Vitamin B3: Niacin

Vitamin B3: Niacin

Benefits: 1. DECREASING CHOLESTEROL - by taking 2-3 mg/day it lowers the LDL and raises the HDL
2. HORMONE PRODUCTION
3. ENERGY RELEASING - through creating enzymes
4. IMMUNE FUNCTION WITH OTHER B VITAMINS
5. INSULIN DEPENDANT DIABETES - researchers believe that niacin may help the pancreas and stop Diabetes once it has begun.
6. INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION- Niacin widens the blodd vessels which in turn bring more blood to the area.
7. VERTIGO (DIZZINESS)- Niacin has been shown to help, but doctors are not sure why.
8. PMS HEADACHES- While B viatmins tend to help women with PMS, Niacin appears to be very effective for PMS headaches.

How it Works: Niacin works with all of the B vitamins, but it works very close with riboflavin and pyridoxine for the general well being and countless processes. About half of tryptophan is broken down into Niacin. Extra niacin should be avoided for people who have liver problems, diabetes, ulcers, gout, or taking high blood pressure medications. About 15 to 30 minute after taking niacin people may get a niacin flush in which their face and neck get really red and hot. Tolerance will build up and the flushes will stop when people taking extra niacin become acustomed to it.

Sources: Good sources for niacin are found in meat, chicken, fish, beans, peas, peanut butter, milk dairy products, and nuts.

Recommendations: The MINIMUM guidelines are as follows. 2.0 mg/day for infants from 0 to 6 months. 3.0 mg/day for infants 6 months to 1 year. 6.0 mg/day for children 1 to 3 years old. 8.0 mg/day for children aged 4 to 8 years old. 12.0 mg/day for children aged 9 to 13 years old. For males 14-49 16.0 mg/day. For males 50 and over the minimum is 15.0 mg/day. For females over 14 the minumum is 14 mg/day. Pregnant women should have 18 mg/day and nursing women should have 20.0 mg/day.


Dr. Eric
Bay Chiropractic and Rehab
310-993-8482
Serving the cities of Santa Monica, West L.A., Pacific Palisades, Venice and more