Helps Schizophrenic Patients
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects a person’s interpretation of reality. The exact cause of schizophrenia remains unknown, but experts theorize that a combination of psychological, physical, genetic, and environmental factors can make a person lose touch with reality. A schizophrenic patient may experience hallucinations, disorganized thinking, extreme mood swings, drastic changes in personality, loss of motivation and interest, and delusions. Patients with schizophrenia require lifelong and continuous treatment.
A group of researchers highlighted the possible role of adrenochromes in developing and triggering schizophrenia. Adrenochromes are derivatives of adrenaline responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response. High levels of adrenochromes can be neurotoxic, leading to extreme mood swings, changes in personality, and anxiety. Unfortunately, patients with schizophrenia have malfunctioning enzymes responsible for regulating adrenochromes and other adrenaline derivatives. So the researchers tried to find a way to prevent this from happening. That is when they theorized that a methyl acceptor, like niacin, can neutralize and reduce the production of adrenochromes.
Niacin aids in the biochemical process called methylation. Methylation is a process that helps repair DNA and break down, regulate, and build neurotransmitters. The right dosage of niacin can also limit the production of adrenaline and its derivatives, preventing the accumulation of adrenochromes.
