Niacin(Vitamin B-3) is a vitamin important in carbohydrate metabolism, formation of testosterone and other hormones, formation of red blood cells and maintaining the integrity of all cells. Niacin helps the body utilize protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Basically, Niacin is needed to release energy from carbohydrates. It is also involved in controlling blood sugar, keeping skin healthy, and maitaining the proper functioning of the nervous and digestive systems.
At the suggestion of your doctor, niacin can raise HDL (the good guys) and lower the LDL (the bad guys)cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, inositol hexaniacinate is a safer form to use because it doesn't cause skin flushing and is less likely to cause LIVER DAMAGE.
Additional benefits are the ability of niacin to relax blood vessels, reduce painful cramping (usually called intermitent claudication) caused by poor blood circulation that occurs after walking, and numbness or pain in the hands and feet when exposed to cold conditions.
Niacin assists to foster healthy brain and nerves cells and there is some evidence that niacinamide can ease depression, anxiety, insomnia and seems to have some anti-inflammatory effects in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
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