Niacin for Depression

Nicotinic acid, a.k.a. vitamin B3 or niacin, is one of eight B-complex vitamins used by the human b0dy. Niacin helps to change fats, carbohydrates and pr0tein into fuel for the body, and plays a r0le in skin, hair, eye and liver health. Niacin als0 supp0rts suitable nervous system function.

How Is Niacin Related to Depression?

In addition, Niacin is resp0nsible f0r helping the b0dy make stress-related hormones in the adrenals and vari0us different parts of the b0dy. When Niacin levels are too little, the body is not able to pr0duce these stress related hormones, which is believed to lead to depression.

Causes and Symptoms of Niacin Deficiency

Severe Niacin deficiency is relatively rare in the devel0ped w0rld. Extreme deficiency can lead in a c0nditi0n known as Pellagra, which is defined by cracked skin, diarrhoea and dementia. Modest deficiency, which is still fairly uncommon in devel0ped c0untries, frequently results in fatigue, vomiting and depression. In the United States, alcohol addiction is believed to be the common cause of Niacin deficiency, which may lead to the link between alcohol addiction and depression. A very p00r diet can als0 lead to deficiency.

Taking Niacin for Depression

Taking Niacin for depression is surely effective if B3 deficiency is in fact the r00t cause. As with m0st deficiencies, taking a supplement that cures the issues will greatly impr0ve the pr0blems related with that deficiency.

However, for a complex issue such as depression, there are a wide variety 0f potential causes. While Niacin and depression are related, s0 are several other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 deficiency, for instance, is str0ngly linked to fatigue and depression, as is vitamin D deficiency.

Given the large range of potential cause of depression, it is important to look at all of the p0ssibilities. Maybe Niacin deficiency is the pr0blem, is which case supplementation sh0uld greatly improve the condition. Maybe an0ther vitamin or mineral deficiency is responsible. Maybe the experienced depression Is not nutrition related.

Steps to Take
Start by discovering some potential causes, address those, and check if the condition improves. Try a Niacin supplement and examine if you see better. Make sure you are not deficient in B12 or vitamin D. Takes steps to improve your diet, making sure to get enough 0f fresh fruits, veggies, meat, p0ultry and dairy pr0ducts. Keep off junk f00d, excess sugar, hydrogenated vegetable 0ils and refined grains. See if the condition improves.

Lastly, consult a medical professional whenever you’re unable to remedy the problem yourself.