Health and Fitness Hints

Vitamin B3 is one of the water soluble nutrients and a member of the B complex vitamins. It exists in two forms- nicotinic acid (niacin) and nicotinamide (niacinamide). Both forms of the vitamin perform the functions attributed to niacin. Its action as a coenzyme is to assist enzymes in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fatty acids and proteins. Niacin is resistant, unlike some other B vitamins, to oxidation, acids, alkalis, heat and ultra violet light.

Both forms of the vitamin are readily absorbed from the stomach and intestine and stored in the liver. Excess Vitamin B3 is excreted in the form of several metabolic products. Consumption of large amounts of starches and sugar can deplete niacin in the body as will some antibiotics. Vitamin B3 is difficult to obtain as relatively small amounts are present in most foods and the daily needs are usually met in the form of supplements, fortified foods and adequate supply of the amino acid tryptophan that can be converted into niacin by the body.

The Role of B3 Vitamin in Health

Almost every metabolic pathway in the body uses niacin and therefore it is not surprising that niacin deficiency can cause serious damage to the body. Symptoms of B3 deficiency are many. Mild deficiency can cause fatigue, indigestion, nausea, bad breath, rough skin, frequent headaches, insomnia and muscular weakness. Severe deficiency can cause tremors, nerve disorders, and inflammation of mucous membranes of the mouth and intestinal tract and pellagra, characterized by dementia, dermatitis and diarrhea.

Niacin may be beneficial in disorders of the circulatory system, arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, vertigo and pellagra. Deficiency of niacin is not likely as long as one has a varied diet. The only groups to exhibit deficiency are alcoholics and those with Harynup’s disease since they ca not metabolize tryptophan. Vitamin B3 like all other B Vitamins if taken alone in large doses for long periods of time it may result in loses of other vitamin B vitamins such as Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, etc.

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