BY SANDRA GUY

Niacin — also known as vitamin B-3 — one of the eight B vitamins, is vital to help break down nutrients into energy and maintain the body’s cells and your metabolism.

Your body uses Niacin to turn food into energy. It helps keep your skin, nervous system and digestive system healthy.

But be careful to take Niacin in proper amounts because too much of a good thing can cause serious side effects.

In fact, it’s best to get Niacin in the foods you eat. Foods rich in niacin include yeast, milk, meat, tortillas and cereal grains.

But when it’s necessary to take prescription Niacin, follow the recommended dosages.

Research on the use of Niacin as a prescription shows:

• Though Niacin can improve “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels in your bloodstream, research hasn’t shown that it can prevent strokes or death rates from heart attacks.
• Notify your doctor if you’re taking prescription Niacin and experience dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations or other unusual symptoms. Niacin can also interfere with other prescription drugs and is a no-no to take with alcohol.

If you’ve been cleared to take Niacin, or you just want to focus on eating a diet rich in Niacin, you’ll be glad to know that it acts as a powerful antioxidant, breaks down fatty acids, and can improve circulation.

Research also has shown that some people who experience depression may have a Niacin and B-vitamin deficiency. So, as the world continues to warily eye the coronavirus pandemic and wait patiently for vaccinations, discuss any feelings of sadness and hopelessness with your doctor. Help comes in many forms.