Symmetry Products with Niacin (Vitamin B-3):   NutraPack, Fruit-a-Mins, OptiBreathe, Tranquility, Premium Plus, Ultra Vitality, Future Star, Extreme Fuel

Niacin (Vitamin B-3)

Niacin (or vitamin B-3) is a generic term used to refer to two different compounds, nicotinic acid and niacinamide. Either form is converted in the body to the physiologically active forms that are required in many metabolic processes.

Niacin is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat and the generation of energy from foods. Niacin is needed in the formation of red blood cells and some hormones, and in the metabolism of some drugs and toxicants. Niacin is also required in the production of hydrochloric acid.

Niacin supports normal central nervous system function and is important to the health of the skin and helps maintain normal digestive tract function.

Niacin can be manufactured in the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan.

Niacin deficiency is a disease called pellagra. Pellagra is the disease of the three Ds, diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia. Niacin deficiency affects every cell, especially where there is rapid cell turnover, such as the skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and nervous system.

Some characteristics of pellagra include decreased energy and problems maintaining the integrity of the skin and intestinal tract. Symptoms include weakness and fatigue, anorexia, indigestion, and skin irregularities. These can progress to canker sores, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Reduced stomach acid production will contribute to malabsorption of a number of nutrients including fat and fat-soluble vitamins. The initial  neurological symptoms are irritability and insomnia with headaches and can progress to extreme anxiety, depression and psychosis.

Niacin, in the form of nicotinic acid, can produce a niacin flush. This is a redness, warmth, and itching to the skin. This typically happens when the dosage is 50 mg or higher. The flush is the result of vasodilation. While some find this feeling uncomfortable, it is harmless.

Nicotinic acid stimulates circulation, helps maintain normal blood pressure and blood triglyceride levels. Nicotinic acid is very effective at lowering LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol, both of which support normal cholesterol levels.

Niacin has been important to the field of orthomolecular nutrition for its use supporting the higher functions of the brain and cognition. While niacin was originally helpful for the dementia of pellagra, high doses have been used to support normal mood and psychological function. This continues to be a controversy, though there are some studies that showed promising results.

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