Benefits of Niacin

             Niacin is one of the nutrients listed in many of the food items. Recommended dietary needs of niacin are: 2- 12 mg/day for children, 14 mg/day for women, 18 for pregnant women, and 16 mg/day for men.  It is a colorless solid organic compound soluble in water. Niacin Chemical formulae is C₆H₅NO₂.and is also known as Vitamin B₃, Nicotinic acid, Vitamin PP. Pellagra disease is caused by the deficiency of niacin intake in the diet. Niacin helps metabolism to produce glucose (source of body energy), to reduce heart, type 1 diabetic, skin, nail, and other diseases. Human body also produces certain amount of niacin (liver produces niacin from amino acid tryptophan). ‘Benefits of Niacin' are many; some of the benefits are described below:

             Increase of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein, good Cholesterol)

                                    . Niacin reduces Low Density lipoprotein (LDL, bad cholesterol), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. By lowering LDL it increases the HDL (good cholesterol). Niacin also enlarges the blood vessel. This helps to reduce the risk of heart attack. Because niacin can increase toxicity, high dose niacin should be administered through a physician care. 

            Helps metabolism

                                    . Niacin along with Vitamin B helps to some extent as a catalyst to convert body fat and carbohydrates into glucose (the energy source for body activities). It is also essential for healthy nervous system functions and healthy hair, nail, and skins.

            Niacinamide 

                                    . Niaciamide derived from niacin has beneficial effects to reduce arthritis and inflammation. It also reduces insulin resistance in type 1 diabetic.

            Niacin also helps sleep disease and migraine headaches.

            Summary of benefits of niacin

                                    . Reduce mental confusion, Arthritis, Type 1 diabetes,

. Better joint mobility, Reduce High blood pressure and High cholesterol

.  Treats Alcoholism, Increase HDL and lowers LDL, reduces Crohn disease

. Reduces Migraine headache           

Niacin deficiency Symptoms

                        . Skin disease, Vomiting, sleeplessness, Irritation, Sores

                        . Tender gums, mucous membrane inflammation

                        . Diarrhea, Chronic fatigue

             In many parts of the world one may consume food items like maize as the main dish. The maize does not contain the recommended amount of niacin. Thus one may suffer from niacin deficiency because of poor diet with respect to niacin; thus one shall suffer from niacin deficiency diseases. Body production of niacin by liver may not be enough to satisfy the recommended daily niacin. One should use niacin supplements and or proper diets to get recommended daily amount niacin.

            Natural sources of Niacin

                                    . Liver, heart, kidney, fish, Tuna, salmon, milk, eggs

                                    . Avocados, dates, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, asparagus

                                    . Seeds, mushrooms