What's Nice About Niacin? Learn About Its Health Benefits

By now, you may have a sense of the valuable contributions that B vitamins make to your health. However, if you've primarily associated them with nerve health, you might be surprised because the narrative doesn't end there. In fact, it just takes an exciting turn with B3, also known as niacin.

In this read, get a new perspective and look into the diverse array of health benefits that Nicotinic acid or Niacin brings to the table. Beyond its role in nerve health, discover the multifaceted advantages that make Niacin a powerhouse vitamin for health and vitality.

 

Cardiovascular Health

By improving cholesterol profiles, Niacin may contribute to overall cardiovascular health. It can help lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.1

Niacin has shown a positive impact on cholesterol levels. It can increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol) and decrease levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides.

 

Brain Health

Are you worried about preserving your memory and maintaining a sharp mind as the years go by? Perhaps adding niacin to your supply of supplements is a great idea.

Niacin helps ensure that calcium is released in your brain cells, which is very important for your brain to work well.2 And it doesn't work alone – it teams up with other important nutrients like pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, and zinc.2 Together, they support the release of brain chemicals, help maintain the brain connections, and keep the nerves working smoothly. Moreover, niacin helps your brain learn and adapt to new things better. Just like a balanced diet is good for your body, these nutrients create a nice environment for a healthy brain.

 

Pellagra Prevention

Memory loss, diarrhea, and dermatitis? That could be pellagra! This condition, known for the "3Ds" (dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis), also brings along some not-so-fun friends like depression, confusion, headaches, and more.

The good news? Getting enough niacin from a balanced diet can help decrease your risk for Pellagra.3 Niacin is present in soy, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. Here's an interesting twist – many popular grains, such as bread and cereals, are also enriched with extra niacin.
If someone ever requires a niacin boost, the nicotinamide form is the ideal choice because it avoids causing flushing, itching, or a burning sensation. For those who have pellagra, nicotinamide can be a supplement to turn to.

 

Improved Insulin Response

Another good news especially for those with diabetic friends and relatives! Recent studies are pointing to the potential positive impact of niacin on insulin sensitivity.4 This is significant because insulin sensitivity determines how effectively cells respond to insulin's signal to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.4 For those managing diabetes, this finding is noteworthy, as enhanced insulin sensitivity may contribute to better blood sugar regulation.

Though the precise mechanisms are not completely understood, there's a suggestion that niacin could influence insulin signaling and glucose metabolism through various metabolic pathways (a series of chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to facilitate the conversion of molecules from one form to another).

 

Extra Energy

When it comes to sustaining energy levels, B vitamins take the spotlight, and niacin is a standout player. Niacin, a water-soluble vitamin, is a vital component in the energy production process within our cells. It actively participates in the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from our diet into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that stores and releases energy for various cellular functions.

Niacin acts as a coenzyme. This means that it works together with enzymes to facilitate these energy-producing reactions. These reactions occur in the mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell. In this cellular powerhouse, niacin plays a crucial role in the electron transport chain, a series of reactions that ultimately lead to the creation of ATP.

Moreover, when we consume food, niacin helps break down nutrients into smaller molecules, allowing the body to extract energy efficiently. Adequate niacin levels are essential for the smooth functioning of these metabolic processes, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of energy for the body's diverse activities.

It is important to note that while niacin collaborates with enzymes to turn food into energy (ATP), taking more than the recommended dose doesn't guarantee an extra energy boost. That is why you have to consult with your doctor to get the right dose for your age and current health status. Your doctor may recommend a supplement with a combination of B vitamins.

Power in Numbers: Choosing Five Over Three B Vitamins Vaneular contains B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, and Nicotinic Acid). These nutrients are required for the normal function of the nervous system.

Vaneular can help treat deficiencies of Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, and Nicotinic Acid) manifested as symptoms associated with these deficiencies.5 These symptoms can vary from muscle pain to abnormal touch sensations like burning and pricking.

As an adjunct in the management of conditions responsive to high dose of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and Nicotinic Acid which include the following6:

  1. Neuropathies (ngalay, manhid, tusok tusok - usually due to diabetes and metabolic syndrome)
  2. Neuralgia (nerve pain)
  3. Neuritis (inflammation of the nerves)
  4. Use of drugs such as metformin, isoniazid, cycloserine, penicillamine, hydralazine, and levodopa which induce an increased requirement for vitamin B6.
  5. Lactic acidosis (a disease caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the body characterized by deep and rapid breathing, vomiting, and abdominal pain)
  6. Wernicke’s encephalopathy (an alcohol-induced thiamine deficiency characterized by mental confusion, staggering, and constant rapid eye movements)
  7. Beri-beri (thiamine deficiency manifested as muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and nerve degeneration (inability of nerves to function properly)
  8. Malabsorption syndromes (a group of disorders characterized by the impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract)
  9. Inherited metabolic disorders such as:
    1. Leigh’s necrotizing encephalopathy (a rare neurometabolic disorder characterized by degeneration or gradual loss of the ability of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve, to function properly)
    2. Inherited vitamin B6 dependency
    3. Methylmalonic aciduria [the accumulation of methylmalonic acid in the body characterized by progressive encephalopathy (brain disease that gets worse), dehydration, developmental delays, constipation, seizures, and vomiting)]

 

Recommended Usage:

Vaneular® is designed for oral consumption, with a suggested dosage of one tablet daily. However, to ensure a tailored approach, individualized usage instructions should be followed as directed by a doctor.

 

Ensuring Safety and Precautions:

For more information on the safety and use of Vaneular® please click on the link here to read more. Consult your doctor prior to initiating any medications.

With all these, Vaneular® emerges not just as a supplement but as a tailored solution, delivering the essential B vitamins crucial for nerve health and overall well-being. Its targeted approach, combined with comprehensive coverage, positions it as a reliable ally in the pursuit of a balanced and healthy nervous system.

References:

  • Kennedy, D. O. (2016b). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8020068
  • Tardy, A. L., Pouteau, E., Marquez, D., Yilmaz, C., & Scholey, A. (2020). Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients, 12(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
  • Hanna, M., Jaqua, E., Nguyen, V. L., & Clay, J. (2022b). B vitamins: Functions and uses in Medicine. The Permanente Journal, 26(2), 89–97. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/21.20
  • Yan, X., & Wang, S. (2021). The efficacy of niacin supplementation in type 2 diabetes patients: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 100(12), e22272. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000022272
  • Vitamin B-Complex with Niacin | Vaneular | Pharex Health Corp. (n.d.). Pharex Wellness Beyond Pharmaceuticals. https://www.pharexhealth.com/products/vaneular
  • Vaneular’s PIL. (n.d.). https://www.unilab.com.ph/products/vaneular/

Share this article