Beneficial Niacin Effects in the Body

There are not much people now who are actually deficient of niacin (a condition of which is called pellagra). However, there are many who may be able to benefit from additional amounts of niacin supplementation.

The beneficial niacin effects on the body can give way to treatment of a few conditions.

Benefits of Niacin

There are countless health uses for niacin that has been discovered over the years. The niacin uses range from lessening acne to combating schizophrenia, and everything else in between.

Niacin for Heart Health

Sufficient evidence has been seen to prove the ability of niacin to promote general heart health. It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), decrease bad cholesterol levels and decreases the risk of heart attacks.

Niacin and Cholesterol

It has been established that niacin helps decrease the levels of harmful cholesterol in the bloodstream. It elevates the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (termed as the good cholesterol) while decreasing the production of low density ones. The total cholesterol-high density cholesterol ratio is then improved such that cholesterol levels are maintained at its optimal level.

Niacin and Triglycerides

Niacin has also been seen to lower triglyceride levels in the body by inhibiting the production of fat containing proteins in the liver.

Niacin for Blood Pressure

Vitamin B3 has also been seen to have significant effect on reducing blood pressure levels on those with hypertension. It is occasionally used in conjunction with blood pressure lowering drugs for increased effectivity.

Niacin for Erection

The blood dilating effect of niacin can be beneficial for sexual activity, especially for those who have erectile dysfunctions. Taking niacin supplement prior to sex has been seen to increase tactile sensations and improve erection in men. It also claims to electrify the sense of touch and enhance orgasm, such that the whole sexual experience is reportedly enhanced.

Niacin and Schizophrenia

Various researches have reported the therapeutic role of niacin in treating schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions.

Niacin and Weight Loss

Niacin plays a major function in releasing energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats, so that they are better utilized by the body. This is the main idea behind the use of niacin as a good supplement for promoting weight loss.

Niacin and Diabetes

It has been seen that high doses of niacin and niacinamide can help prevent unwanted complications of insulin-dependent diabetes(type 1) especially when the therapy is administered at the first sign of the disease. Niacin therapy may even help in the reversion of the development.

Niacin for Acne

Vitamin B-3 prevents the build-up of oils and fats in the pores by properly releasing energy from food. It helps maintain the health of the skin and the pores and can work by reducing the onset of acne vulgaris.

Other Niacin Effects

Furthermore, persistent buzzing, humming and ringing of the ears, which is associated with tinnitus, can be lessened by taking niacin or its inositol hexaniacinate form. It does so by relieving the blood vessels in the brain by widening it. It has also been seen to have significant effects on arthritis and relieves its symptoms quite well. Many studies are continually being conducted to discover more niacin effects and to further scientifically prove all the aforementioned.