Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is an integral part of a balanced diet and is crucial in providing the body with various essential functions. It is found in both food sources and dietary supplements and can one take as an oral supplement.
Niacin plays a vital role in converting food into energy, helping break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into fuel for the body. It also helps to create compounds necessary for the functioning of the nervous system.
Niacin helps to increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body, known as 'HDL.' It also helps reduce the levels of 'LDL' (bad cholesterol), making it beneficial for those with high cholesterol.
Niacin helps keep the skin, nails, and hair healthy due to its ability to treat pellagra, a deficiency that commonly manifests in scaly skin and hair loss.
As suggested, Niacin can be a treatment for certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, but more research is necessary to determine its efficacy.
Niacin helps keep the digestive and cardiovascular systems healthy by improving their functions and preventing inflammation.
Niacin is also involved in hormone production, functioning as a precursor to many vital hormones like adrenaline, progesterone, and testosterone.
Niacin is essential for developing healthy cell walls and is also thought to play a role in cancer prevention.
Niacin can cause side effects, including soreness, redness, itching, and headaches, if taken in high doses and can also interact with certain medications.
Niacin helps to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which improves mood and helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
Niacin is essential for pregnant women, as it helps regulate the fetus's development and ensures that the baby receives the proper nutrients needed for healthy growth.
