Breathe easier with B3
The B vitamins are a confab of eight nutrients, known commonly by name or number as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate and B12. Overall, they help support every cell's proper functioning and keep your metabolism, brain and nervous system humming along. But some individual B vitamins have their own unique -- and powerful -- influences on your health.
The newest discovery is that niacin, AKA B3, can dramatically improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease symptoms by reducing lung inflammation. A study of 40 folks with COPD published in Nature Aging reveals that taking 2 grams a day of a form of B3 called nicotinamide riboside for six weeks reduces a marker of lung inflammation by 53%. And taking that form of B3 for another 12 weeks increases the beneficial effect by 63%.
In addition, the researchers noticed that COPD patients have lower blood levels of a chemical called NAD, which appears to play a role in the aging process. And folks taking B3 saw their NAD levels rise and signs of cellular aging slow down.
FYI: Niacin supplements aren't for anyone with a history of liver or kidney disease or ulcers. If you have diabetes or gallbladder disease, take it only under your doctor's supervision. Foods that contain nicotinamide riboside include Brewer's yeast, salmon and other fish, chicken and turkey, sunflower seeds and peanuts.
For info on other benefits of B3, check out "The Health Benefits of Niacin (Vitamin B3)" and "Vitamin B Complex Health Benefits: Exploring the Power of This Essential Nutrient" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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