Pages

Sabtu, 01 Juni 2013

Niacinamide Benefits

In Mexico, it has long been a practice to add lime to corn after it has been ground for tortillas. Like many practices of ancient, traditional cultures, this one has a reason vital to human health: lime makes the type of niacin found in corn more available. Without the lime, large amounts of corn cause a niacin deficiency and the disease pellagra. A researcher from the U.S. Bureau of Public Health supplemented the diets of children with pellagra to include meat and milk (high in niacin). After this discovery niacin, or niacinamide was confirmed as a dietary essential for human health.

Function

    Niacin is involved in the reduction reaction of NAD in glycolysis and the Kreb's cycle. This means that it is important for energy metabolism. It is also essential for proper metabolism, since niacin deficiency will cause inadequate HCL production. HCL stands for Hydrocloric Acid, which is needed to properly digest food.

Requirements

    The USDA recommended daily allowance of niacin or niacinamide is 13-18 mg/day for a normal, healthy adult. Pregnant and lactating women should get 15 to 18 mg/day because niacin contributes to the baby's brain development.

    Niacin may increase uric acid, and thus should be used with caution and under a doctor's supervision if you are at risk of gout or have kidney problems. Diabetics and hypoglycemics should also use with care since it may affect glucose sensitivity.

Sources

    The best food source of niacin is found in liver. Three oz. of liver has more than 21 mg of niacin. Niacin is also available in whole grains, cereals, peanuts, dairy, spinach and most meats. It is important to not overcook these foods, since niacin can be destroyed if food is over-cooked.

Deficiency

    Doctors often refer to niacin deficiency as creating the "4 Ds." The first sign of niacin deficiency is dermatitis. This condition is often complicated by other associated B-vitamin deficiencies. With severe dermatitis the tongue and mouth might also become inflamed and take on a beefy appearance.

    The second "D" of niacin deficiency is diarrhea. This results from decreased HCL and inflammation of the GI tract.

    Dementia is the third "D." Dementia due to lack of niacin will begin as irritability, headaches and insomnia. If severe enough it will progress to mental confusion, amnesia, hallucinations and depression.

    The final fatal "D" is death. This only results from severe deficiency that remains untreated for a long period of time.

Toxicity and Side Effects

    The major side effect of niacin is flushing. It is important to increase the dose gradually so the body can slowly become used to the niacin to prevent major and uncomfortable flushing. Time-release formulas can be used if flushing continues to be a problem at lower doses.

    Doses of niacinamide greater than 1 gm/day should only be taken under the advice and supervision of a health care professional. Liver enzymes should be monitored with high level doses.

    Nausea is the first sign of toxicity, along with associated gastrointestinal upset.

0 komentar:

Posting Komentar