Niacin B3

There are many benefits of niacin/B3, and the most often-received benefit is the assistance in metabolism within the body. the designation of vitamin B3 means that it contains amide nicotinamide, or niacinamide. Just like other B vitamins, niacin/B3 helps to turn carbohydrates and fats into energy, so it is a very helpful vitamin on a daily basis. If a person experiences a niacin/B3 deficiency, their metabolism can slow to such a low level that they stay cold and have a hard time warming up physically, which can result in a variety of ill conditions. However, niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, can be harmful in high doses.

There are many benefits to be had by using niacin/B3. On a regular basis, in low doses, it keeps the body regulated as discussed above. When given in larger doses, there are many other benefits as well. Niacin for cholesterol is one of its many benefits, but it is important that pregnant women with high cholesterol don’t take niacin because it can possibly cause birth defects.

Niacin/B3 also helps with the production of hormones within the body, including sex hormones and stress hormones. An additional benefit of niacin/B3 is its ability to help flush toxins out of the body. Since niacin can flush toxins out, it is common for niacin to help with marijuana flushing to prevent its detection in drug screening. Flushing with niacin is not a recommended use, however, and there can be many side effects of niacin when used this way. Niacin side effects when taken in doses higher than the recommended daily amount can include a redness of the skin, appearing similar to rosecea caused by niacin. This is just one of the many reactions to niacin possible, and other effects of niacin can include stomach problems, cardiac difficulties and liver damage.

This is why it is important to not only receive the daily recommended amounts of niacin/B3, but to also not go over these amounts. Often, an overdose of niacin can be more harmful than a deficiency would be. Typically, normal diets will not be low in niacin/B3, so a supplemental pill is usually not necessary unless it is being used to treat a medical condition and is prescribed by a doctor. Otherwise, taking a niacin/B3 supplement should only be done if you follow the guidelines set forth by the FDA for daily dosage amounts and do not exceed these levels.