Vitamin B3 'helps kill superbugs' (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Vitamin B3 could be the new weapon in the fight against superbugs such as MRSA, researchers have suggested.

US experts found B3, also known as nicotinamide, boosts the ability of immune cells to kill Staphylococcus bacteria.

B3 increases the numbers and efficacy of neutrophils, white blood cells that can kill and eat harmful bugs.

The study, in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could lead to a "major change in treatment", a UK expert said.

B3 was tested on Staphylococcal infections, such as the potentially fatal MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
***
more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19367277

[2on2u]

1. Thank you thank you thank you... a relative is dealing with this, this is greeeeeaaaaaat news. n/t

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Best wishes to your relative!

[2on2u]

3. Thank you green, I am sure the family will be glad to hear this, already printed out and ready

to be delivered.

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Keep us posted. :^)

[eppur_se_muova]

5. All the usual warnings about self-medication apply ...

B3 has some side effects, such as flushing with accompanying burn/itch (if taken as nicotinic acid, not so much as nicotinamide) and

Nicotinamide may be toxic to the liver at doses exceeding 3 g/day for adults.{5}

{5} Knip M, Douek IF, Moore WP, et al. (2000). "Safety of high-dose nicotinamide: a review". Diabetologia 43 (11): 1337–45. doi:10.1007/s001250051536. PMID 11126400.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin