Vitamin B3 (Niacin or Niacinamide)

Niacin aind Nicotinamide - both have the same activity as that of vit B3, These help in lowering total cholesterol and the harmful low densitycholesterol, Niacin has many other vital effects inthe metabolism other than lowering lipids, many of the by products formed during conversion of niacin to nicotinamide ( which is the active form of hormone) are essential in basic chemical reactions which deliver energy to the living cells. Niacin has an important function of increasing HDL (the protective) Cholesterol.

Symptoms of Deficiency

Gross deficiency of vit B3 causes Pellagra, this used to be endemic in some parts of Europe and America since the 18th century, when corn used to be the staple diet. In modern times this disease is seen only in malnourished individuals.

Causes and Treatment of Deficiency

The main cause of deficiency is poor intake with food. South Americans soak Corn in Lime to make it soft- this process is called Nixtilization and make the Nicotinamide present in corn available for absorption through our Gastrointestinal tract. Following foods may be rich sources of Niacin and can be used to treat deficiency of vit B3. Usualy Vit B3 is given throuh tabs as a component of multivitamin tabs or supplements. These should be consumed only under the supervision of a doctor as overdose may be very harmful and produce a number of adverse effects, including liver damage, diarrhea, itching and burning of skin etc...

Dietary Source of Vit B3 

Meat organs ( liver , heart, kidneys) milk, milk products, poultry, chicken, beef, fishes- Tuna, Salmon.

Fruits & Vegetables: avocadoes dates, tomatoes, leafy vegetables, Broccoli, Carrots, Asparagus

Seeds: Nuts, Whole Grain products like Dalia, Legumes- peas, kidney beans, beans, Saltbush seeds

Other: Mushrooms, Brewers yeast. 

Flushing with Niacin

Niacin can be used to increase  HDL cholesterol- one of the major side effects of this medicine is flushing of the skin, even though it may be transient and dissapear over time. Some new medicines have been discovered recently which prevent the flushing reaction, and together with the extended release formulations of Niamicin are well tolerated by patients. In higher quantities Niacin may also increase blood glucose levels hence diabetics using Niacin should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.

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