Understanding The Benefits Of Vitamin B3
Also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, vitamin B3 is one of the eight B vitamins. Like all the other vitamins in its category, vitamin B3 plays an important part in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. The body would not have enough energy to perform the common functions without glucose. Glands, skin, eyes, nervous system, hair and liver depend on the B complex for optimal functioning.
Vitamin B3 benefits
Vitamin B3 regulates the sex and stress hormones secretion. It also plays an important part in the blood circulation and the reduction of the cholesterol levels.
Since niacin acts against cholesterol, it has a major function in the protection against atherosclerosis.
In the treatment of diabetes, it seems that niacin delays the passage from diabetes type 1(non-insulin dependent) to diabetes type 2 (insulin dependent).
Vitamin B3 enhances joint mobility and reduces the need for the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs in the case of osteoarthritis sufferers.
Vitamin B3 deficiencies
In today’s society it is pretty uncommon to get vitamin B3 deficiency because of the variety of modern man’s diet. Alcoholism is the primary cause for such deficiencies. Normally, meals provide enough niacin. In the past, severe deficiency of vitamin B3 used to cause pellagra characterized by scaly skin, diarrhea and even dementia. Most of the symptoms of such a deficiency are digestive, but only medical investigations can lead to diagnosis.
Dietary sources for vitamin B3
The foods with the highest content of vitamin B3 include beef kidney, beef liver, salmon, tuna, swordfish, peanuts and sunflower seeds. All cereals and breads are presently fortified with niacin. The body also converts an amino acid taken from red meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products into niacin.
Vitamin B3 supplements
The best vitamin B3 supplements are timed-release capsules. For such supplements, the incidence of side effects is much lower and there is no toxic impact on the liver.
Vitamin B3 may interact with other medication, therefore you should be careful what type of supplements you use. A common reaction to a vitamin B3 supplement is a burning, tingling sensation on face and chest. This side effect can be prevented by taking an aspirin half an hour before the administration of the supplement.
Tags: vitamin, Vitamin B3