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Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
 
Niacin, sometimes called vitamin B3, is the more common name for nicotinic acid. It is one of the most stable of the B-vitamins. A white crystalline substance that is soluble in both water and alcohol, niacin and niacinamide are both readily absorbed from the small intestine. Small amounts may be stored in the liver, but most of the excess is excreted in the urine. The only appreciable loss of niacin occurs when it leaches into cooking water. Dietary niacin and niacin formed within the body from the amino acid tryptophan are converted to niacinamide. Niacinamide is the biologically active form of niacin. Food sources (mg per 100gm):
  • Rice bran (18.5)
  • Tuna (11.6)
  • Chicken liver (9.3)
  • Chicken, white meat (8.1)
  • Wheatgerm (5.6)
  • Brown rice (4.7)
  • Broccoli (0.8)
  • Dried figs (0.4)
Niacin and niacinamide (nicotinamide) are critical in the co-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Niacin has many other common uses. Nicotinic acid works rapidly, particularly in its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition, some neurologic problems, such as Bell's palsy and trigeminal neuralgia, have been helped by niacin supplementation. It was initially well demonstrated to be helpful for the neuroses and psychoses described as the "dementia of pellagra," the niacin deficiency disease.

Though this therapy has its skeptics, as does all application of nutritional medicine, some studies show promising results in treatment of schizophrenia with niacin and other supplements. Other studies show little or no effect. Because of its vascular stimulation and effects of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, vitamin B3 has been used preventively for such serious secondary problems of cardiovascular disease as myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) and strokes. This reaction is harmless; it may even be helpful by enhancing blood flow to the "flushed" areas, and it lasts only 10-20 minutes. Niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate have not been linked with the side-effects associated with niacin supplementation.
 
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) benefits or hinders:
 
Diabetes Type II
Hepatitis
High Levels Of Triglycerides
Histapenia (Histamine Low)