What is Vitamin B3 good for?

What is Vitamin B3? Uses and precautions when using

We often hear about vitamin B3 as an essential nutrient in multivitamins, skin care products, or healthy diets. But really, vitamin B3 is what? It has uses, and need use how to the right way to bring optimum benefits for health and skin? Articles of , Dr. Nguyen Giap below will take you to go deep to discover about vitamins familiar with this but still lot to learn.

What is Vitamin B3 good for?

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, is an important member of the water-soluble B vitamin group. In addition to niacin, there is another form called niacinamide (or nicotinamide), which has the same function but differs in mechanism of action and tolerance.

Vitamin B3 plays an essential role in converting food into energy, protecting nerve health, supporting digestive function and keeping skin healthy.

The deficiency of vitamin B3 can lead to a disease called pellagra with classic expressions: dermatitis, diarrhea, and mental disorders. Therefore, the guarantee provides full type of this vitamin from food or supplements is essential for all ages.

Outstanding uses of vitamin B3

Supports cardiovascular system and regulates cholesterol

One of the most prominent and well-researched uses of vitamin B3 is its ability to regulate blood lipids. Niacin helps reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), while increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

This contributes to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications.

In clinical treatment, vitamin B3 are often used in combination with statins such as Crestor, Lipitor to enhance effective control blood fat, however, to achieve this effect, niacin need to use at high doses and with that comes the risk of adverse effects.

Therefore, the use of niacin in high doses need to be specified and monitored closely from the doctor.

Positive effects on the skin

Not only famous in the field of cardiology, the lines of B vitamins such as  B1, B6, B12, B9, B3 also a star in the world of skin care. Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 ) is often used extensively in skin care products thanks to its features and brighten the skin, reduce inflammation, increase elasticity, and protect skin from the effects of environmental pollution.

Niacinamide helps soothe the irritation of the skin, improve the condition of acne, control sebum and shrink pores. In addition, it also supports blur penetration melasma, making skin and slow down the aging process thanks to its ability to increase collagen and powerful anti-oxidant.

Additional function of the nerves and the brain

Niacin plays an essential role in the functioning of the central nervous system, it helps to synthesize the enzymes necessary for neurotransmitter support, enhance memory, improve sleep, and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress. In older adults, the addition of vitamin B3 in full can help reduce the risk of these disorders, neurodegenerative such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Prevention and treatment of disease deficiency of vitamin B3 (Pellagra)

Pellagra is a shortage of vitamin B3 serious, frequently in people who have a poor diet, protein or alcohol addiction long years. The main manifestation of the disease is inflammation of the skin symmetrical (especially in the sun exposure), diarrhea and persistent mental disorders such as depression, loss of orientation. If untreated, pellagra can be fatal.

The addition of niacin or niacinamide is effective method for the treatment and prevention of this disease, and help recover faster lesions of the digestive system, nerves, and skin.

Food sources rich in vitamin B3

The body can not synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin B3 should be supplemented through food daily. The supply of niacin naturally includes:

• Animal liver, chicken, beef, salmon, tuna.
• Whole grain corn, oats.
• Peanuts, sunflower seeds, soybeans.
• Eggs, milk and green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus.

In addition, synthetic vitamins or a dietary supplement niacin can also be essential supplies for those who have higher demand or difficult to absorb from food.

Dosage recommendations and how to use safety

According to the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine of the United States, dosage of vitamin B3 varies according to age, gender, and physiological condition:

• Children: 2 – 16 mg/day (depending on age).
• Adult men: 16 mg/day.
• Women: 14 mg/day.
• Pregnant women: 18 mg/day.
• Lactation: 17 mg/day.
• Limits maximum safety: 35 mg/day for adults.

The use of doses higher than recommended levels should only be done under the track of the therapist, especially when niacin is used to treat high cholesterol.

To limit the side effects, users should take niacin after eating. In some cases, taking aspirin before adding niacin can help reduce the feeling of skin flushing.

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Side effects and warnings when using vitamin B3 high doses

Although vitamin B3 relatively safe when used in the right dose, but high doses, prolonged can cause some serious side effects:

• Red skin, hot flashes, tingling.
• Nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Irregular heartbeat, dizziness.
• Increased blood glucose, particularly in people with diabetes.
• Liver damage when taking > 3g/day in a long time.
• Increased risk of gout, stomach ulcers, even loss of vision.

The special objects need to be cautious when taking vitamin B3 high doses include:

• People with diabetes or insulin resistance.
• People with a history of liver disease or gout.
• People are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs or drug treatment of hypertension.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding (use only the recommended doses).

Some research also raises concerns about the risk of stroke in patients taking niacin in high doses, however, the conclusion is still unclear and needs further evidence.

Conclusion

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is an essential nutrient with many important roles in the body, from supporting nerve function, regulating cholesterol, to improving skin and digestive system. However, like any vitamin, using vitamin B3 properly, in the right dosage and with caution in special cases.

A balanced, varied diet with plenty of natural foods is the safest and most effective way to get your daily dose of niacin. If necessary, you can consult your doctor about taking additional pills or supplements, but always remember: the right supplement is the one that really works.

Because cardiovascular health, skin and brain, don't forget the important presence of vitamin B3 in your daily menu, you.

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