Niacin: what are useful properties

“Niacin” is vitamin B3, which is also called nicotinic acid. The substance belongs to the vital, with its deficiency, disorders of the nervous system, weight loss, insomnia and other problems are observed. To make up for the lack of vitamin B3, it is recommended to take dietary supplements that contain it.

“Niacin”: description of the drug

Niacin (also nicotinic acid or vitamin PP) is a vital substance that must be regularly absorbed into the body. It is a part of vitamin complexes, biologically active additives, for example, “Niacin + Folic acid”.

It is available in the form of tablets, which, along with the main components, include additional components, for example, carbonates (sodium, calcium), citric acid, sodium saccharin, sorbitol and others.

The product is stored in normal room conditions at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. Direct sunlight should be excluded, as well as protected from children. The shelf life is 3 years from the date of production, after this time it is impossible to use tablets.

Benefits and sources of vitamin B3

This substance is a water-soluble vitamin obtained in 1913 from yeast culture. Almost immediately, such a positive quality as the ability to reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol was noted.

The substance normally enters the body with food. For example, there is a lot of it in products such as:

• chicken meat;
• carrot;
• apples;
• kidneys;
• beans of different varieties;
• potato;
• beer yeast;
• almond;
• halva;
• pistachios;
• rye bread.

Nicotinic acid dissolves well in water and leads to a decrease in cholesterol. It has such useful properties:

• dilates blood vessels and slightly reduces the pressure level;
• improves blood flow, “accelerates” it;
• increases hemoglobin;
• improves heart function;
• prevents heart attacks;
• improves protein and fat metabolism;
• stimulates the synthesis of gastric juice and digestive enzymes;
• participates in the synthesis of hormones;
• provides good vision;
• helps to digest vegetable proteins.

Indications and contraindications

The drug is not a medicine, it is taken as a dietary supplement with a detected deficiency of vitamin B3. Most often it is prescribed for pellagra and other diseases.

If the daily dosage is observed, the drug is safe for health, but it is contraindicated for use in such cases:

• individual intolerance to any component of the remedy;
• pregnancy period;
• the feeding period.

In rare cases, side effects associated with allergic reactions may occur. Then the drug is stopped and the doctor is consulted for a possible change in the course of therapy.

The daily norm of vitamin

Normally, the vitamin should enter the body on a daily basis. The daily dosage depends on the age of the person:

• for children 1-2 years of age, it is enough to consume 6 mg per day;
• children from 2 to 6 years – 13 mg;
• adults – 15-20 mg.

If a person regularly exercises, goes to fitness, he needs a little more vitamin B3 – about 20-22 mg per day.

Lack and excess of vitamin Niacin

Any vitamin should be consumed in moderation, since its excess or deficiency leads to serious consequences, diseases with complications and even death. If there is a constant deficiency of nicotinic acid, this can be understood by the following signs:

• irritability;
• mood swings;
• vertigo;
• pain in the head;
• migraines;
• reduced stress tolerance;
• weakening of the immune system;
• weight loss;
• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• sleep disorders, insomnia.

In a neglected case, a mental disorder may develop. A pathology such as pellagra can also develop:

• dermatitis;
• peripheral type neuritis;
• dementia (dementia);
• general weakness;
• confused state;
• diarrhea;
• paralysis of the arms, legs;
• glossitis;
• skin lesions;
• aggressive behavior.

Vitamin B3 is well soluble in water, so as a rule, excess amounts are freely excreted together with urine. But against the background of constant abuse, such symptoms may occur:

• itching;
• skin rashes;
• redness of individual parts of the skin.

In a severe case, there may be a decrease in pressure, a fainting condition against the background of dilation of blood vessels. In such situations, you should immediately seek medical help.

Instructions for the use of vitamin B3

The remedy is taken 1 tablet 2 times a day. Previously, it is dissolved in water and completely drunk. It is best to have a meal at mealtime. The standard course of treatment lasts 1 month (i.e. 30 consecutive days). Then they take a break and, if necessary, repeat the therapy in consultation with the doctor.

“Niacin” can be purchased at a pharmacy at an affordable price. There are no direct analogues of this remedy, since vitamin B3 is a unique, vital substance, like any other vitamin, for example, A, C, B1, etc.

Reviews of “Niacin” are mostly positive – it is recommended by more than 90% of buyers. Among the advantages, convenience of use is often noted (it is drunk like soda), improvement of hair growth, smoothing and increasing skin tone, affordable price. There are practically no disadvantages of the tool.