skin and long standing problems related to skin. ^[1]

Other Health Benefits of Niacin

• Vitamin B3 or Niacin along with Vitamin B complex assists the body to produce energy by converting carbohydrates into glucose. ^{[1, 3, 8]}
• Niacin exhibits its favorable effects in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and proteins. ^{[4, 5]}
• Niacin is an important vitamin which is required for the proper circulation and healthy skin. ^[4]
• Vitamin B3 aids the production of hydrochloric acid, hence promotes healthy digestion. ^{[4, 6]} It also involves in the secretion of bile and other stomach fluids. ^[4]
• Vitamin B3 or Niacin promotes synthesis of sex hormones. ^[4]
• Niacin plays a key role in improving the health of skin, hair, eyes, nails and liver. ^{[1, 5]}

Niacin Deficiency may leads to…

Pellagra is the condition that is caused by the deficiency of Niacin. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 9]} Various other health concerns like depression, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, irritability, headaches, loss of memory, insomnia, convulsions, limb pain, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, redness, and soreness and bad breath may cause due to niacin deficiency. ^{[3, 4, 9]}
Due to Niacin deficiency gastrointestinal tract is also affected and may results in diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, indigestion, a red, swollen tongue and mouth ulcers. ^{[3, 4, 9]}
Niacin deficiency may also result because of alcohol ingestion and poor diet. ^[3]

To overcome the dietary needs of Niacin it is necessary that the daily entails must be fulfilled by dietary supplements containing naicin.

References:

1. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b3-000335.htm
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin
3. Mike Fillon. (2003) Real RDAs for Real People. Page No. USA: Woodland.
4. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
5. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 36. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
6. Stephen Holt, M.D. (2003). Sleep Naturally. Page No. 109, 110. USA: Wellness Publishing.
7. Dr. Richard Firshein (1998) The Nutraceutical Revolution. Page No. 147, 148. London: Vermilion
8. Kenneth A. Goldberg, M.D. (2001) The Men’s Health. Longevity Program. Page No.89, 96. USA: Rodale Inc.
9. Remington. (1975). Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences. (15th edition). Page No. 951. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Company.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.