Niacin
 
 
p> Niacin also known as vitamin B3, has earned a reputation as a natural cholesterol-lowering nutritional supplement that often rivals certian prescription drugs. Nicain may help to prevent a number of other health conditions, from arthritis and depression to diabetes. Three forms of niacin supplements--each with a specific therapeutic role--are commercially available: nicotinic acid (also called nicotinate), niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate, a compound of niacin and inositol (another B-family vitamin).

The human body is usually able to absorb sufficient amounts of niacin from daily diet to carry out basic functions, working on the cellular level to keep the skin, digestive system, and nervous system healthy. Niacin is require to release energy from carbohydrates and help control blood-sugar levels. Interestingly, the body is also able to synthesizes niacin from tryptophan, an amino acid found in milk, eggs and poultry products.

Suggested Health Benefits

While most people do not suffer from niacin deficieny, many may benefit from supplemental niacin which may help with a variety of health conditions. Keep in mind that each of the three forms of niacin affects the body differently. Niacinamide exhibits specific anti-inflammatory properties, for example, while nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate affect blood lipid levels and circulation.

Niacin may be help to:

Lower Cholesterol - Studies indicate that niacin may help to lower levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Consequently, niacin may prove more effective than conventional medicines in reducing the risk for a heart attack (and death from a heart attack) and other conditions related to high cholesterol. In one study, niacin not only reduced LDL and triglycerides by nearly 18%, but it also increased HDL by 16%. Although both nicotinic acid and inositol hexaniacinate forms of niacin have cholesterol-benefiting effects, inositol hexaniacinate appears to be the preferred supplemental form as it does not cause skin flushing and poses much less risk of liver damage when used for a long period of time.

Fight Raynaud's disease and other circulatory conditions - It has been reported that niacin can improve circulation by relaxing arteries and veins, and is helpful for other conditions characterized by circulation difficulties. For those suffering from Raynaud's disease, niacin's ability to improve blood flow to the extremities may help counter the numbness and pain in the hands and feet that can occur when blood vessels overreact to cold temperatures. The inositol hexaniacinate form of niacin is believed to work best for circulation-related discomforts.

Fight depression. - Based on niacin's purported ability to promote (or support) nerve cell function some researchers recommend niacin in connection with depression, anxiety and for individuals that experience panic attacts. However, these claims have not be substantiated by empirical evidence.

Help relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. - Niacin's reported anti-infammatory properties may help to calm joint inflammation, a frequent cause of pain in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. In one double-blind study individuals suffering from osteoparthritis who were given niacinamide supplements reported less inflammation and greater joint flexibility than those participants who were give a placebo.

Slow progression of type 1 diabetes. - Relatively high doses of niacinamide, if administered during the early stages of insulin-dependent diabetes has been reported to help prevent condition related complications. It as been suggested that when given at the first signs of the disease this vitamin may even reverse development of insulin-dependent diabetes. However, these findings are not conclusive and complementary supplementation in relation to this condition should only proceed under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Relieve tinnitus - Tinnitus, a condition characterized by incessant ringing, humming and buzzing in the ears is believe to be associated with poor blood circulation. Inositol hexaniacinate may help to relieve this condition and its symptoms by helping to widen blood vessels in the brain.

Dosage and Administration

Niacin supplements are available in tablet and capsule form. The RDA for niacin is 14 mg for women and 16 mg for men. However, when used in connection with specific conditions or disorders usually require higher doses. 

From:   nutrasanus.com/niacin.html