Vitamin B3, also called niacin, works with other B-complex vitamins to metabolize food and provides energy to the body.
Vitamin B3 is effective at correcting high cholesterol levels. It prevents heart disease and can be used to treat insulin-dependent diabetes. It is also effective in treating arthritis and migraine headaches. However, high doses of vitamin B3 can be dangerous to your health.
Deficiency of vitamin B3 manifests itself in the following ways:
Coated tongue and sores in the mouth
Irritability and nervousness
Skin lesions
Diarrhea
Forgetfulness and insomnia
Chronic headaches
Digestive disorders
Anemia
Prolonged deficiency may cause neurasthenia mental disturbances, depression, mental dullness, and disorientation.
Deficiency of vitamin B3 also causes pellagra which is characterized by red, rough skin, weakness, loss of appetite, and digestive disturbances. If left untreated, pellagra can be fatal.
Sources of Vitamin B3 include:
High protein content food like meat, liver, and peanuts
Milk
Rice and wheat
Fortified bread and cereal
Carrot leaves, turnips, and celery leaves
Sunflower seeds and almonds
Fish and prawns
Yeast
Tuna, chicken breast, beef, halibut, and salmon
Other food sources of vitamin B3 include soy sauce, mushrooms, and cantaloupe. Fruits like mangoes and peaches are also good food sources of vitamin B3. Asparagus, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, mustard greens, and squash are valuable vitamin B3-rich foods. Green beans, broccoli, and potatoes are also excellent sources of vitamin B3.
Good sources of tryptophan such as eggs, cheese, and yogurt are also good sources of vitamin B3.
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