The B vitamins are a group of eight nutrient known by either name or number, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate, and B12. Overall, they help support every cell's proper functioning and keep your metabolism, brain, and nervous system humming along.

But some individual B vitamins have their own unique — and powerful — influences on your health.

The newest discovery is that niacin (vitamin B3) can dramatically improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms by reducing lung inflammation.

A study of 40 people with COPD — published in the journal Nature Aging — reveals that taking 2 grams a day of a form of B3 called nicotinamide riboside for six weeks reduced a marker of lung inflammation by 53%. And taking that form of B3 for another 12 weeks increased the beneficial effect by 63%.

In addition, the researchers noticed that COPD patients have lower blood levels of a chemical called NAD, which appears to play a role in the aging process. People who took vitamin B3 saw their NAD levels rise, and signs of cellular aging slow down.

Niacin supplements aren't for anyone with a history of liver or kidney disease or ulcers. If you have diabetes or gallbladder disease, take it only under your doctor's supervision.

Foods that contain nicotinamide riboside include Brewer's yeast, salmon and other fish, chicken and turkey, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.