Scientists have been trying for years to find an effective treatment for the hospital superbug MRSA and it seems they may have found it from a most unlikely sauce....sorry, source.
Studies have shown that high doses of Vitamin B3 aid the immune system in fighting staphylococcus bacteria, which include amongst its variants, the hospital superbug methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus - or MRSA to its friends (it doesn't have many).
And the humble foodstuff which is incredibly rich in this vitamin? Our old friend Marmite.
"Megadoses" of Vitamin B3, or niacin, were used in studies using mice and human blood samples, and the immune system's response was found to be up to 1,000 times more effective. Unfortunately, these doses have a much higher B3 concentration that the yeast extract spread contains, but it can't do any harm to treat yourself to a bit more on your toast as a start, can it?
The research is published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Find out more unknown facts about Marmite here
(Images: SteveR-, Rex Features, jovike)
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