Depression niacin effect

ADP-ribosylation reactions such as DNA repair, calcium mobilization and deacetylation (Kirkland 2009). In addition, at pharmacological concentrations, niacin is an effective agent for the treatment of dislipidemias and atherosclerosis (Prousky et al. 2011). Furthermore, evidence exists that niacin ameliorates acute migraine, chronic tension-type headaches, depression and schizophrenia (Prousky et al. 2011). This chapter focuses on chemical and biochemical aspects of the vitamin. 

Niacin deficiency leads to unwanted multisystemic problems that are often associated with dermatological changes. Pellagra is a condition in which niacin deficiency causes a symmetrical pigmented rash, thickened skin and superficial scaling which are found in sun-exposed body areas. The classic triad of niacin deficiency are the three D s—dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia (Hegyi et al. 2004). Some of the effects on the central nervous system include depression, anxiety, restlessness and poor concentration. In addition, alcoholic individuals with poor nutrition can develop pellagroid encephalopathy (Cook et al. 1998). The role of niadn deficiency in cardiovascular disease and lipid metabolism remains to be fully explored. 

Many tissues are affected by riboflavin deficiency (aribofla-vinosis). Riboflavin deficiency requires 3-4 months of deprivation to manifest and symptoms include lesions on the lips, inflammation of the tongue, lowered levels of white and red blood cells, excessive sensitivity to pain and vascu-larisation of the cornea. Deficiency also results in decreased conversion of tryptophan into niacin. A test for deficiency is to measure glutathione reductase levels, which are depressed when riboflavin levels are low as are xanthine oxidase levels. There is a link between riboflavin deficiency in pregnancy and the development of pre-eclampsia. However, supplementation with riboflavin in a trial indicated that there was no effect on the prevention of pre-eclampsia. Alcoholics are at increased risk of riboflavin deficiency as... 

There is some evidence that niacin can reduce the incidence of cancers of the mouth and throat. Niacin has been used to protect (3-cells in the pancreas in insulin-dependent diabetics and has been reported to increase insulin sensitivity. The effects of niacin in lowering cholesterol and low density lipoprotein have been studied extensively. High doses up to 1 g per day are required but the evidence for effectiveness is not wholly conclusive. There is some evidence that high doses of niacin improve survival rates in HIV infection. In conjunction with tryptophan, niacin has been used to treat depression. 

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