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Niacin is essential for the body to perform various physiological and enzymatic functions. Vitamin B3 ensures proper blood circulation, maintains normal nerve and brain functions, enhances memory and helps in proper digestion and absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B3 has also been found to be useful in maintaining healthy skin and regulating cholesterol levels. In addition, Vitamin B3 is required for cell respiration, normal secretion of bile and other stomach fluids, proper functioning of enzymes and production of sex hormones and stress-related hormones by the adrenal gland.
As a medicine, vitamin B3 is used in the treatment of various medical conditions like hyperlipidemia, Raynauds syndrome, dizziness and other circulatory problems. Deficiency of vitamin B3 causes pellagra, a potentially fatal disease characterized by bilateral dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia.
Amount of niacin produced by the liver is very negligible. Around 60 mg of tryptophan is required to make one mg of niacin. Hence, niacin should be supplemented from external sources. Vitamin B3 is abundantly present in several natural food sources like red meat, fish, nuts, poultry, pasta, potatoes, eggs, green leafy vegetables, fish, and dairy foods. Recommended dosage of niacin is 2-12 mg per day for children, 14 mg per day for women, 16 mg per day for men and 18 mg per day for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Overdose of vitamin B3 can cause symptoms like nausea, cramps, vomiting and ulcers. Large amounts of niacin can cause symptoms like skin rash and intense flushing of the face and neck. People also experience conditions like hepatic malfunctioning, high blood pressure, diabetes and gout.
Niacin is lost with cooking. Also, alcohol inhibits vitamin B3 absorption. Niacin deficiency primarily occurs in regions where the staple diet is corn. Corn is the only grain low in niacin. |
