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Introducing
Niacin - The Cholesterol Neutralizer
Vitamin B3 is also called niacin. It
is needed for over 50 body processes. Like all the B-complex
vitamins, it is important for release of energy from carbohydrates
and fats, the metabolism of proteins, making certain hormones,
and assisting in the formation of red blood cells. The term
niacin refers to nicotinic acid and nicotine, which are
both used by the body to form the coenzymes, NAD (Nicotine
Adenine Dinucleotide) and NADP (Nicotine Adenine Dinucleotide
Phosphate (NADP). By the way, the names have nothing to
do with the nicotine in tobaccos, they are the coenzymes
in oxidation-reduction reactions within the human body.
They are vital in cell metabolism.
There are quite a few of supplements
made for Niacin, however, many of them gives people gastrointestinal
discomfortness. Solgar's No-Flush Niacin 500mg solves
the problem. This special formulation
of Niacin does not product flushing or the gastrointestinal
discomfort which may be associated with Niacin use.
Click
here for Solgar's No-Flush Niacin 500mg
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Why
Niacin?
Although Niacin is a crucial factor in
energy production, but it may not be the first reason why
people need it. Believe or not, one of the biggest reason
for people to take Niacin is to help us keeping an eye on
the Cholesterol level and other health risks. When people
talk about their LDL and HDL levels and cutting back on
the fat in their diets, it always makes us worry about our
own health. Nicotinic acid (but not nicotinamide) given
in drug dosage improves the blood cholesterol profile, and
has been used to clear the body of organic poisons, such
as certain insecticides. People report more mental alertness
when this vitamin is in sufficient supply. At the ordinary
DRI level, niacin doesn't do anything very dramatic. But
since it is a water-soluble vitamin, therefore, take a little
extra amount of Niacin may provide you additional benefits
such as preventing the diseases due to a high Cholesterol.
However, as other B vitamins, Niacin
is needed for energy productions. It makes enzymes that
help your cells turn carbohydrates into energy. The two
coenzymes, NAD and NADP, are essential for utilizing the
metabolic energy of foods. The important role of Niacin
in energy production is that it also helps control how much
glucose (sugar) is in your blood, which in turn helps give
you energy just when you need it. Say you had a great workout
today, and you body is screaming for extra energy to finish
the day, Niacin will give a green light for the energy system
to generate more energy for you.
Niacin is also useful in the making of fatty acids. But
it also helps the digestive system function and promotes
a normal appetite and healthy skin and nerves. also the
breakdown of proteins and fats and in the formation of red
blood cells. Niacin has been used successfully to increase
blood flow and improve circulation. and metabolism of carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins, proper circulation and healthy skin,
functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion
of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis
of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental
illnesses, and a memory-enhancer.
Among all of the Vitamin B3 supplements,
there are two supplements I personally suggest: Solgar's
No-Flash Niacin Supplement and Nature's Way's Niacin 100mg.
The second one is for the regular people who does not need
excess amount of Vitamin B3.
Click
here for Solgar's No-Flush Niacin 500mg
Click
here to Nature's Way's Niacin 100mg
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What's
the Recommended Dietary Allowance for Niacin?
The RDA for niacin, revised in 1998,
was based on the prevention of deficiency. Pellagra can
be prevented by about 11 mg NE/day, but 12 mg to16 mg/day
has been found to normalize the urinary excretion of niacin
metabolites (breakdown products) in healthy young adults.
Because pellagra represents severe deficiency, the Food
and Nutrition Board (FNB) chose to use the excretion of
niacin metabolites as an indicator of niacin nutritional
status rather than symptoms of pellagra. However, some researchers
feel that cellular NAD and NADP content may be more relevant
indicators of niacin nutritional status.
Daily recommendations for dietary vitamin B3 are listed
below.
Children and Youth:
Infants 0-6 months: 2 mg/day
Infants 7-12 months: 4mg/day
Children 1-3 years: 6 mg/day
Children 4-8 years: 8 mg/day
Children 9-13 years: 12 mg/day
Adolescents 14-18 years: 16 mg/day (female) 14 mg/day (male)
Adults:
Adults 19 years and older: 16 mg/day (female) 14 mg/day
(male)
Pregnancy all ages: 18 mg/day
Breastfeeding all ages: 17 mg/day
Click
here to check out the most effective Niacin supplements
our editors recommend.
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