Uses of Niacin

Vitamin B has a major role to play as regards the health and well-being of our body. Vitamin B is not just one vitamin but it is a group of vitamins which work together to maintain our health. There are 8 vitamins, to be precise, and are necessary for cell metabolism and functioning of immune and nervous system. One amongst the group of 8 B-vitamins is niacin, or vitamin B3. This article will focus on Niacin and its uses.

Niacin

As mentioned earlier, Niacin is vitamin B3 or it is also referred as nicotinic acid. With a formula C₅H₄NCO₂ H, it is a water soluble and colorless solid is derived from pyridine, which is an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound. These three names are used to refer to any member from this family of this compound, on account of they sharing the same biochemical activity. It is one of those 5 extremely important vitamins which are connected to pandemic deficiency diseases like Scurvy (vitamin C), Pellagra (Niacin), Beri beri (thiamine), Rickets (vitamin D) and vitamin A deficiency. Further, it is one of those 40 to 80 nutrients essential for human body.

Niacin Uses

Cholesterol
Niacin has been proved to be a part of treatment of high cholesterol. The good cholesterol (HDL) is worked upon in a beneficial manner by niacin. In fact, studies show that it works better than prescribed medicines. In addition to that, niacin has a minor impact on the bad cholesterol (LDL) as well. However, all said and done, it is better to take a doctor's advice before embarking on a niacin course. Read more on niacin for high cholesterol.

Pellagra
If the body does not get sufficient amounts of niacin, it might result in pellagra. Pellagra involves diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia and death. These are the things which characterize pellagra primarily. Hence, niacin is crucial for the treatment and prevention of this medical condition. A chemical made from niacin, called tryptophan becomes deficient in our body, which leads to pellagra.

Prevention of Heart Attack
This is directly related to cholesterol. As niacin has a positive impact on good cholesterol and it decreases levels of lipoprotein and fibrinogen and bad cholesterol. This results in reduction in the risk of heart disease. Experiments and studies have shown that niacin can have a better outcome when paired with other cholesterol lowering drugs. The flip side though is that, niacin increases the level of homocysteine, which may pose a risk of a heart attack. Niacin is also used for improving blood circulation, as it releases histamine, causing the dilation of blood vessels. Breaking up of protein essential for blood clotting is another of niacin's functions.

Atherosclerosis
Again, the effect niacin has on cholesterol, also prevents atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which most often than not will result in a heart attack. In addition to cholesterol, niacin brings down the lipoprotein levels as well, curbing one of major cause of a cardiovascular problem. More on benefits of niacin.

Other Possible Uses
Niacin in the body, in adequate amounts, prevents blurred eyesight due to aging. Cognitive decline and Alzheimer's is believed to be prevented by ensuring normal niacin levels in blood. In addition to this, prevention or postponing the need for insulin as a result of diabetes appears to be brought about by niacin. On the contrary, niacin does not happen to have this effect when it is diabetes mellitus, type 1. High blood phosphate levels are supposedly reduced with the intake of niacin. All of these are at the level of speculation, and are yet to be backed by scientific proof.

Niacin uses, thus, mainly revolve around cholesterol and cardiovascular problems, with the exception of pellagra. That's all for now. Take Care!