
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for our body’s functioning. It is one of the eight types of B vitamins. The primary function of the vitamin B3 is to produce the coenzymes; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) required for the body’s numerous biochemical reactions linked to deriving energy from food.
Animal sources
- Fish
- Swordfish
- Tuna
- Poultry
- Red meat
- Beef liver
- Beef
- Reduces blood pressure
- Help treat diabetes
- Enhances the fat level in the blood
- Enhances brain functioning
- Enhances the skin health
Niacin deficiency symptoms may include
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Feeling of hopelessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Rough skin appearance
- Bright red colored tongue
Deficiency of Vitamin B3 may occur in following conditions
Chronic Alcoholism: Excess alcohol intake reduces the body’s ability for essential nutrient absorption It interferes the absorption of vitamin B3.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition is due to insufficient minerals and vitamins, including vitamin B3 and other nutrients.
Anti Tuberculosis Drugs: Patient taking Second line drugs for the treatment of T.B are highly susceptible for B 3 deficiency.
Carcinoid syndrome: It is a condition due to slow-growing cancer cells in the stomach it converts the diet tryptophan to serotonin instead of vitamin B3 and leads to vitamin B3 deficiency.