Vitamin B3

Information on Nicotinic Acid, Niacin, Niacinamide,
Vitamin B3, like all other vitamin is of utmost importance in the body mechanism. It is essential for many activities in the body such as;

i. proper functioning of the nervous system
ii. cell respiration
iii. metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
iv. for healthy skin
v. for enhancing the memory
vi. for treatment of mentally related illnesses
vii. for sex hormones synthesis
viii. for normal secretion of hiles and stomach acids
ix. for proper blood circulation

Vitamin B3 is made up of niacin as manufactured by the body. Niacin comprises of niacianmide and nicolinic acid. Nicolinic acid, if present in any form of ingestion or supplement improves the blood cholesterol profile. It also makes one more alert mentally and also purges the body of mild organic poisons such as insecticides

Effects of insufficient vitamin B3

vitamin B3, when found to be insufficient in the body, (especially niacin deficiency) leads to a diseases referred to as pellagra of which common symptom is diarrhea, dementia and bilateral dermatitis. In chronic cases, a complete shortage of niacin can bring about occurrence of symptoms like.

a. Insomnia (sleeplessness)
b. Depression
c. Dizziness
d. Fatigue
e. Muscular weakness
f. Skin diseases such as inflammation
g. Diarrhea
h. Headaches
i. Lack of proper digestion
j. Low blood sugar
k. Pain in the limb and
l. Halitosis . (bad smelling breath)

Vitamin B3 DOSAGE

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is; for the female 13 mg/day and for the male 18mg/day. On a normal circumstance, these dosage are the minimum that the body requires daily to remove the risk of niacin deficiency. However, the dosage of the niacin is usually more than the recommended daily minimum dosage. Supplements up to 100mg. Therefore care should be taken because excess of the nutrient could become poisonous. Excessive in take of the niacin could result in hepatic abnormality and hyperlukemia of which can be reduced if niacin intake is reduced or completely discontinued.

Symptoms of high dosage

.High dosage on nicolinic acid up to over 200mg result in

1. body itching,
2. elevated blood glucose,
3. liver damage and
4. peptic ulcers.

Niacin, like other vitamins requires complimenting vitamins and it is best taken with the ascorbic acid and the vitamin B-complex

When more is required.
Those with liver diseases, glaucoma, diabetes and ulcers (peptic) should take less of or even avoid niacin supplementation. Alcoholics on the other hand and those that lack protein in their food may need more of niacin.

VITAMIN B3 Sources

The common sources of vitamin B3 include
a. green leafy vegetables
b. fish
c. Meat (particularly liver)
d. Lean meant
e. Milk and coffee (3mg of niacin in daily coffee)
f. Cereals
g. Legumes
h. Peanut yeast
i. Legumes
j. Poultry among others

The articles on this website should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.