NIACIN

The 3rd B Vitamin

Niacin (also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid) is a colorless, water-soluble solid and a
derivative of pyridine, with a carboxyl group (COOH) at the 3-position. The other form of vitamin
B3 is nicotinamide ("niacinamide"), where the carboxyl group has been replaced by a carboxamide
group (CONH2)

Niacin and its derivative nicotinamide are dietary precursors of nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide (NAD). NAD converts to NADP by phosphorylation in the presence of the enzyme
NAD+ kinase. NADP and NAD are coenzymes for many dehydrogenases, participating in many
hydrogen transfer processes. NAD is important in catabolism of fat, carbohydrate, protein, and
alcohol, as well as cell signaling and DNA repair, and NADP mostly in anabolism reactions such as
fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. The name Niacin comes from Nicotinic Acid Vitamin

Structure of Niacin and Niacinamide

(Niacin) (Niacinamide)

Sources

Dietary sources of Niacin include dairy, poultry, fish, lean meat, nuts and eggs. Dietary
tryptophan (which can be found in chocolate, oats, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, red
meat, eggs, fish, poultry, sesame, chickpeas, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, bananas,
and peanuts) can be converted to niacin, although the efficiency of conversion is low in humans and
affected by deficiencies in other nutrients, namely, Vit. B6 (Pyridoxine) and Vit. B2 (Riboflavin).
 Synthesis of Niacin from Tryptophan

Function

All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the
body uses to produce energy. These B vitamins, often referred to as B-complex vitamins, also help
the body use fats and protein. B-complex vitamins are needed for a healthy liver, healthy skin, hair,
and eyes, and to help the nervous system function properly.

Niacin also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal
glands and other parts of the body. Niacin helps improve circulation, and it has been shown to
suppress inflammation.

Deficiency

Symptoms of mild B3 deficiency include indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, vomiting, poor
circulation, and depression. Severe deficiency can cause a condition known as pellagra. Pellagra is
characterized by cracked, scaly skin (dermatitis), dementia, and diarrhea. It is generally treated
with a nutritionally balanced diet and niacin supplements. Niacin deficiency also causes burning in
the mouth and a swollen, bright red tongue.