N

iacin is a remarkable multi-tasking water-soluble B-vitamin that is extensively studied and is found to play a role in many aspects of health. Niacin, well-known as vitamin B3 contributes to the energy-yielding mechanism, plays an important role in digestion, heart health, normal functioning of the nervous system, maintenance of healthy skin, reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Niacin is a major component of NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are cofactors central to metabolism.

Niacin is formed within the body from the amino acid tryptophan converted to niacinamide. Niacinamide is the biologically active form of niacin.

Niacin used in supplements is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water.

 

PRIMARY DIETARY SOURCES OF NIACIN 

The primary food sources of niacin include fish, meat, eggs, milk, whole grain cereals, legumes, wheat germ, brown rice, avocados, figs, dates and nuts.

 

ZENITH NUTRITION NIACIN

Zenith Nutrition Niacin is a high-quality vegetarian dietary supplement which is easy to swallow and clinically validated for potency and purity. The supplement is manufactured at a GMP-certified manufacturing facility and is free of soy, corn, gluten, sugar, dairy, yeast or any kind of preservatives.

 

TOP 4 BENEFITS OF NIACIN

1. SUPPORTS HEALTHY METABOLISM

Vitamin B3 is critical for the breakdown of carbs, fats and converting them into energy. Niacin promotes normal functioning of the digestive system. Research links low levels of vitamin B3 to digestive ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and vomiting. Upon consuming, vitamin B3 in the body gets converted into NAD and NADP which are coenzymes necessary for hundreds of oxidation, reduction reactions, which are essential sources of energy.

 

2. BENEFITS HEART HEALTH

Low-density lipoprotein is an underappreciated cause of heart health risk. The potential benefits of niacin for heart health are attributed to its ability in maintaining a healthy lipid profile. As an antioxidant, niacin has demonstrated an ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation which can prove harmful for heart health, as they tend to harden the arteries and obstruct blood flow. Regular supplementation with niacin helps produce a significant reduction in bad cholesterol and triglycerides with an increase in beneficial cholesterol.

Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells, this causes fewer fatty acids to pass through the liver, resulting in fewer VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) particles, and less LDL. Less VLDL leads to less LDL and higher HDL.

 

3. HELPS MAINTAIN SKIN HEALTH

Niacin supplementation may help to reverse sun damage, the vitamin helps heal wounds, improves the firmness of the skin, and promotes the power of skin to retain moisture through stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Niacin has anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective in treating acne. The wonder vitamin is beneficial to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. The development of wrinkles is the result of epidermal cell layers from a reduction of protein and collagen synthesis. Niacin has the ability to increase dermal collagen and protein production. It increases the skin’s resistance to harmful environmental agents. Niacin helps decrease hyperpigmentation, minimize dark circles and acne blemishes by reducing melanosome transfer from melanocytes to surrounding keratinocytes.

 

4. SUPPORTS BRAIN FUNCTION

Vitamin B3 has long been recognized as a key mediator of neuronal development and survival. It is involved in the formation of NAD and NADP, which are enzymes that play a role in the signalling between nerve cells. Niacin gives rise to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphate analog, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). Dietary supplementation may help protect against age-related cognitive decline. Niacin increases NAD⁺ brain concentration which can restore the mitochondrial function and protect against cognitive decline. Vitamin B3 deficiency has been recognized as a pathogenic factor for neurological deficits. Optimal intake of the vitamin will support neuronal health and delay neurodegeneration.

 

REASONS FOR NIACIN DEFICIENCY

1. Niacin deficiency primarily results from undernutrition (cause of inadequate intake of both niacin and tryptophan), which may usually occur in areas where maize constitutes a substantial part of the diet. This is because niacin in corn is in a peptide-bound form which is not assimilated in the gastrointestinal tract. Corn protein is also deficient in tryptophan.

2. Consuming a diet low in tryptophan or a condition that reduces the body’s ability to convert tryptophan into niacin. A low intake of vitamin B6 which can reduce the amount of tryptophan that converts to niacin.

3. Secondary niacin deficiency may occur due to diarrhea, alcoholism, which may affect the absorption of niacin.

 

SYMPTOMS OF NIACIN DEFICIENCY

1. Rough, cracked, scaly skin, lesions

2. Indigestion

3. Headache

4. Fatigue

5. Vomiting

6. Diarrhea

7. Swollen tongue

8. Extreme tiredness                                                                                                                                                                             

 

IS SUPPLEMENTATION REQUIRED?

Although the chances of niacin deficiency are low, one needs to understand that niacin is a crucial vitamin that benefits your general health. If your intake of this key vitamin is low, it may affect your well-being. The water-soluble vitamin is not stored in the body and hence we need to eat sources of them daily.

 

IS IT SAFE TO SUPPLEMENT WITH NIACIN?

There are chances that vitamin B3 supplements could interfere with a variety of medications, including common antibiotics, and blood thinners. One side effect of taking niacin supplement may be mild flushing, which may be described as a feeling of redness, or tingling under the skin.