Vitamin B3

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Vitamin B3 - Food Sources and Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin B3, is also called Niacin or nicotinic acid, which can be manufactured by the body. Niacin is derived from two compounds - nicotinic acid and niacinamide. It is a water soluble vitamin. It help the body to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which is "burned" to produce energy. Vitamin B3, also play an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the digestive tract.

Vitamin B3 is required for cell respiration, helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, proper circulation and healthy skin, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It is used in the synthesis of sex hormones, treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

Sources of Vitamin B3:

The main sources of vitamin B3 are as:-

• Meat, poultry, fish contain large amount of vitamin B3.

• Peanuts and Yeasts are the main source of the vitamin B3.

• Milk and eggs contain small amounts, but are excellent sources of tryptophan.

• Major sources of niacin are foods that are high in protein and grain products. These includes: tuna,  halibut, beef, chicken, whole grain and enriched cereal grains.

• Vitamin B3, is may be found in bread and breakfast cereals.

• Vitamin B3, may be extracted from the amino acid, which are the protein building block called tryptophan.

Functions of Vitamin B3:

The important functions of vitamin B3 are as:-

• Vitamin B3, helps in releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and protiens.

• vitamin B3, is very essential for the DNA synthesis.

• Niacin is commonly used to lower elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and is more effective in increasing HDL levels than other cholesterol-lowering medications.

• It is also helpful in reducing migraine headaches.

• Vitamin B3, as niacinamide, may improve arthritis symptoms, including increasing joint mobility and reducing the amount of anti-inflammatory medications needed.

• It is necessary for healthy skin, nerves and digestive system.

• High doses of niacin medications are used to prevent development of atherosclerosis and to reduce recurrent complications such as heart attack and peripheral vascular disease in those with the condition.

• It helps to detoxify the body.

• Vitamin B3, is very essential for the proper digestion of the food.

Deficiency of Vitamin B3:

The signs of the deficiency of vitamin B3 are as:-

• Loss of appetite is the early symptom of the deficiency of vitamin B3.

• Indigestion, may be occur due to deficiency of vitamin B3.

• Skin lesions may be seen in some cases.

• Mental imbalance can occur due to deficiency of vitamin B3.

A deficiency of vitamin B3, may cause pellagra, the classic niacin deficiency disease, and is characterized by bilateral dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.