Vitamin B3 is also called niacin. It is needed for over 50 body processes. Like all the B-complex vitamins, it is important for release of energy from carbohydrates and fats, the metabolism of proteins, making certain hormones, and assisting in the formation of red blood cells. The term niacin refers to nicotinic acid and nicotine, which are both used by the body to form the coenzymes, NAD (Nicotine Adenine Dinucleotide) and NADP (Nicotine Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADP). By the way, the names have nothing to do with the nicotine in tobaccos, they are the coenzymes in oxidation-reduction reactions within the human body. They are vital in cell metabolism.
There are quite a few of supplements made for Niacin, however, many of them gives people gastrointestinal discomfortness. Twinlab's No-Flush Niacin solves the problem. This special formulation of Niacin does not product flushing or the gastrointestinal discomfort which may be associated with Niacin use.
Niacin Health Benefits
Like other B vitamins, Niacin is needed for energy production. It makes enzymes that help your cells turn carbohydrates into energy. The two coenzymes, NAD and NADP, are essential for utilizing the metabolic energy of foods. The important role of Niacin in energy production is that it also helps control how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood, which in turn helps give you energy just when you need it. Say you had a great workout today, and you body is screaming for extra energy to finish the day, Niacin will give a green light for the energy system to generate more energy for you.
Niacin is also useful in the making of fatty acids. But it also helps the digestive system function and promotes a normal appetite and healthy skin and nerves. also the breakdown of proteins and fats and in the formation of red blood cells. Niacin has been used successfully to increase blood flow and improve circulation. and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, proper circulation and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, and a memory-enhancer.
The RDA for niacin, revised in 1998, was based on the prevention of deficiency. Pellagra can be prevented by about 11 mg NE/day, but 12 mg to16 mg/day has been found to normalize the urinary excretion of niacin metabolites (breakdown products) in healthy young adults. Because pellagra represents severe deficiency, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) chose to use the excretion of niacin metabolites as an indicator of niacin nutritional status rather than symptoms of pellagra. However, some researchers feel that cellular NAD and NADP content may be more relevant indicators of niacin nutritional status.
Daily recommendations for dietary vitamin B3 are listed below.
