Niacin is the name given to a nutrient belonging to the vitamin B complex that the body requires in small portions so that it can function and at the same time stay in optimal conditions. This substance helps some enzymes to work properly and helps the skin, nerves and digestive system stay healthy. This can be found in a large number of plant and animal products.
Among its most important characteristics we can mention its solubility in water and it should also be taken every day. Regarding the insufficiency of this, it can cause a pathology which is called pellagra. On the other hand, niacin can help lower cholesterol in the circulatory system.
This was discovered for the first time through the oxidation of nicotine, which is responsible for the formation of nicotinic acid. When the properties of nicotinic acid were discovered, those responsible considered that the most prudent thing was to choose a name in order to establish differences with nicotine and thus avoid the perception that vitamins or foods rich in niacin have nicotine in their content. Hence the origin of the name niacin, which is derived from nicotinic acid + vitamin.
Among the most important uses of niacin are its use to regulate high levels of bad cholesterol. Despite this, there is talk of side effects in the patient due to reddened skin and stomach pain which disappears after a few weeks. The fact is that the doctor must be the one to recommend a supplement to the patient, it is he who defines the amounts depending on the clinical history of each individual.
On the other hand, experts say that the consumption of niacin causes a slowdown in arteriosclerosis in the individual and reduces deaths caused by heart attacks. Some researchers have even decided to investigate further, discovering that there is a possibility that niacin in higher doses reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes in children who are highly likely to present it.
