HealthTree Blog

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, has been proven to help lower cholesterol. However, research has indicated that when people eat foods that contain niacin they have protection against Alzheimer’s disease and the cognitive decline that come with aging.

In a clinical trial that ran for six years researchers studied over 3,500 people aged 65 and older. They were asked about their diet and then their cognitive abilities were tested for the length of the study. Those who got at least 22mg of niacin from foods were 70 percent less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease and have age-related cognitive decline.

Niacin is useful in helping Alzheimer’s patients due to the fact that it is used by the body to promote cell growth. Brain cell degeneration is one of the things that researchers have noticed in people who are suspected to have Alzheimer’s. It also dilates the blood vessels and helps bring more oxygen to the brain.

Vitamin B3 is a water soluble vitamin which means that what your body does not use is removed through the waste system. Foods that are rich in vitamin B3 include: dairy products, red meat, fish, broccoli, carrots, eggs, sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Having a deficiency of B3 can cause symptoms similar to those of dementia. If an elderly person begins to show signs of dementia it is important to have their level of vitamin B3 tested to rule out this problem. A simple blood test will provide this information.

Since this vitamin is water soluble some people may think that you cannot take too much of it. However, taking more than 75mg per day can lead to liver damage, ulcers and skin rashes. The best way to get vitamin B3 is to eat foods that are rich in niacin. If this is not possible, then supplements should be taken.