Table of Contents
What means niacin?
A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Niacin helps some enzymes work properly and helps skin, nerves, and the digestive tract stay healthy. Niacin may help to lower blood cholesterol. Also called nicotinic acid and vitamin B3.
What is a vitamin niacin deficiency?
Corn protein is also deficient in tryptophan. The high incidence of pellagra in India among people who eat millet with a high leucine content has led to the hypothesis that amino acid imbalance may contribute to deficiency. Deficiencies of protein and many B vitamins commonly accompany primary niacin deficiency.
What are the functions of niacin?
Niacin is a B vitamin that’s made and used by your body to turn food into energy. It helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. Niacin (vitamin B-3) is often part of a daily multivitamin, but most people get enough niacin from the food they eat.
How is niacin deficiency diagnosed?
In early deficiency, diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and attempts at confirmation of niacin deficiency. Niacin metabolites, particularly N-methylnicotinamide, can be measured in the urine. Low levels suggest niacin deficiency but may also be found in patients with generalized under-nutrition.
What time is best to take niacin?
Niacin should be taken with food. The extended-release form of niacin should be taken at bedtime.
Who is most at risk for niacin deficiency?
Crohn’s disease, which affects almost 800,000 Americans, can cause vitamin B3 deficiency. So can Hartnup’s disease, a rare hereditary disorder, and a condition called carcinoid syndrome. People on dialysis and people who have cancer or HIV also have an increased risk of niacin deficiency.
How does niacin affect the heart?
Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) was considered a promising candidate to prevent cardiovascular disease because it is known to lower cholesterol in the blood, which is one of the main risk factors. Therefore, long‐term therapy with niacin was assumed to reduce the risk of heart attack, and stroke.
What is the benefit of niacin?
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an important nutrient. In fact, every part of your body needs it to function properly. As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits. However, it can also cause serious side effects if you take large doses.
Can niacin raise BP?
Blood pressure drugs, herbs and supplements. Niacin might have an additive effect when you take blood pressure drugs, herbs or supplements. This could increase your risk of low blood pressure (hypotension).