Niacin is a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in cell signaling and DNA repair. In this episode, Jen explain symptoms of niacin deficiency, what niacin does and where you can source niacin.

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SHOWNOTES

Niacin is a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in cell signaling and DNA repair. 

Deficiency is characterized by skin problems, memory loss, and digestive problems

It also has a key role is in the formation of NAD and NADP, which help your body process components from food into usable energy.

So what are some of the symptoms of niacin deficiency

• skin rash or discolouration
• bright red tongue
• vomiting
• constipation or diarrhea
• depression
• fatigue
• headache
• memory loss
• loss of appetite

WHAT NIACIN DOES DO

CAN HELP WITH CHOLESTEROL

Niacin may help to improve your blood fat levels by:

• increasing your HDL (good) cholesterol 
• reducing your LDL (bad) LDL cholesterol

CAN HELP WITH BLOOD PRESSURE

One role of niacin is to release prostaglandins, or chemicals that help your blood vessels widen — improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. 

Nicotinic acid can cause a niacin flush

CAN BOOST BRAIN FUNCTION

Your brain needs niacin to get energy and function properly.

Brain fog and even psychiatric symptoms are associated with niacin deficiency 

Some studies show that it could also help keep the brain healthy in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. 

CAN IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH

Niacin helps protect skin cells from sun damage, whether it’s used orally or applied as a lotion 

It may help prevent certain types of skin cancer as well. One high quality study in over 300 people at high risk of skin cancer found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily reduced rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer compared to a control

Food Sources

• Red meat: beef, beef liver, pork.
• Poultry.
• Fish.
• Brown rice.
• Fortified cereals and breads.
• Nuts, seeds.
• Legumes.
• Bananas.

Healthy Life Hacks

The Healthy Life Hacks I want to share with you today are:

1. Prevention is the key to everything. Up your niacin rich foods and consider supplementation.

Did you enjoy the podcast today? Please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Every month I draw one lucky reviewer to have a free one-hour consultation with me. Also, remember to subscribe wherever you’re tuning in from so that you always catch the next episode.

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