Just the Facts: NIACIN

Niacin, vitamin B3, Pantothenic acid: These three names are the same substance, a water-soluble vitamin found in all cells in the body. Niacin is necessary for cellular metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Inositol hexaniacinate: Another closely related drug that is being investigated as a safer approach to niacin. In the tests run so far, inositol hexaniacinate has shown great promise as a drug that can provide similar results and be free of the side effects of niacin. Further research may show that it will provide help for other medical conditions.

Pellagra: Caused by a severe lack of niacin in a diet. Common symptoms of pellagra involve the skin (rash), digestive system (a bright red tongue, vomiting, and diarrhea), and the nervous system (headache, apathy, fatigue, depression, disorientation, and memory loss). Physicians in areas of the world where people eat foods lacking usable niacin commonly refer the pellagra stages as the four D's-dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death.

Tryptophan: One of 20 essential amino acids found in vertebrate proteins. Common foods that have large amounts of tryptophan are chocolate, oats, bananas, and milk; it is the precursor of serotonin and niacin.

Photo from www.worldofmolecules.com/supplements/niacin.htm

1. Assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.

2. Helps to convert carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which is "burned" to produce energy.

3. Contributes in the breakdown of fats and protein.

4. Helps in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals.

5. Makes various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body.

6. Improve circulation and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood

7. Human body is able to convert tryptophan, an amino acid, into niacin.

The following are medical uses of niacin. I have added some hopes for the future as this drug seems to be comparatively safe and could be a "miracle" drug. However, there is still much to be learned.

High Cholesterol

1. Lowers elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

2. Increases HDL ("good") cholesterol

3. Lowers triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.

Atherosclerosis

1. Used to prevent development of atherosclerosis (plaque along the blood vessels that can cause blockage)

2. Reduces recurrent complications such as heart attack and peripheral vascular disease (atherosclerosis of the blood vessels in the legs that can cause pain with walking, called intermittent claudication) in those with the condition.

3. The combination of niacin and a cholesterol-lowering drug may dramatically slow the progression of heart disease, reducing risk of heart attack, and even death.

Diabetes

Studies are currently being run to study the uses that niacin might be to persons suffering from diabetes. Some research points to beneficial results, but much more research will be necessary before physicians will understand how to use this drug.

Osteoarthritis

There has been no definitive research showing that the arthritis disease can be helped by niacin. However, the research is continuing with hopes that it can be used for the following:

1. Niacinamide may improve arthritis symptoms.

2. Niacinamide may aid cartilage repair (damage to joint cartilage causes arthritis).

Cataracts

There is some hope that the B complex vitamins (which includes niacin, vitamin B3) could be effective in preventing cataracts (damage to the lens of the eye which can lead to cloudy vision).

Burns

Although it is unclear which micronutrients are most beneficial for people with burns, many studies suggest that a multivitamin including the B complex vitamins may aid in the recovery process.

Other

Niacin skin salves may be used in future years as anti-aging agents, for treatment of acne, and even for prevention of skin cancer.

organ meats, especially liver, beef kidney, lean meats, pork, and veal; Swiss cheese and most dairy products; poultry products eggs, and turkey; fish, especially swordfish, tuna, and salmon; rice bran and brown rice; wheat/wheat germ and brewer's yeast; nuts especially peanuts and sunflower seeds; leafy green vegetables, potatoes, green peas, lima beans, legumes, parsley, broccoli, and beets; avocados, dates, and figs; mushrooms; enriched breads and cereals