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.