VITAMIN B3 NIACIN FUNCTIONS • Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels- Vitamin B3 well known as Niacin is an essential nutrient for improving bodily functions. It plays a key role in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Several studies show that regular intake of foods containing B3 vitamin helps in lowering the low-density lipoproteins (i.e. LDL or bad cholesterols) and effectively increases the highdensity lipoproteins (i.e. HDL or good cholesterol). • Maintains optimal energy Metabolism- Vitamin B3 carries out a pivotal fundamental role, in maintaining optimal energy metabolism in the body. It primarily exists in two forms – nicotinamide and nicotinic acid. These are converted into two central compounds in the system – NADP and NADPH, which work as electron carriers, essential for the processing of complex molecules in the food to simpler substances, as well as for oxidative respiration of cells. Only when these operations proceed unhindered in the system, the crucial aspects of conversion of food to energy i.e. metabolism, regulation of hormones and formation of the fundamental genetic material of cells, tissues – DNA, are preserved in the body. FUNCTIONS • Lowers risk of Coronary Heart Diseases- It is useful in lowering the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Regulating blood cholesterol levels is requisite, to support a healthy heart and niacin, when ingested as food or supplements, significantly reduces the bad LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations in blood and elevates the amounts of good HDL. By balancing the quantities of cholesterol fatty acids in the system and averting the clogging of arteries, niacin confers noteworthy merits for preventing cardiac ailments and promoting heart health. FUNCTIONS • Helps treat infections and hardening of arteries- Niacin is also used for treating various infections and extreme fluid loss conditions like diarrhoea, cholera, etc. It is also extremely effective in treating the hardening of the arteries i.e. atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and hence reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, angina, etc. • Manages Diabetes- It plays a key role in managing diabetes. Foods containing vitamin B3 when taken adequately controls the release of insulin from the βpancreatic cells, thereby reducing blood sugar levels in your body and keeping diabetes under control. • Improves cognitive functions- Vitamin B3 is also essential in improving the cognitive functioning of the brain. It helps in repairing the brain cells and in turn, is used for treating symptoms associated with psychotic conditions like brain fog, schizophrenia, depression, hallucinations, etc. It is also used for preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. FUNCTIONS • Helps treat skin conditions- It plays a role in treating various skin conditions and reducing signs of aging like fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, etc. It also potentially reduces the risk of skin cancer. • Reduces pain and inflammation-The potent anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin B3 is effectively used for reducing pain and inflammation and providing relief in arthritic conditions. It improves mobility in between joints and is used for treating osteoarthritis. • Hormone synthesis and functioning- It plays a key role in the synthesis and functioning of various hormones. It is also used for treating liver disorders, migraine headaches, vision problems, sickle cell anaemia, dizziness, anxiety, hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s disease and erectile dysfunction in males. • Proper functioning of Gastrointestinal system- Vitamin B3 is extremely important for the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal system by improving digestion, proper absorption of the food juices into the body and excretion of the waste products from the intestines. It also prevents constipation and reduces flatulence.
