Research, Benefits and Cautions.
Overview:
Vitamin B-3, otherwise known as niacin, acts like other B vitamins
to create enzymes that are essential to metabolic cell activity, synthesize
hormones, repair genetic material, and maintain normal functioning
of the nervous system. Great sources of this vitamin may be found
in meat, fish, and whole grains.
How This Vitamin Works in Your Body:
May treat pellagra
Decreases cholesterol and triglycerides in blood
Large doses dilate blood vessels
Handles ear ringing and dizziness
Essential for genetic material repair
Potential reduction in heart attacks, depression, and migraine headaches
Poor digestion could be improved
The following may benefit from this supplement:
Anyone with poor dietary intake
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Substance abusers
Severe burn or injury patients
Infants with congenital metabolic disorders
Where This Vitamin is Found:
Beef liver
Brewer's yeast
Chicken, white meat
Dried beans/peas
Fortified cereals
Halibut
Peanut butter
Peanuts
Pork/ham
Potatoes
Salmon
Soybeans
Swordfish
Tuna
Turkey
How to Use:
Available as:
Liquid: the best form due to its high bioavailability and fast absorption.
Always choose liquid as your first choice when supplementing your
diet.
Tablets: available
Recommended Daily Intakes
Men: 16 mg
Women: 14 mg
Pregnancy: 18 mg
Lactation: 17 mg
Cautions:
Consult your doctor if you have:
Diabetes
Gout
Gallbladder or liver disease
Arterial bleeding
Glaucoma
Over 55:
Individualized doses recommended.
Pregnancy:
Do not use. Fetus may be at risk.
Breastfeeding:
Always consult doctor during lactation. Keep within DRI.
Storage:
Heat and/or moisture may alter the vitamin. Refrigeration is recommended.
Symptoms of Deficiency:
Symptoms include dermatitis on the hands and face, weakness, loss
of appetite, sore mouth, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
Overdose:
Signs of Overdose:
Signs of an overdose may include body flush, nausea, diarrhea, weakness,
lightheadedness, headache, fainting, high blood sugar, high uric
acid, heart-rhythm disturbances, and jaundice.
Side Effects:
Reaction or effect : What to do
Abdominal pain : Discontinue. Consult doctor immediately.
Urine Darkening : No action needed.
Diarrhea : Discontinue. Refer to your doctor soon.
Headache : Discontinue. Refer to your doctor soon.
Faintness : Discontinue. Refer to your doctor soon.
Feeling hot : No action needed.
Jaundice : Discontinue. Consult doctor immediately.
Dry Skin : Discontinue. Refer to your doctor soon.
Interactions:
Interacts with : Combined effect
Antidiabetics : Reduction in antidiabetic effect.
Beta-adrenergic blockers : Incredibly low blood pressures.
Chenodiol : Reduction in chenodiol effect.
Guanethidine : Raises guanethidine effect.
Isoniazid : Reduction in niacin effect.
Mecamylamine : Incredible reduction in blood pressure.
Pargyline : Incredible reduction in blood pressure.
Ursodiol : Reduction in ursodiol effect.
Tobacco : Reduction in niacin effect.
Alcohol : Incredible reduction in blood pressure.