Vitamin B3 also known as Niacin works in the body to help with the metabolism of carbohydrates, is involved with cell signaling, repairing DNA, and acts as a purification role as an antioxidant. Aside from being grouped into the B complex, Vitamin B3 is further subdivided into two chemical forms, Nicotinic Acid and Niacinamide or nicotinamide. Nicotinic Acid works to treat high cholesterol and heart disease while Niacinamide or nicotinamide assists in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, certain skin conditions, and extends into the realm of mental health with the treatment of schizophrenia. Good sources of Vitamin B3 include animal sources such as milk, eggs, heart, liver, kidney, chicken, beef, salmon and tuna as well as fruit and vegetable sources such as carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms and whole grains. A deficiency of Vitamin B3 may result in pellagra which is characterized by skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and mental disturbances such as mental confusion, memory loss, depression, headaches and general fatigue.
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Vitamins & You
Non-FictionHave you ever wondered what the 13 essential vitamins are and how they can benefit you? If so, pick up this guide that goes into detail about all 13 and learn today about the various roles vitamins play in your life and daily functioning.
