
What is vitamin B3 used for?
- a pigmented rash on skin that is exposed to the sun
- rough appearance to the skin
- bright red tongue
- fatigue or apathy
- vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea
- circulatory problems
- depression
- headache
- memory loss
- in severe cases, hallucinations
What does vitamin B3 mean?
They include:
- thick, scaly pigmented rash on skin exposed to sunlight
- swollen mouth and bright red tongue
- vomiting and diarrhea
- headache
- apathy
- fatigue
- depression
- disorientation
- memory loss
Why is vitamin B3 called niacin?
Why is vitamin B3 called niacin? niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate are two of the forms of niacin, a name derived from nicotinic acid vitamins. There are many uses for each form. Food sources of niacin can be found in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, green vegetables, beans and enriched breads and cereals. ...
Why do we need vitamin B-3, or niacin?
Why do we need vitamin B-3, or niacin?
- Deficiency symptoms. Food sources of niacin, such as cooked brown rice, can help prevent a deficiency. ...
- Uses in medicine. In the past, some people have combined vitamin B-3 with statin use as a treatment to control cholesterol.
- Risks. The amount of vitamin B-3 found in food does not cause side effects. ...
- Recommended intake. ...
- Food sources. ...
- Pellagra in the U.S. ...

Is vitamin B3 the same as vitamin C?
Vitamin B3 needs an almost neutral pH to be stable whilst on the contrary, vitamin C needs a lower pH to be stable, that is an acidic pH. When combined at high temperatures, the vitamins would react giving rise to this nicotinic acid which is harmful to our skin.
Why is vitamin B3 called vitamin PP?
The Vitamin PP, niacin, or also called vitamin B3 is a group of two vitamins: nicotinic acid and its amide, nicotinamide. The discovery of such compounds is related to research carried out on the causes of pellagra, and the term “Vitamin PP” comes from these studies (PP stands for Pellagra Prevention).
Is vitamin B3 the same as vitamin B?
The reason they are classified as different vitamins, however, is because they all serve a slightly different specific function. For example, B3 helps control cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, while too little B12 or B6 in your diet could cause you to have anemia.
What is vitamin B3 for skin?
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help improve the skin's protective barrier by stimulating the synthesis of ceramides within the skin. Ceramides are important components of the skin and help maintain strong bonds between the cells to help strengthen the natural skin barrier.
What is the generic name for vitamin B12?
Cyanocobalamin is available under the following different brand names: Vitamin B12, Nascobal, Athlete, Calomist, Cobalamin, Cobex, Crystamine, Prime, Rubramine PC, Vibisone, and Eligen B12.
Is B3 and B12 the same?
Vitamin B3 and B12 are two types of vitamin B complexes. The key difference between vitamin B3 and B12 is that vitamin B3 is important in controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels in our blood, whereas vitamin B12 is important as a cofactor in DNA synthesis for both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism.
Is folic acid B3?
The B vitamins are: Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), Folate/Folic acid (B9) and Cobalamin (B12).
Is vitamin B3 the same as folic acid?
For example, vitamin B1 is commonly known as thiamine, vitamin B2 as riboflavin, vitamin B3 as niacin, and vitamin B9 as folate or folic acid. Read on to learn more about their health benefits, sources, and how much you should be aiming to incorporate into your diet.
Which vitamin is known as vitamin PP?
niacinOther names for vitamin B-3 include nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, and vitamin PP, because it prevents pellagra. The body excretes any niacin it does not need in urine.
Which vitamin is also known as PP?
NiacinNiacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and a form of vitamin B3, an essential human nutrient....Niacin.NamesPreferred IUPAC name Pyridine-3-carboxylic acidOther names Nicotinic acid (INN) Bionic Vitamin B3 Vitamin PPIdentifiersCAS Number59-67-652 more rows
What is called PP factor?
Answer. P-P factor is pellagra-preventive factor. Vitamin B5 or niacin is called PP factor, because the deficiency of this vitamin disease causes pellagra.
Is there such thing as vitamin G?
Vitamin G isn't a term you'll hear very much anymore. It's actually an outdated name for riboflavin (also known as lactoflavin and vitamin B2), a micronutrient named for its intense gold color. The word riboflavin comes from “ribos” (a kind of sugar) and the Latin word “flavus” (which means yellow).
What is the name of the B3 vitamin?
Niacin (also known as vitamin B3) is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. Niacin is the generic name for nicotinic acid (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid), nicotinamide (niacinamide or pyridine-3-carboxamide), and related derivatives, such as nicotinamide riboside [ 1-3 ]. Niacin is naturally present in many foods, added to some food products, and available as a dietary supplement.
What is a DRI for niacin?
DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and sex, include:
How to determine if niacin is in your blood?
Levels of niacin in the blood are not reliable indicators of niacin status. The most sensitive and reliable measure of niacin status is the urinary excretion of its two major methylated metabolites, N1-methyl-nicotinamide and N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide [ 2 ]. Excretion rates in adults of more than 17.5 micromol/day of these two metabolites reflect adequate niacin status, while excretion rates between 5.8 and 17.5 micromol/day reflect low niacin status. An adult has deficient niacin status when urinary-excretion rates are less than 5.8 micromol/day. Indicators of inadequacy such as this and other biochemical signs (e.g., a 2-pyridone oxidation product of N1-methyl-nicotinamide below detection limits in plasma or low erythrocyte NAD concentrations) occur well before overt clinical signs of deficiency [ 2 ]. Another measure of niacin status takes into account the fact that NAD levels decline as niacin status deteriorates, whereas NADP levels remain relatively constant [ 1, 3, 5 ]. A “niacin number” (the ratio of NAD to NADP concentrations in whole blood x 100) below 130 suggests niacin deficiency [ 6, 7 ]. A “niacin index” (the ratio of erythrocyte NAD to NADP concentrations) below 1 suggests that an individual is at risk of developing niacin deficiency [ 8 ]. No functional biochemical tests that reflect total body stores of niacin are available [ 5 ].
Where is niacin absorbed?
Ingested niacin is absorbed primarily in the small intestine, but some is absorbed in the stomach [ 1-3 ]. Even when taken in very high doses of 3–4 g, niacin is almost completely absorbed. Once absorbed, physiologic amounts of niacin are metabolized to NAD.
Is niacin a dietary supplement?
Most dietary niacin is in the form of nico tinic acid and nicotinamide, but some foods contain small amounts of NAD and NADP. The body also converts some tryptophan, an amino acid in protein, to NAD, so tryptophan is considered a dietary source of niacin.
Is niacin a bioavailable substance?
Niacin that is added to enriched and fortified foods is in its free form and therefore highly bioavailable [ 2 ]. Tryptophan is another food source of niacin because this amino acid—when present in amounts beyond that required for protein synthesis—can be converted to NAD, mainly in the liver [ 3, 5 ].
What is the other name for B3?
The original name for the other form of vitamin B3 is nicotinamide, and to minimize confusion the FDA allowed it to be called niacinamide. Today, niacin and nicotinic acid are names referring to one form of vitamin B3, and its other form is called either nicotinamide or niacinamide. Vitamin formulas containing vitamin B3 may use any one of these 4 names to describe its vitamin B3 component.
Why is niacinamide used in the body?
Niacin and niacinamide are very similar in shape and work identically in your body to protect you from pellagra, a disease caused by a diet with inadequate amounts of vitamin B3. Pellagra became common in Asia and the United States in the early 1900s after new milling techniques created refined wheat flour and white rice.
What is the gray area between vitamins and drugs?
Niacin provides a quintessential example of the gray area that can exist between vitamins and drugs. A partial definition of a drug, according to the FDA is: "A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.
What is the best vitamin for miscarriage?
Vitamin B3 is smack in the middle of the news because of a study showing that it may help prevent birth defects and miscarriages (See Julianna LeMieux's companion piece " Study Finds Vitamin B3 Prevents Birth Defects And Miscarriages "). Since there are certain aspects of B3 that are confusing, this is probably a good time for a primer about the vitamin: 1 It has multiple names, which are similar and confusing 2 A bottle of vitamin B3 may consist of one of two closely-related chemicals. But only one of them is really B3 3 B3 is essential in all living cells 4 Sometimes it's a vitamin and sometimes it's a drug (and a lousy one at that)
Is niacin a nicotinamide?
For instance, the American Institute of Nutrition uses the term niacin for either nicotinic acid or nicotinamide, while the United States Pharmacopeia (correctly) identifies niacin as nicotinic acid.
Is B3 nicotinic acid the same as niacin?
The terms vitamin B3 and niacin, nicotinic acid are used interchangeably, but this isn't strictly accurate. Confusion can arise from the multiple names associated the vitamin and similar molecules. For example, even though one of the correct names for B3 names is nicotinic acid, it and nicotine could hardly be more different chemically ...
Is B3 a chemical?
A bottle of vitamin B3 may consist of one of two closely-related chemicals. But only one of them is really B3. B3 is essential in all living cells.
Is niacin a food?
So, if niacin is part of the diet, or taken in small amounts in vitamin supplements, it is classified as a food. But niacin has another use—reduction of cholesterol . The difference is the dose.
What is vitamin B3?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Vitamin B3 is a vitamin family that includes three forms or vitamers: nicotinamide (niacinamide), niacin (nicotinic acid), and nicotinamide riboside. All three forms of vitamin B 3 are converted within the body to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
What is the name of the vitamin B3 complex?
Nicotinamide riboside was identified as a form of vitamin B 3 in 2004. In the past, the group was loosely referred to as vitamin B3 complex.
What Are the Different B Vitamins?
The B vitamins aren’t always recognizable. They go by other names, like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and biotin. Take a look at the list below to quickly decode which vitamin is which and see what each vitamin is known for.
What is B5 in the body?
When it comes to water-soluble vitamins, B5 helps the production of enzymes. These enzymes facilitate fatty acid synthesis, and breakdown is a top priority. Pantothenic acid also helps build and break down cells. Your red blood cells carry pantothenic acid throughout your body for these purposes. 5
How to get vitamin B?
How to Best Get Vitamin B in Your Diet. There are so many ways to get your vitamin B naturally. And now, many foods are vitamin B fortified. This makes it even easier to get the B you need and avoid deficiency. For thiamine (vitamin B1) look to omega-3 eggs, asparagus, and kale.
What is the best vitamin for adenosine 5′-triphosphate?
Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps in the making of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (or ATP). This is where the cells in your body get their energy. Riboflavin can help reduce the presence of pathogens in the blood. 2. When you’re dealing with a riboflavin deficiency, you may experience symptoms like —.
Why do we need B1 supplements?
Sufficient thiamine levels are needed to fend off lactic acidosis, the buildup of lactate in the body. When vitamin B1 breaks down sugars and amino acids, their parts make other molecules.
Why is B9 important for pregnant women?
Vitamin B9 is a big deal for pregnant women and early infancy support. That’s because folic acid is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids. 8 These acids are necessary for rapid cell division and DNA replication.
Which vitamin is good for ATP production?
Niacin plays a pretty significant part in the production of ATP. But, vitamin B3 can do a whole lot more for your body. Vitamin B Niacin helps —
What is the B3 vitamin?
Niacin – Vitamin B3. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble B vitamin found naturally in some foods, added to foods, and sold as a supplement. The two most common forms of niacin in food and supplements are nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. The body can also convert tryptophan—an amino acid—to nicotinamide.
How much niacin is in a niacin diet?
RDA: Niacin is measured in milligrams (mg) of niacin equivalents (NE). One NE equals 1 milligram of niacin or 60 mg of tryptophan. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19+ years is 16 mg NE for men, 14 mg NE for women, 18 mg NE for pregnant women, and 17 mg NE for lactating women.
How does niacin work?
Niacin works in the body as a coenzyme, with more than 400 enzymes dependent on it for various reactions. Niacin helps to convert nutrients into energy, create cholesterol and fats, create and repair DNA, and exert antioxidant effects. [1,2]
Why is niacin deficiency rare?
A niacin deficiency is rare in the United States and other industrialized countries because it is well-absorbed from most foods (with the exception of some cereal grains in which niacin is bound to its fibers, decreasing the absorption) and is added to many foods and multivitamins.
What are the symptoms of niacin deficiency?
A severe niacin deficiency leads to pellagra, a condition that causes a dark, sometimes scaly rash to develop on skin areas exposed to sunlight; bright redness of the tongue; and constipation/diarrhea. Other signs of severe niacin deficiency include: Depression. Headache. Fatigue.
Why is niacin rare?
A niacin deficiency is rare because it is found in many foods, both from animals and plants.
What is the name of the disease that causes the body to release serotonin?
Carcinoid syndrome. This is a disease of slow-growing cancer cells in the gut that release a chemical called serotonin. The syndrome causes tryptophan in the diet to be converted into serotonin rather than niacin, which increases the risk of decreased niacin.
How much niacin should you take?
Since niacin can be used in different ways, talk to your health care provider about the best dosage for you.
Why do people take niacin?
As a cholesterol treatment, there are good studies showing that niacin can boost levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Niacin also modestly lowers bad LDL cholesterol. It's sometimes prescribed in combination with statins for cholesterol control, such as rosuvastatin ( Crestor, Ezallor ), simvastatin, fluvastatin ( Lescol ), atorvastatin ( Lipitor) and pravastatin ( Pravachol ).
Is niacin safe for pregnant women?
However, at the higher amounts used to treat medical conditions, it can have risks. For that reason, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take nia cin supplements in excess of the DRI unless it's recommended by a doctor.
Can niacin interact with blood thinners?
Interactions. If you take any medicines or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using niacin supplements. They could interact with medicines like diabetes drugs, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, blood pressure medicines, thyroid hormones, and antibiotics as well as supplements like ginkgo biloba and some antioxidants. Alcohol might increase the risk of liver problems. Though niacin is often used along with statins for high cholesterol, this combination may increase the risk for side effects. Get advice from your healthcare provider.
Can you take niacin over the counter?
These doses could pose risks, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, or glucose intolerance. So don't treat yourself with over-the-counter niacin supplements. Instead, get advice from your health care provider, who can prescribe FDA-approved doses of niacin instead if recommended. In addition, niacin is an FDA-approved treatment ...
Is niacin bad for you?
What are the risks of taking niacin? Having enough niacin, or vitamin B 3, in the body is important for general good health. As a treatment, higher amounts of niacin can improve cholesterol levels.
Can you take niacin for pellagra?
Instead, get advice from your health care provider, who can prescribe FDA-approved doses of niacin instead if recommended. In addition, niacin is an FDA-approved treatment for pellagra, a rare condition that develops from niacin deficiency.
What is niacin B3?
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a micronutrient that your body uses for proper metabolism, nervous system function and antioxidant protection ( 1. Trusted Source.
What foods are rich in niacin?
Many foods are rich in niacin, especially animal products like meat, fish and poultry.
What is the best food for niacin?
Summary One avocado provides over 20% of the RDA for niacin and is rich in fiber, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and minerals like potassium. 11. Brown Rice. One cup (195 grams) of cooked brown rice contains 18% of the RDA for niacin for men and 21% for women ( 32 ).
How much niacin is in an avocado?
Avocado. One medium avocado contains 3.5 mg of niacin, or 21% and 25% of the RDA for men and women, respectively ( 29 ). They’re also rich in fiber, healthy fats and many vitamins and minerals. In fact, one avocado contains more than twice the potassium of a banana ( 29, 30 ).
How much niacin is in chicken breast?
3 ounces (85 grams) of cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast contain 11.4 mg of niacin, which is 71% and 81% of the RDA for men and women, respectively ( 5 ). In comparison, the same amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs contain only half that amount ( 6 ). ).
How much niacin is in beef liver?
A typical 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of cooked beef liver provides 14.7 mg of niacin, or 91% of the RDA for men and more than 100% of the RDA for women ( 3 ).
Which potato has the most niacin?
According to one review, brown Russet potatoes pack the highest amount of niacin out of any type of potato — with 2 mg per 100 grams ( 48 ).
