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Vitamin B3 (Niacin) E-mail
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Wednesday, 07 February 2007
Vitamin B3 is commonly used to lower elevated LDL ('bad') cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood and is more effective in increasing HDL ('good') levels than other cholesterol-lowering medications, writes Dr Bhatti

Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is important and versatile, playing a role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. B3 is effective in improving circulation and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Its needs can be partially met by eating foods containing protein because the human body is able to convert tryptophan, an amino acid, into B3.

Dietary deficiency of B3 tends to only occur in areas of the world where people eat corn as a staple diet and don't use lime in fertilization. Corn is the only grain that is low in B3. Lime releases tryptophan, which, again, can be converted to B3 in the body. Symptoms of mild deficiency include indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, vomiting, and depression. Severe deficiency of both B3 and tryptophan can cause a condition known as pellagra. Pellagra is characterized by cracked, scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhoea. It is generally treated with a nutritionally balanced diet and B3 supplements. B3 deficiency also results in burning in the mouth and a swollen, bright red tongue In the United States alcoholism is the prime cause of Vitamin B3 deficiency.

Because of the risk of toxicity, people should always consult a knowledgeable health care provider before starting high doses of B3. Under medical supervision B3 is commonly used to lower elevated LDL ('bad') cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood and is more effective in increasing HDL ('good') levels than other cholesterol-lowering medications. However, high doses of B3 produce the side effects of flushing of the skin, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and liver damage. Although the time-release form of B3 reduces flushing, long-term use can be associated with liver damage.

Strong and consistent evidence suggests that high doses of B3 medications are used to prevent the development of atherosclerosis (plaque along the blood vessels that can cause blockage) and to reduce recurrent complications such as heart attack and peripheral vascular disease (atherosclerosis of the blood vessels in the legs that can cause pain with walking). However, strict medical monitoring is necessary with people who have diabetes because in some cases vitamin B3 can raise blood sugar levels.

Some preliminary studies suggest that vitamin B3, as B3amide, may improve arthritis symptoms including increasing joint mobility and reducing the amount of anti-inflammatory medications needed. Dietary vitamin B3, along with other nutrients is important for normal vision and prevention of cataracts (damage to the lens of the eye which can lead to cloudy vision.) and it is especially important for people who have sustained serious burns. Contemporary research is exploring the benefits of B3 skin care products as anti-aging agents, for treatment of acne and, possibly, for the prevention of skin cancer.

Natural sources of B3 can be found in beef liver, brewers yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat germ, chamomile, eyebright, fennel seeds, hops, liquorice, nettle, parsley and peppermint.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. Next week's topic is Vitamin B6. If you would like a topic covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091-568804.


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