Niacin And Its Multiple Benefits-2

vitamin B3: Niacin Helth Benefits

Reduction of disease risk

Cancer
Some results from a preliminary study indicate that increased consumption of vitamin B3 ( niacin) , along with other micronutrients, may be related to a lower incidence of cancer of the mouth and esophagus.

Diabetes
Some evidence suggests that vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), may help people with type 1 diabetes to delay the onset of the need to take insulin.


Other Applications
Warning: Any dietary or drug treatment with high doses of micronutrients needs medical supervision.
 
High Cholesterol
Vitamin B3 Supplements (nicotinic acid) in high doses have been used successfully to reduce high levels of LDL ( 'bad' ) and fat ( triglyceride ) levels and to increase HDL ( "good" ). However the side effects (eg . , Redness) can be unpleasant and harmful if is used in long term ( liver damage) .


Atherosclerosis
Because large doses of vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) lowers LDL and triglycerides in the blood, it could help prevent arteries hardening  ( atherosclerosis). However niacin also increases the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.


Intake Recommendations
The daily requirement of vitamin B3 (niacin ) will depend on the amount of tryptophan amino acid contained in the diet, which can be converted to niacin in the body : 60 mg of tryptophan converted to 1 mg of niacin are labeled 1 ' niacin equivalent '(EN) .

In most European countries and in the USA ., the recommended intake for adults is about 16 mg of  EN for men and 14 mg for women.


Consumption situation
Most healthy people who eat a balanced diet get enough vitamin B3. However, dietary surveys indicate that between 15 and 25% of older people do not consume enough B3 (niacin ) through diet to meet the recommendations.


Deficiency
In developed countries, where vitamin B3 deficiency is rare, alcohol is the leading cause of deficiency. Symptoms of mild deficiency include indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, vomiting and depression.


Niacin natural sources
The yeast , nuts and legumes are the major contributors of niacin obtained through food. In cereals, eg . , corn, wheat, niacin is connected to certain components of the grain and for this reason are not bioavailable.

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