Vitamin B3 is one of eight B vitamins.  It is also known as niacin (nicotinic acid) and has two other forms, niacinamide (nicotinamide) and inositol hexanicotinate.  The nicotinamide form of vitamin B3 is an extremely powerful cell protectant and can prevent damage to DNA.  It is protective of all organ systems and can prevent the cognitive decline resulting from aging and Alzheimer’s disease.  Nicotinamide is also protective of blood vessels, preventing inflammation and subsequent atherosclerosis and delays the onset and progress of diabetes.

This cell-protective agent functions on a mitochondrial level to prevent apoptosis (programmed cell death), thus saving brain cells, pancreatic cells, blood vessels, and other vital organ systems.  Nicotinamide’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects block pro-inflammatory cytokines that, in turn, block the progression of multiple disease processes, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and autoimmune disease.

Nicotinamide stabilizes blood sugar and prevents insulin resistance.  This B vitamin also participates in energy production in the mitochondria.  It maintains the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane, preventing the changes seen with aging.  The most dramatic positive effects are seen in its ability to protect the genomic DNA from the degradation that is seen with aging and disease.

Through multiple mechanisms, such as the anti-inflammatory capability as well as protection of the mitochondria and DNA,  niacinamide significantly increases cell longevity.  The powerful cell-protective action of this single agent holds tremendous potential for both life extension and the prevention of all age-related diseases.

Food-based sources of Vitamin B3 include fish (particularly canned anchovies), green vegetables, lean meats, milk and eggs.

How do you incorporate Vitamin B3-rich foods into your diet?