Niacin for Depression

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3 is an important vitamin necessary for the proper function of the human body. Using niacin for depression related symptoms has been gaining momentum world wide owing to its stress and anxiety alleviating properties. An increasing number of people nowadays are suffering from depression, stress and soaring anxiety levels. Prescription drugs, though effective, can have adverse reactions in patients and the SAM-e side effects are minimal. This is why individuals suffering from depression are looking for natural means to relieve their symptoms. It is not uncommon for people to be deficient in niacin owing to a poor dietary intake. Additionally, another cause of niacin deficiency in individuals is that niacin cannot be stored in the human body, and as such it needs to be replenished through supplements daily. A niacin deficiency not only affects the mood, leads to depression and anxiety, but in adverse cases may lead to dementia or schizophrenic behavior.

Niacin Benefits

Niacin benefits an individual in numerous ways just like acupuncture for anxiety. People suffering from depression exhibit lower levels of serotonin. The amount of serotonin available in the brain is indirectly related to the amount of niacin in the body. This is because, serotonin is derived from the amino-acid named tryptophan, while niacin responsible for the production of tryptophan in the body. Hence, increasing the intake of niacin related food products or niacin supplements assists in maintaining healthy levels of serotonin- also known as the neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining happy moods- in the brain, thus inducing jollier moods, reduced anxiety etc. Niacin benefits patients who may already be under going treatments of depression, such as therapy or other drugs by speeding up the process of recovery. Additionally, even though an individual may not be suffering from depression related disorders, niacin helps in maintain the smooth functioning of the nervous system, thereby improving min alertness and warding off dangers of anxiety, feelings of loneliness, apathy etc.

Niacin Effects

Negative niacin effects are very rare in patients as being water soluble, excess amounts of the vitamin is flushed from the human body. However in uncommon cases, using niacin for depression may include symptoms such as excessive hair loss, drying of the skin, unexplained surface burns etc. Damage to the liver has also been reported in few patients.

High doses of niacin have also been related to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks. However, if taken under the supervision of a doctor, niacin effects can only beneficial for patients suffering from depression.

Niacin Supplement Info

It is important to read the niacin supplement info that you choose before embarking on its consumption. Medical practitioners usually increase the dosage of niacin for depression supplements steadily and progressively. This is because a large amount of vitamin B taken at once may cause the skin to feel flushed. Doctors recommend dosages as small as 25 mg after every major meal, which can be increased progressively everyday. The maximum dosage must not exceed 3000 mg a day; 9000 mg is acceptable only after consultation with an expert. Niacin supplement info may differ for different brands and hence all precautions must be taken before committing to a particular brand.