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Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Description
Niacin is a member of the B- complex vitamins and is water soluble.
Niacin (vitamin B3) is a relative of nicotine, the toxic substance found in cigarette smoke.
But its effects are far from harmful.
Niacin belongs to naturally-occurring compounds niacinamine and nicotinic acid.
All living cells need niacin to release energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Niacin is also needed for making proteins and nucleic acids.
Functions
Improves circulation
Important for the efficient function of the nervous system
Essential for the metabolism of sugar and the conversion of essential fatty acids
Energy production
Health of the skin and mucus membranes, and digestive system
DNA replication and repair
Antioxidant Blood sugar regulation
Fat and cholesterol metabolism – high doses reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides
Medicinal and therapeutic Uses
Blood and circulatory system – Arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, cholesterol levels, diabetes, haemophilia, hypertension, hypoglycaemia, phlebitis, diarrhoea
Bowel, brain nervous system – dizziness, epilepsy, headaches, insomnia, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, neuritis, Parkinson’s disease
Ear – Meniere’s disease
Eyes – conjunctivitis
Hair/scalp – baldness
Heart – arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, hypertension
Intestine – constipation
Joints – arthritis
Leg – phlebitis
Lungs/respiratory system – tuberculosis
Mouth – canker-sores. Halitosis
Skin – acne, bed sores, dermatitis
Stomach – indigestion,
Teeth – pyorrhoea
General – alcoholism, cancer, stress
Deficiency Effects
Muscle weakness
Headaches
Dermatitis
Nausea
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Deficiencies of vitamin B6 or riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Malabsorption (inflammatory bowel disease, other digestive disorders)
Heavy alcohol use
Toxicity Effects
No known toxicity effects, mega dosing may cause tingling of the fingers, itching sensation, intense flushing of the skin and throbbing in the head due to dilation of the blood vessels
Good Dietary Sources
Lean meats, chicken, dates, figs, prunes, avocado, dandelion nettles, chickweed, watercress, fathen – all green leafy vegetables
