VitaminB3, niacin, Nicotinic acid

Niacin / Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for many aspects of health, growth, and reproduction. It is part of the vitamin B complex.

Niacin / Vitamin B3 assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.

Niacin / Vitamin B3 is found in dairy products, poultry, fish, lean meats, nuts, and eggs. Legumes and enriched breads and cereals also supply some niacin.

A deficiency of niacin causes pellagra. The symptoms include inflamed skin, digestive problems, and mental impairment.

Large doses of niacin can cause liver damage, peptic ulcers, and skin rashes. Even normal doses can be associated with skin flushing. It can be prescribed as a treatment for elevated total cholesterol and other types of lipid disorders, but it should only be used with medical supervision due to its potential for severe side effects.

Many people think that if some vitamins are good, a lot is better.
This is not always the case, and high doses of certain vitamins are actually toxic.
Read about the specific vitamins and check with your health care provider if you are unsure about how much to take -- and how much may be too much.

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential Niacin / Vitamin B3 is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods and take a "Standardized" (quality) multivitamin supplement.