From the Guidelines
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and cellular function, with a recommended daily intake of approximately 16 mg for men and 12 mg for women aged 50+ years, as per the UK RDA 1. The importance of vitamin B3 cannot be overstated, given its role in over 400 biochemical reactions in the body, particularly those related to energy production and DNA repair 1. Key points about vitamin B3 include:
- It exists in two main forms: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide 1
- Important food sources include yeasts, teas and coffees, whole-grain cereals, dark-green leafy vegetables, poultry and meats, fish, nuts, legumes, and organ meat, especially liver 1
- Deficiency of vitamin B3 can lead to pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia
- In higher doses, niacin is sometimes prescribed medically to help lower cholesterol levels, though this should only be done under medical supervision due to potential side effects like flushing, itching, and liver damage 1 Given the potential for deficiency and the importance of vitamin B3 in maintaining health, it is crucial for adults to ensure they meet the daily recommended intake through a balanced diet or supplementation, if necessary, under medical guidance 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Niacin, USP (nicotinic acid, or 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid) The FDA drug label refers to Vitamin B3 as Niacin or Nicotinic acid.
- Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3 or 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
- It is a white, crystalline powder, very soluble in water 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Definition of Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions 3, 4, 5, 6.
Roles of Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B3 is involved in the treatment of pellagra and dyslipidemia 3, 4.
- It has roles outside of metabolism, including regulation of immune responses, phagocytosis of myelin debris, and cholesterol efflux from cells 3.
- Vitamin B3 may have therapeutic potential for several neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glioblastoma, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 3.
Benefits of Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B3 has been shown to improve multiple lipid parameters, reduce atherosclerosis progression, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol 4.
- It may also exert beneficial pleiotropic effects independent of changes in lipid levels, such as improving endothelial function and attenuating vascular inflammation 4.
- The combination of vitamin B3 and statins may reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy attributed to statins 5.
Biological Cycle and Influence on Oxidative Stress
- Vitamin B3 is involved in maintaining homeostasis and has a crucial role in the biological cycle, with its synthesis and mechanism of action influenced by the gut microflora 6.
- It may have a link to the novel coronavirus and commensal bacteria, with stimulation of a proinflammatory cascade and production of reactive oxygen species leading to gastrointestinal deficiencies 6.