Although the role of vitamin B3, or niacin, in metabolizing fats has made it a favored treatment for high levels of cholesterol, it has other cardiovascular functions, as well.  It can be used in the treatment of anxiety, circulatory problems, and emotional or physical stress.  One of the first signs of the pellagra, or niacin deficiency, is skin sensitivity to light.  The skin then becomes rough, thick and dry.  Other symptoms include weakness and general fatigue, anorexia, indigestion and skin eruptions.  Niacin deficiency symptoms can be seen in people with a dietary intake of less than 7.5 mg per day.

Vitamin B3 is found in beef, pork, fish, milk and cheese, whole wheat, potatoes, corn and carrots.  Because only small to moderate amounts of vitamin B3 occur in foods as pure nice, it is advisable to steam, baked, or stir-fry vegetables to spare as much of this vitamin as possible.

The RDI for vitamin B3 is 20 mg for men and women.  Deficiencies are common in alcoholics and severely malnourished people, as well as in people with cancer, protein deficiencies or women who are taking oral contraceptives.  On the average, many supplements provide at least 50 to 100 mg per day of niacin.  For treatment of niacin deficiency symptoms, levels of up to 2 to 3 g per day are not uncommon.

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