Common Name: Niacin Synonyms: Vitamin B3, niacinamide, nicotinamide, inositol hexaniacinate
Overview:
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, the fuel that keeps the many functions of the body running smoothly. Along with the other B vitamins, niacin is responsible for the breakdown of fats and proteins as well. Niacin is actually essential for the functioning of over 50 enzymes and plays an important role in maintaining muscle tone, a healthy digestive tract, maintaining a healthy nervous system and the production of the sex and sex related hormones in the adrenal glands and elsewhere in the body.
Vitamin B3 comes in two forms, niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide). Inositol hexaniacinate is a combination of niacin and inositol (another B vitamin). Each of these forms of niacin work in their own way on different processes when taken in high doses.
Good sources of niacin are seeds, yeast, bran, peanuts brown rice, whole wheat, barley, almonds and peas. Niacin can also be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. A niacin deficiency can occur when inadequate amounts of niacin or tryptophan are consumed. Niacin deficiency also occurs in cases of Hartnup’s disease (a genetic disease that involves defective tryptophan absorption) and carcinoid syndrome. Prolonged treatment with Isoniazid (an anti-tuberculosis medication) can also result in a niacin deficiency.
The severe and late stage of niacin deficiency is called pellagra. Pellagra occurred throughout the Europe and the United States where corn was the primary stable of the poor and working class. Although corn contains niacin, but it is bound that is not nutritionally available to humans. In the parts of the world where corn originated, Mexico and South America, pellagra is very uncommon. This is despite the fact that these parts of the world are also poor and corn is a staple. In this region corn is prepared by soaking in lime which then releases the niacin in a form that can be used by humans.
The symptoms of pellagra are commonly known as the 4 D’s, dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and death. In the skin, a thick, scaly and dark pigmented rash appears, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. Digestive system involvement includes a bright red tongue, vomiting and diarrhea. The neurological symptoms of pellagra are headache, apathy, fatigue, depression, disorientation and memory loss. If not treated pellagra is ultimately results in death.
Benefits
Extensive research has been done on niacin and what it can do.
Recommended Dosage:
It should be understood that the amounts of niacin needed to be helpful in most medical conditions are extremely high. These doses are considered “pharmacological and must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
These amounts of niacin should also be taken with a meal to avoid stomach irritation.
Precautions
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a health care provider before using any supplements. The affects of this supplement has not been tested on children and those suffering from liver or kidney disease. It is recommended that in children and people with liver or kidney disease this supplementation not be used.
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Common Name: N-Acetylcysteine Synonyms: NAC, L-cysteine, acetylcysteine, cysteine
NAC or N-acetylcysteine is derived from cysteine, an amino acid common in proteins throughout the body. NAC is an antioxidant and a precursor of glutathione. NAC is used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, as it helps to break down the excessive amounts of thick mucus that is characteristic of these respiratory illnesses. It is also an antioxidant and important in detoxifying substances that are harmful to the body.
Given orally or intravenously, NAC is a hepatoprotectant used prevent the liver and kidney damage associated with overdosing on acetaminophen. NAC works by regenerating glutathione stores. In an acetaminophen overdose (more common in people who consume alcohol) the depletion of the glutathione levels puts enormous oxidative stress on the liver which can ultimately lead to liver failure, hepatic coma and even death. In the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, NAC reduces the sulfide bond in mucoproteins. This causes them to liquefy making them easier to expel. There is also mounting evidence that NAC may have the ability to stop cell death, especially cells in the cells of the pancreas and nerves.
Research in to N-acetylcysteine is not only confirming the benefits of this amino acid but uncovering new health benefits to explore. NAC has:
In animal models, NAC has been shown to inhibit platelet clumping and lower lipoproteins levels to a degree not achieved by drugs or diet. Still other studies have demonstrated that intravenous infusion of NAC during blood cot destruction is associated with a decrease in the size of the infarct and a increase rescue of left ventricular function.
Dietary Sources
The body makes cysteine from the essential amino acid methionine. Nac is also found in most high protein foods such as:
NAC is used intravenously in a hospital setting to treat acetaminophen overdoses. Acetaminophen overdose is a medical emergency and treatment needs to begin within 8 hours of ingestion to prevent liver damage.
NAC is available by prescription as:
NAC is available over the counter as:
Recommended adult dosage is condition dependant. For:
200mg twice a day for chronic bronchitis
ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) is a medical emergency and treated in the emergency room with intravenous NAC.
500mg a day to start. The dosage should be increase only under the guidance of a health care practioner.
Those with HIV/AIDS may be put on a dose as high as 4,000mg per day.
Some forms of cysteine are toxic. D-cysteine, D-evsume and 3-methy cysteine should be avoided. There are no recommendations for NAC supplementation in children. If lab tests reveal an amino acid imbalance a health care practioner may recommend supplementation and monitor the situation.
Contra-indications
NAC supplements have been known to cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
NAC given intravenously has been known to cause severe allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis (a life threatening allergic reaction).
People who have a kidney condition known as cystinuria (a condition that causes an excessive amount of cysteine to be excreted in the urine) should not take NAC or cysteine supplements.
People who have a tendency to form kidney stones particularly cysteine stones should avoid NAC supplements.
NAC and its metabolites (breakdown products) could produce a false positive test for ketone bodies (using nitropusside) in those with diabetes.
Preterm newborns should not receive NAC supplements as their kidneys are not developed to handle its breakdown.
There are no other contraindications for NAC when used as a nutritional supplement except in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take NAC except under the guidance of their health care provider.
Drug interactions
When taking along with nitrates NAC has been known to cause headaches.
Carbamazepine taken with NAC supplements may reduce the serum levels of carbamazepine.
There have been no interactions with nutritional supplements or herbs reported.
Although there have been no reported overdoses with oral NAC supplementation, there have been rports when it is used intravenously to treat acetaminophen overdoses.
Nopal or prickly pear as it is more commonly called is a member of the cactus family. It is native to the entire western hemisphere as well as Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean. It is a large cactus that can range in height from less than a foot to over 7 feet tall. The pads of the prickly pear are actually the stems of the plant and are where the moisture is stored. Its flowers are range from yellow, to red, to purple and bloom from July to August. Once the flowers are pollinated they produce small oblong fruit about 2 ½ inches long.
The use of cactus as a food source dates back to from between 5,000 to 7,000B.C. It was an important staple especially in arid regions. Archeologists believe that the cultivation of the prickly pear cactus allowed for the settlement of the arid lands of Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Could improve cardiovascular function, reduce inflammation, enhance brain power, address the symptoms of PMS, combat the free radicals that can interfere with cell function and is effective in reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar while raising the level of beneficial HDL.
An enzyme that is known to help lower blood pressure. Also helps to repair capillaries damaged by allergic reactions and restore blood flow to inflamed areas.
Nopal or prickly pear as it is more commonly called is a member of the cactus family. It is native to the entire western hemisphere as well as Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean. It is a large cactus that can range in height from less than a foot to over 7 feet tall. The pads of the prickly pear are actually the stems of the plant and are where the moisture is stored. Its flowers are range from yellow, to red, to purple and bloom from July to August. Once the flowers are pollinated they produce small oblong fruit about 2 ½ inches long. The use of cactus as a food source dates back to from between 5,000 to 7,000B.C. It was an important staple especially in arid regions. Archeologists believe that the cultivation of the prickly pear cactus allowed for the settlement of the arid lands of Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Active ingredients:
Prickly pear cactus is high in:
Traditional uses:
Prickly pear or nopal has been used in Mexican traditional medicine long before Europeans knew that the Western Hemisphere existed. The indigenous native people used nopal for:
Clinical uses:
Nopal effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels has been documented . This is from it high mucilage content that slow the absorption of sugurs from the small intestines. This same mucilage allows it to bind bile and fats and oils giving it the ability to lower blood lipid levels.
100 to 300grms a day can be taken. Dried nopal should always be followed by ar lest 8 oz of water to prevent intestinal blockage. Fresh nopal can be eaten as a vegetable and its fruit makes a delicious addition as well.
Contra-indications:
There have been cases of allergic reaction the nopal, although they are rare. They include skin rash, hives, chest pain, breathing problems and digestive complaints such as diarrhea or constipation. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take nopal supplements. As no studies have been done on the safety of these supplements in children and those with liver or kidney disease, a health care practitioner should be consulted before use.
Drug interactions:
People who are on medication for the control of diabetes should consult their health care practitioner before starting taking a nopal supplement or adding it as a vegetable to their diet.
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