Niacin plays an essential role in the activities of enzymes involved in
carbohydrate and fat metabolism, nervous and digestive system functioning,
manufacture of sex hormones, and maintenance of healthy
skin. The coenzyme forms of niacin (NAD and NADH) are electron carriers
and play an important role in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, two important
energy-producing cycles in the body. Niacin may also help to prevent or treat
a number of other disorders, from
arthritis and
depression to
diabetes. Niacin as
vitamin B3, niacin has earned a reputation (in supplement form) as a
natural cholesterol-lowering agent that often rivals prescription drugs in
mild to moderate cases.
Health Benefits
Control cholesterol
Unlike most prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, which simply lower
levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, niacin also raises levels
of HDL ("good") cholesterol. As a result, this vitamin may prove more potent
than conventional medicines in ultimately reducing the risk for a
heart attack (and death from a heart attack). In a recent study of people
with
high cholesterol, niacin not only reduced LDL and triglycerides by 17% and
18%, respectively, but it also increased HDL by 16%. Although both nicotinic
acid and
inositol hexaniacinate have cholesterol-benefiting actions, inositol
hexaniacinate is the preferred form--it doesn't cause skin flushing and poses
much less risk of liver damage with long-term use.
Niacin For
anxiety and Panic
Based on niacin's well-recognized role in promoting the sound functioning of
nerve cells, some experts recommend the vitamin for relieving depression as
well as for soothing feelings of anxiety and panic.
Ease symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties associated with niacinamide may help in
calming joint inflammation, a frequent cause of rheumatoid arthritis pain. In
a double-blind, 12-week study, osteoarthritis sufferers who received
niacinamide supplements reported less inflammation and greater joint
flexibility than other participants who were given a placebo. The niacinamide
group also required less conventional anti-inflammatory medication to relieve
their customary pain and swelling.
Slow progression of type 1 diabetes
High doses of niacinamide, if given at the first signs of the disease, appear
to help prevent complications of insulin-dependent diabetes and may even help
reverse its development.
Treat Tinnitus
The persistent ringing, humming and buzzing in the ears associated with this
condition has been linked to poor blood circulation. By widening blood vessels
in the brain, inositol hexaniacinate may help to relieve these and other
tinnitus symptoms.
Featured Products
Niacinamide:Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B-3, functions in
over 50 metabolic reactions, most of which are enzymatic.
Niacin
Flush Free:Niacin (Vitamin B-3) is an essential B-Vitamin necessary
for good health. Many Niacin supplements cause a temporary Niacin flush, or a
tingling red rash on the skin when taken in large doses. This flush-free Niacin
is formulated to avoid such reactions.
No Flush
Niacin:Also a great source of Vitamin B3.
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