Vitamin B3

niacin-helps-to-rebuild-cartilageVitamin B3, also known as Niacin, is a nutrient that can help with the repair of cartilage. Typically, vitamin B3 is associated with the role that it plays in the digestive system, helping the body to breakdown fats and proteins, but it also assists in the production of collagen.

In the developed world, serious niacin deficiencies are rare. Niacin deficiency is often associated with alcoholism, and it can lead to a number of side effects. However, with the role that it plays in the production of collagen, even a slight deficiency can hinder the healing process.

Most doctors would not recommend a niacin supplement. This is especially true for people that have problems with the liver. If you are looking for natural sources of vitamin B3 that you can introduce into your diet, you could try liver, mushrooms, tuna, salmon, mackerel, bran, oatmeal, and squash.

When increasing your uptake of vitamin B, you want to be careful not to get too much. The recommended daily intake for this nutrient is 16mg for adult males and 14mg for females. A person should try to stay below 35mg of niacin per day. Any more than this can cause health problems.