Vitamin B3 for stress and anxiety

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is a water soluble vitamin. It is essential for neurological health; nervous system function; energy production, cellular repair and protection.

• Vitamin B3 is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and lipids in the body. The metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and lipids produces the energy you need.

• Niacin has an antioxidant action against free radicals (molecules causing damage and death to your cells)

• The coenzymes required for the repair of the genetic damage that occurs when cells are exposed to viruses, drugs or other toxic substances are vitamin B3-dependant coenzymes.

• Niacin is also utilized by your body to remove toxic and harmful chemicals.

• Niacin is an important factor for the synthesis of various hormones including sex hormones, cortisone, thyroxin and insulin, hormones essential for your behavior.

• A special form of vitamin B3 has been demonstrated to alleviate anxiety by enhancing the ability of the “calming” neurotransmitter GABA to bind to receptors in your brain. It appears that vitamin B3 is an effective natural alternative to benzodiazepines such as valium for the treatment of anxiety.

You can find vitamin B3 in organ meats (kidney, liver), lean meats, pork, prawns, and even milk from a cow. Other sources include seeds (sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, melon) and almonds, rice bran, wheat products, beans, green vegetables, turnips, carrots, and celery, banana, broccoli, orange, kiwi, avocado, mango, apricot, strawberries, tahini. Yeast and bran can be good sources if the bran coating is not removed.