Vitamin B3 is a part of the vitamin B complex and is necessary for healthy skin, digestion, and nervous system. It is found in natural sources like legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Synthetic forms can be toxic, and unproven benefits include preventing heart attacks and treating leprosy. Herbal teas like alfalfa and dandelion can provide the natural form of the nutrient.
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, niacinamide, or nicotinic acid, is one of the vitamins that comprise what is known as the vitamin B complex. These vitamins differ from all others in that they all contain nitrogen in addition to hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. All of the B vitamins are involved in the proper functioning of some of the coenzyme systems present in the body.
The normal function of the skin, which includes the regulation of body temperature and the protection of the body against the entry of harmful substances, is just one of the benefits of vitamin B3. It is also involved in maintaining a healthy digestive and nervous system, ensuring proper dilation of blood vessels, and treating dizziness or ringing in the ears. Vitamin B3 helps maintain healthy skin and is necessary in the production of fatty acids, steroids and cholesterol in the body and in energy metabolism. Pellagra is a deadly condition that is treated with vitamin B3 because it develops when there is a severe deficiency. Pellagra symptoms can include diarrhea, dermatitis, depression, dementia, and even death.
This vitamin is available from natural and synthetic sources. In general, it is highly recommended to avoid taking vitamin B3 in synthetic form, particularly in large amounts, as toxicity has been observed. Signs and symptoms of toxicity may include vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, hyperglycemia, heart rhythm disturbances, and jaundice. The best sources of this vitamin are foods high in it. They include legumes, seeds, nuts, figs, prunes, avocados, bananas, and whole grains, especially heirloom grains like spelt and kamut.
There are some unproven benefits of taking this vitamin, such as claims that it prevents heart attacks, cures depression, treats leprosy, and protects against pollutants and toxins. The fact that these benefits have not been proven does not mean that they do not exist, but the benefits of synthetic vitamin B3 are not the same as those of the natural vitamin obtained from healthy foods. People who are interested in taking this vitamin should know that many herbal teas provide the natural form of the nutrient. Alfalfa, dandelion, especially the root, burdock, fenugreek, kelp, sage, and parsley are herbs that can be used to make a tea that supplies the vitamin. Seaweed can be used to help season foods such as meats and salads, and in addition to supplying vitamin B3, it also provides trace minerals.
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