#Niacin #Vitamin
Niacin also called vitamin PP or vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (PP), also known as niacin, was first described in 1873 by Hugo Weidel in his studies on nicotine (1.). That is why it is also called nicotinic acid (KN) or its amide (both substances are the same vitamin). We also understand the form of this vitamin as both coenzymatic forms – NAD and NADP (since it is part of them).
Vitamin PP, which is the subject of this article, can be partially synthesized by the human body from the amino acid tryptophan only with the participation of other B vitamins (B1, B2 and B6). Despite its natural synthesis, the amount is still not sufficient for ideal homeostasis of the body, because the process of its production is not very efficient. Therefore, its level should be supplemented with food in the daily diet or with proven supplementation.
So that the body produces only 1 part. Niacin by weight must use as much as 60 parts for this process. weight tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid exogenous i.e. those also not produced by the body – supplied with food. To top it off, as soon as there is a deficit of one of the vitamins B1, B2 or B6, the entire process of Niacin synthesis is inhibited.
Properties of vitamin B3 (Niacin)
The properties of niacin have been widely described in the scientific world. Below we present some of the most important processes in which niacin plays a significant role:
- Vitamin PP primarily prevents the occurrence of a disease called pellagra (erythema Lombard).
- It has a very beneficial effect on the human cardiovascular system because it regulates the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. In medicine, I use it niacin therapy with chromiumto lower cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis. The dose of vitamin B3 should be consulted with your doctor and used as recommended.
- Niacin is necessary for the synthesis of sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone and testosterone) as well as cortisone, thyroxine and insulin.
- It is required for the proper functioning of the brain and peripheral nervous system.
Additionally, Niacin: :
- takes part in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids.
- takes part in all metabolic processes where energy is released.
- It influences the formation of erythrocytes (the basic morphotic component of blood that transports oxygen around the body).
- It has properties that inhibit the toxic effects of drugs and chemical compounds (cleansing the body of toxins and drug residues).
- Dilation of blood vessels (this can help prevent and alleviate migraines),
- Beneficial effect on the nervous system and the human mental state (better sleep, peace of mind, “calming down the nerves”, alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia), – improving blood supply to the skin and hair, which is why it is used to treat some skin ailments such as dandruff or discoloration,
- It can help eliminate thrush and unpleasant breath odor.
- It can alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of vertigo that occur in Ménière’s disease.
- Thanks to the proper use of nutrients, it increases the energy level in the body.
- Niacin has a positive effect on circulation and reduces high blood pressure.
- Prevents gastrointestinal disorders and some types of diarrhea.
When can niacin deficiency occur and its effects?
Vitamin PP deficiency may lead to the development of various diseases. A severe deficiency causes a disease called pellagra. To put it simply, its characteristic symptoms are redness and roughness of the skin, then inflammation of the skin and the digestive system leading to diarrhea and exhaustion of the body, dementia, memory loss and, if left untreated, even death.
Other diseases associated with niacin avitaminosis include Hodgkin’s disease, Hartnup disease and hypercholesterolemia. Because vitamin B3 affects the nervous system, disturbances in its metabolism are observed in various mental diseases such as schizophrenia, depression and alcoholism.
Niacin deficiency has an adverse effect on a person’s mental state (weakness, insomnia, dizziness and headaches, irritability, poor concentration and memory disorders). Small vitamin B3 deficiencies may contribute to slower metabolism, which may reduce tolerance to cold.
When can niacin deficiency occur?
Generally, niacin deficiency may occur in favorable conditions, i.e. malnutrition, a poorly balanced diet, where food is low in niacin, tryptophan and other B vitamins.
The causes of vitamin PP deficiency also include: – abnormal digestion or absorption from the gastrointestinal tract (an example is Hartnup’s disease, where intestinal and renal tryptophan absorption is impaired); – long-term use of isoniazids, i.e. anti-tuberculosis drugs, because they are structural analogues of vitamin B3; – any higher demand for niacin that occurs when energy processes are increased (e.g. due to the consumption of large amounts of sugar); – suffering from a cancer called carcinoid, in which tryptophan is excessively used to produce serotonin.
Also remember that when supplementing with Niacin, in order to avoid temporary skin redness and increased body temperature (which may happen after taking supplements with a higher dose such as Niacin X-Treme), it is best to increase the daily dose, even by dividing the tablet into several parts, and do not take the product on an empty stomach! After a few days, the body gets used to the doses of niacin it receives and can use it perfectly.
