Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
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Niacin-containing co-enzymes NAD and NADP are involved in more that 200 different reactions in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids, making it critical in supplying energy to, and maintaining the function of every cell in the body; important in the oxidation-reduction reaction in the Krebs Cycle involving the production of energy from carbohydrates; reduces LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increases HDL (the "good" cholesterol); has shown to have anti-anxiety activity resembling benzodiazepines; at certain dosages, stimulates histamine release which causes temporary vasodilation and the characteristic "niacin flush"; lowers blood pressure and improves circulation; and helps to minimize hypoglycemic symptoms and can reduce the craving for sweets, as it is part of the glucose tolerance factor of yeast which enhances response to insulin.
A vitamin B3 deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia, arthritis, depression, elevated cholesterol, fatigue, glossitis and skin lesions, headache, heart disease, hypertension, hypochlorhydria and other digestive problems, indigestion, insomnia, muscle fatigue, muscular nervousness/anxiety, poor circulation, schizophrenia and sleep disorders. Severe vitamin B3 deficiency is known as pellagra which means "rough skin". Symptoms of pellagra are characterized by the three D's: Dementia, Dermatitis and Diarrhea. In addition, deficiencies of vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and/or vitamin B6 commonly accompany (or can cause) a vitamin B3 deficiency.
Dietary sources richest in vitamin B3 (per serving) include brewer's yeast, enriched grains and grain products, fish, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), lean meats, milk, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, organ meats, peanut, peanut butter, potato and poultry. Vitamin B3 is also synthesized by intestinal bacteria.
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> back to About Micronutrients
Niacin-containing co-enzymes NAD and NADP are involved in more that 200 different reactions in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids, making it critical in supplying energy to, and maintaining the function of every cell in the body; important in the oxidation-reduction reaction in the Krebs Cycle involving the production of energy from carbohydrates; reduces LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides, and increases HDL (the "good" cholesterol); has shown to have anti-anxiety activity resembling benzodiazepines; at certain dosages, stimulates histamine release which causes temporary vasodilation and the characteristic "niacin flush"; lowers blood pressure and improves circulation; and helps to minimize hypoglycemic symptoms and can reduce the craving for sweets, as it is part of the glucose tolerance factor of yeast which enhances response to insulin.
A vitamin B3 deficiency could be a contributing cause of anorexia, arthritis, depression, elevated cholesterol, fatigue, glossitis and skin lesions, headache, heart disease, hypertension, hypochlorhydria and other digestive problems, indigestion, insomnia, muscle fatigue, muscular nervousness/anxiety, poor circulation, schizophrenia and sleep disorders. Severe vitamin B3 deficiency is known as pellagra which means "rough skin". Symptoms of pellagra are characterized by the three D's: Dementia, Dermatitis and Diarrhea. In addition, deficiencies of vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and/or vitamin B6 commonly accompany (or can cause) a vitamin B3 deficiency.
Dietary sources richest in vitamin B3 (per serving) include brewer's yeast, enriched grains and grain products, fish, legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans), lean meats, milk, nutritional supplements, nutritional yeasts, organ meats, peanut, peanut butter, potato and poultry. Vitamin B3 is also synthesized by intestinal bacteria.
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