The recent study which showed that taking B3 supplements can significantly prevent miscarriage and birth defects is exciting and promising news. Mulitple miscarriages in some women and birth defects in some babies were found to be caused from a deficiency of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) which is produced from vitamin B3 (also known as niacin).
Low dietary intake of B3-containing foods and poor absoprtion of the vitamin in certain people are risk factors for insufficient B3 in pregnancy. The recommended daily intake of B3 for pregnancy is 18mg/day while some good quality prenatal vitamisn contain up to 54mg. It is also important to eat B3-rich foods to boost your levels.
Top B3/Niacin Foods:
- Turkey
- Chicken breast
- Mushrooms
- Liver
- Tuna
- Beef
- Sunflower Seeds
- Avocado
If you choose to supplement with B3 as an individual nutrient, it is advisable to see a Naturopath for individual guidance as high doses of B3 can cause an uncomfortable flushing and redness on the skin in addition to digestive issues and potential liver damage in some people.
It is important to note that many miscarriages may be caused by other issues that are not B3/NAD dependant such as chromosomal abnormalities, autoimmunity and blood clotting disorders to name a few.
