Niacin or nicotinic acid or vitamin B3 is water soluble in nature. As vitamin B3 is water soluble, our body releases high quantity of niacin; this means that we need its continuous supply. Most common items containing niacin are: yeast, dairy products, wheat germ and meats. Need for niacin supplements arise in very rare conditions and it should be used very cautiously as its excess dose can also prove to be harmful.

Niacin is known for benefiting our health in various ways. It helps to reduce bad cholesterol and elevates good cholesterol level in the body. Niacin also helps in regulation of various bodily processes like cell repair, metabolism, in form of derivatives that are used in body through the process of biosynthesis. Niacin also helps to reduce the triglyceride levels in the body.

Though deficiency of niacin is rare, but if it occurs then this condition is known as pellagra which leads to susceptibility to cold, skin conditions, diarrhea and dementia. It’s not only the deficiency of niacin that causes problems but its excess can also lead to various health hazards. In its pure form niacin appears to be a water soluble powder which is white in color. One can easily get plenty of niacin through a well balanced diet.