Niacin — vitamin B3
Niacin, or vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid, is a
member of the B-complex, the group of vitamins so important
for countering the effects of stress. In its raw form it is
a white, crystalline vitamin that dissolves readily in water.
Niacin is essential for a healthy nervous system, healthy
skin, production of sex hormones by the adrenal glands, and
normal function of the stomach and intestinal tract.
Niacin is required by all living cells, and a deficiency
affects every cell of the body. It is an important component
of two coenzymes, niacinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)
and niacinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).
These coenzymes are responsible for metabolism of carbohydrates,
lipids and proteins, releasing energy in tissues and cells.
The late stage of severe niacin deficiency is known as pellagra,
a disease that causes weakness, fatigue, anorexia, indigestion,
and skin lesions. The term pellagra comes from the
Italian, meaning rough or raw skin. Symptoms include diarrhea,
dermatitis, dementia and death — thus its mnemonic:
"the disease of the four D's."
Niacin can be found in meats, poultry, wheat germ, red-fleshed
fish (e.g., tuna and salmon), eggs, legumes, nuts, and brewer’s
yeast.
Benefits of niacin
- Used by the body to form coenzymes involved in metabolism
of protein, fat, and carbohydrates
- Required for formation of red blood cells
- Required for production of hormones (sex steroids)
- Assists in the production of hydrochloric acid for digestion
in the stomach
- May lower LDL cholesterol
- Helps maintain normal blood pressure
- Supports central nervous system function
- Essential for the healthy skin and hair
- Maintains normal digestion
- May reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and age-related
cognitive decline
Recommendations
RDI/AI – 16 mg per day
UL – 35 mg per day
How Can We Help?
At DermaHarmony, our goal is to help inform chronic skin care sufferers about their choices, if necessary improve choices, and then support you in any way we can. Our Program supports healthy skin with nutritional supplements, topical treatments and dietary guidance. To learn more about our programs, click here or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-3730. Our Support Desk is open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday.
Our skin assessment is designed to help us get a better understanding of your symptoms and to make diet and lifestyle recommendations for you. It’s super easy and free and only takes about 5 minutes. Take our Skin Assessment.
Principal Author: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 07/05/2007
Article Last Updated: 08/26/2009
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