See the bottom of this page for the ingredients highest in niacin

What is niacin?

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3.

• Niacin is thought to contribute to the way our nerve and immune cells communicate with each other, enabling them to work together in a co-ordinated way1,2.
  
  
• Niacin is used by cells to generate energy and therefore helps to reduce fatigue8.

In vitro and in vivo studies, (studies done in in test tubes and animals respectively),  show that niacin plays an important role in DNA repair and stress response, suggesting a role for niacin in cancer prevention3.

A large case-control study of humans showed that an increase in niacin intake, along with other micronutrients, was associated with a significant decrease in cancers of the mouth, throat and esophagus4.

Niacin and corn

Corn has high levels of niacin that are 'bound' and not available to the body, however pre-soaking corn in lime juice renders the niacin available to the body (alkalising, which is also done to prepare grits)7.

What happens if I don’t get enough?

There is some evidence to suggest that low levels of niacin may be linked to several mental health issues such as Parkinson’s disease5 and certain forms of dementia6.

Niacin deficiency leads to many problems with the skin, digestive system, the nervous system and in extreme cases can result in death.