A cosubstrate or coenzyme for the transfer of the hydride ion with numerous dehydrogenases
A useful as part of a cholesterol-reducing program.
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, whose derivatives play essential roles in energy metabolism in the cell and DNA repair. Niacin is involved in proper activity of nervous system and known to protect against various mental illnesses and heart disease. Needed for healthy skin and important for the digestion process and the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Effective in managing cholesterol, prevent severity of migraine headache, reduce high blood pressure, also a possible cancer inhibitor. Aids in circulation beacause it is a natural vaso-dilator helping to increase circulation to the extremities, improving the flow of oxygen and beneficial nutritional factors. •
Niacin aids in proper circulation and cholesterol maintenance; maintains the nervous system; helps metabolize protein, sugar & fat; reduces high blood pressure; increases energy through proper utilization of food. Niacin plays a role in removing toxic chemicals from the body.
History: Nicotinic acid was first discovered from the oxidation of nicotine. When the properties of nicotinic acid were discovered, it was thought prudent to choose a name to dissociate it from nicotine, done to avoid the perception that vitamins or niacin-rich food contain nicotine. The resulting name 'niacin' was derived from nicotinic acid + vitamin. The term niacin refers to nicotinamide (nicotinic acid amide), nicotinic acid (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid), and derivatives that exhibit the biological activity of nicotinamide. The nicotinamide moiety of the pyridine nucleotide coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Known once as Vitamin PP for "pellagra-preventative"
Technicals: Niacin can be obtained from consumption of food sources or from biosynthesis with the amino acid tryptophan as a precursor. Approximately 60 mg tryptophan are required for synthesis of 1 mg of niacin. Niacin biosynthesis from tryptophan is dependent on availability of vitamin B6 and riboflavin.
Hormones: Niacin plays an important role in the production of several sex and stress-related hormones, particularly those made by the adrenal gland.
Niacin is used in the body to synthesize sex hormones and it's effect associated with sexual orgasms by releasing histamine. testing
Cholesterol: Niacin (not niacinamide) reduces very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), a precursor of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, secretion from the liver, and inhibits cholesterol synthesis. Niacin can help increase the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol in blood. Niacinamide does not have anti-cholesterol properties.
Synergist: B-Complex, B-1, B-2 Vitamin C, Panothenic Acid, niacin requirements are lower with higher tryptophan intakes.
Signs or Symptoms of a Deficiency: Deficiencies in Niacin may result in anorexia, nausea, canker sores, confusion, depression, dermatitis, localized scaly dark pigmented dermatitis, diarrhea, crying jags, emotional, fatigue, halitosis (bad breath), headache, dyspepsia, insomnia, irritability, limb pain, memory loss, muscular weakness, skin eruptions, eczema, gastrointestinal disturbance, nervousness, headaches, fatigue, mental depression, vague aches & pains, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, skin disorders, muscular weakness, indigestion, bad breath, canker sores, Pellagra, photosensitive dermatitis, diarrhea, mucosal inflammation, dementia, beefy red tongue, agitation and anxiety
Excess maybe seen in: May cause a harmless flush and/or tingling sensation after ingestion, high dosages (1000 mg) may cause eye (retinal) hemorrhages.
Caution: Niacin in higher doses results in a "flush" reaction, while Niacinamide is flush-free.
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