Niacin and Mood: Exploring the Benefits of Vitamin B3

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin. The body produces niacin naturally but it also can be found in such foods as meat, poultry, tuna, eggs, oats, barley and legumes. There are benefits to niacin, including healthy skin, boosting memory and lowering cholesterol. Niacin often is used to stabilize moods.

Reduce Panic

• B-complex vitamins, such as niacin, are known to support the nervous system and the functions of nerve cells. The additional nerve support reduces panic and alleviates anxiety.

Pellagra

• Pellagra is a vitamin deficiency disease that can trigger memory loss and possible dementia. Niacin often is recommended to overcome pellagra.

Induce Sleep

• Niacin helps troubled sleepers relax and fall asleep more rapidly at night.

Mental Disease

• Schizophrenics have an inadequate metabolism in the brain because of the lack of niacin and vitamin C, which are crucial to normal brain function. Niacin therapy has been shown to help with the management of schizophrenia.

Energy

• Niacin is responsible for energy production by determining the amount released into the blood stream. By taking an extra supplement of niacin, the body creates more energy, which helps with mental alertness.