NIACIN-(vitamin B2)

DESCRIPTION: Vitamin B3 is available in two basic forms -- niacin (also called nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (also called nicatinamide). It is important in tissue respiration and fat synthesis. It aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Vitamin B3 is not destroyed in ordinary cooking or destroyed by heat, light, air or alkali. It is soluble in hot water and alcohol.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Helps support your cardiovascular and circulatory systems, and reduces serum cholesterol. Promotes healthy blood fat levels, healthy skin, digestive system and tongue. Has to be present in the production of cortisone, thyroxin, insulin and the male and female sex hormones. We utilize it for a healthy nervous system and brain function. Deficiencies could cause gastrointestinal and mental disturbances such as schizophrenia.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Niacin (nicotinic acid) may cause vasodilation and flushing.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: High amounts of vitamin B3 should be used with caution and especially with a physician's approval by anyone who is pregnant or diabetic.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Alfalfa, almonds, apricots, asparagus, avocado, banana, bee pollen, beef, Bread (fortified), broccoli, burdock root, carrots, cauliflower, cereal, cheese, chamomile, chicken (white meat), corn, cornflower, dates, eggs, figs, fish, garlic, grains, halibut, kelp, raw honey, legumes, milk, mushrooms, nutritional yeast, nuts, oats, onion, oranges, parsley, peanuts, peas, pork, potato, prunes, brown and wild rice, royal jelly, salmon, seeds, soybeans, spirulina, all kinds of sprouts, sunflower seeds, swordfish, tomato, tuna, turkey, green vegetables, veal, walnuts, wheatgrass, whole wheat and yeast.