Niacin May Protect Against Alzheimer's (and other mental decline)

Reuters ^ | July 15, 2004 | Anthony J. Brown, MD

[FairOpinion]

They keep finding out that vitamins are really important and good for you.

[formercalifornian]

Next story: Researchers discover Alzheimers-jelly bean link.

[Lijahsbubbe]

I'll have to look on-line tomorrow to find out which sources provide niacin. Hope I can remember.

[3D-JOY]

Wouldn't you think they would include a list of the most NIACIN rich foods in the story?

There must be more than come to mind immediately.

[BunnySlippers]

Ever taken niacin? I have for my ears ... to increase circulation which I think this is all about. You get very hot and tingly. Weird feeling.

[BunnySlippers]

Also, my girlfriend takes it for her multiple sclerosis (sp). Same thing ... circulation.

[upchuck]

Hope I can remember.

LOL! I know the feeling.

Would you like a reminder FReepmail? :)

[RandallFlagg]

You get very hot and tingly.

There's niacin in FReeping?

[sunshine state]

Does it help? I'm asking because I have a friend with MS.

[Lijahsbubbe]

Ha ha! Why sure, thanks!

[FairOpinion]

http://www.brighamandwomens.org/patient/nutritionRich.asp

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Lowers cholesterol, protects against cardiovascular disease and may be of benefit in diabetes.

Low-fat meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, peas, broccoli, mushrooms, tofu, brewer's yeast, potato, peanuts, peanut butter

This is a good link -- it also talks briefly about what the other vitamins do and what foods are rich in the particular vitamins.

[Bullish]

I've been taking B-complex vitamins for a couple years now. They include 100 milligrams of Niacin, 500% the daily value.

Even though it isn't from food, I highly recommend them. I have much more energy and seem to never get sick.

I know I should watch that word "never" but B-complex has worked wonders for me.

[BunnySlippers]

Don't know. But I go to the biggest, best and most prestigious ear hospital in the world ... and if they say take niacin to improve circulation I suspect there is something to it. FYI, you do feel weird for a few days. The feeling wears off after awhile until it's not noticable. If you know someone with MS, it's one of the first things to use since you can find it everywhere over the counter.

[3D-JOY]

Vitamin B3 has many effects...only side effects if too heavy a dose as I remember.

I only add nutrients via food. No pills, thank you!

Meat, Eggs etc. Funny, they lower cholesterol and make for clear skin. Everything must be a balancing act.

[Keith in Iowa]

Niacin is also supposed to lower cholesterol.

[Pegita]

From www.mamashealth.com:

Vitamin B3, also called niacin, is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves and the gastrointestinal tract.

Niacin is found in protein-rich foods. The most common protein rich foods are: meats, fish, brewer's yeast, milk, eggs, legumes, potatoes and peanuts.

If too much niacin is consumed, itching, headaches, cramps, nausea and skin eruptions may occur.

Vitamin B3 is also called nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.

Deficiency of Vitamin B3?

A deficiency of niacin causes the disease, pellagra.

Too much Vitamin B3?

More than 100mg of vitamin B3 can cause flushing, tingling, itching, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and ulcers.

[Lijahsbubbe]

Thanks!

[HomersNose]

Here's another link http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/doctortips/0,2316,476_892,00.html

[BunnySlippers]

I agree regarding balancing act. But some people have deficencies ... or do not eat enough to get the right nutrients. A small supplement doesn't hurt.

[sunshine state]

Thank you very much for the information. I'll pass it along to her.