Niacin (also known as vitamin B3) is the generic name for nicotinic acid (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid), nicotinamide (niacinamide or pyridine-3-carboxamide), and related derivatives, such as nicotinamide riboside.
Niacin is required for cell respiration and helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, proper circulation, maintenance of healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. Niacin is important for the development and function of the cells.
A sufficient intake of vitamin B3 (niacin) is important as it helps the body to
• convert food into glucose, used to produce energy
• produce macromolecules, including fatty acids and cholesterol
• DNA repair and stress responses.
Niacin is found in multivitamin/multimineral supplements. It is also available in B-complex dietary supplements and supplements containing only niacin. The two main forms of niacin in dietary supplements are nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.
Functions of niacin in human body
Vitamins are defined as a group of complex organic compounds present in minute amounts in natural foodstuff that are essential to normal metabolism and lack of which in the diet causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are required in trace amounts (micrograms to milligrams per day) in the diet for health, growth and reproduction.
Friday, December 31, 2021
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