Vitamin B3 is known to many of us simply as Niacin or nicotinic acid.
It's part of what is known as the "B complex" vitamins, which are made up of 8 in total.
Vitamin B3 also can be found in two other forms, which are hexanicotinate and niacinamide, both of which are different than niacin.
What are the Deficiency Symptoms? Most people, unless living in underdeveloped countries, generally get enough B3, so deficiency is rare, although more prevalent in alcoholics.
There are symptoms associated with a Vitamin B3 deficiency, and those include: oVomiting oDepression oCanker sores oIndigestion oFatigue A severe deficiency would cause something known as Pellagra.
It's known by scaly and cracked skin, diarrhea, and dementia.
This can be cured with a change in diet and by taking supplements.
What are the Best Food Sources? The best food sources are: oBeef liver oBeef kidneys oSwordfish oSalmon oTuna oSunflower seeds oPeanuts oBeets oBrewer's yeast oFortified cereals and breads An amino acid that the body converts to niacin is tryptophan, which can be found in dairy products, red meat, poultry and eggs.
What are the Health Benefits? The health benefits of Vitamin B3 are many.
It has been proven to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and the triglyceride levels in blood.
Studies have also shown that it is more effective in raising the HDL (good) cholesterol than medications.
Studies have also shown that benefits of Vitamin B3 include a decreased chance of becoming insulin dependent in those suffering with diabetes.
Some have even reported that it has helped with lowering the risk of contracting Alzheimer's disease and also that it has helped with acne and other skin conditions.
One of the best ways to ensure that you receive the benefits of Vitamin B3 in your diet is to include a multi-vitamin supplement which contains all the B and other important vitamins, nutrients, and herbal extracts.