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

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What form of niacin to consume? The show notes don’t mention that. Thanks
I consume many forms of niacin. My fav is Nicotinic Acid and second fav is niacinamide
Great content. Thanks Jen