Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide (niacin, vitamin PP, vitamin B3). Vitamin B3 (Nicotinic acid - vitamin PP)

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is a vitamin that is easily soluble in water, resistant to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation, but easily destroyed in acidic or alkaline environment digestive tract.

The name "niacin" is modern, until recently vitamin B3 was called and continues to be called PP (from the first two letters of the Latin phrase "pellagra preventing", which means against pellagra). Pellagra is a disease that occurs with poor nutrition, deficiency of amino acids and vitamins, including B3. Pellagra is currently extremely rare disease, so more and more are in use - modern name vitamin A.

Vitamin B3 - niacin, depending on the origin, exists in two active forms: nicotinic acid (if it has vegetable origin) and in the form of nicotinomide (produced in animal tissues). Both forms are equivalent in terms of importance for the body, but have different influence on the organs and functions of the body.

Vitamin B3 was first synthesized in 1867 as a derivative of nicotine, but then this substance was not given of great importance. The full importance of the discovery was realized only in 1937, when biological functions niacin.

The composition of the molecule includes nitrogen, which makes niacin an extremely mobile molecule, with a high degree of permeability. With high mobility, niacin is not able to accumulate in organs and tissues, as it is easily soluble in water and quickly excreted from the body.

Vitamin B3 is synthesized by microflora in the large intestine, but other B vitamins are needed for synthesis: pyridoxine and riboflavin, and the amino acid tryptophan. Moreover, for the synthesis of 1 mg of vitamin B3, 60 mg of tryptophan is needed. In the absence or shortage of at least one of listed components vitamin B3 is not synthesized.

Functions in the body

Niacin is considered important vitamin for human health, it is part of 300 different enzymes, is involved in almost all metabolic processes.

Energy metabolism is perhaps the most main function vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 affects energy metabolism at the cellular level. Since all metabolic processes are interconnected, one cannot fail to note the importance of vitamin B3 for carbohydrate metabolism in particular, it affects blood glucose levels.

Vitamin B3 regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood, reduces the level of triglycerides and LDL - "bad" cholesterol, while increasing the level of "good" HDL cholesterol. This is the most reliable prevention development cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes.

The participation of vitamin B3 in the circulatory system is great, it helps to maintain hemoglobin at the proper level.

Niacin is involved in the production digestive enzymes, including in the production of enzymes in the liver and pancreas, increasing the body's ability to break down fats. Vitamin B3 extracts protein from plant foods and helps maximize protein absorption.

The importance of niacin for the work of the central nervous system and the brain. With a lack of vitamin B3, memory worsens, including short-term memory. Conditions when a person cannot remember what he was just going to do, where he was going, are often caused precisely by a lack of vitamin B3. Associative memory also depends on the presence of vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3 affects the condition of the mucous membranes, in oral cavity And digestive tract, And skin.

Vitamin B3 is also very important for vision. It supports the functions of the lens of the eye, helps to adapt vision to low light conditions.

Latest medical research testify to the great importance of vitamin B3 for foreign cells. Niacin initial stages stops development cancerous tumor, not allowing foreign cells to divide.

The synthesis of a group of essential hormones such as insulin and cortisone, as well as the sex hormones estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, does not take place without the presence of niacin. There is a theory according to which hormones play a dominant role in the functioning of the body, and if you follow this theory, then vitamin B3 can be called the vitamin of life.

Need for niacin

Given the importance of vitamin B3 for the body, it is necessary to know how much niacin the body needs. This value depends on many factors: gender, age, level of physical and mental stress. On average, a person needs from 12 to 24 mg of vitamin B3 per day.

For a child of the first year of life, 6 mg per day is enough; by the age of ten, the need for vitamin B3 increases to 15 mg per day. The maximum falls on adolescence- about 18 mg per day, and then gradually decreases.

Women need higher doses of vitamin B3 during pregnancy (20 mg per day) and lactation (21 mg per day).

The need for niacin increases with increasing physical or psycho-emotional stress, for example, when playing sports or in stressful situations. Hard work may require higher doses of vitamin B3. So, air traffic controllers, whose work is related to high level stress, need vitamin B3 in increased amount(up to 25 mg per day).

Living in the Far North with its extremely low temperatures and short daylight hours, as well as in a hot southern climate, is always associated with an increased need for niacin.

The need for niacin increases with a decrease in animal protein intake. Thus, vegetarians or fasting believers need additional source vitamin B3, in addition to food sources. Some medications reduce the body's ability to absorb vitamin B3 from food.

Sugar has the ability to destroy niacin, so sweet tooth should be eaten more products containing large amounts of niacin.

Food Sources of Vitamin B3

As mentioned above, niacin is found in both plant and animal foods. Partly synthesized by the intestines. The degree of absorption of vitamin B3 from food is different. So, niacin from legumes is absorbed better than from grains. Obviously, this is due to the need for the synthesis of amino acids and other vitamins, which in different products contained in different quantities.

Most of the vitamin B3 is found in dried porcini mushrooms - 93 mg per 100 grams of the product, a lot in dry brewer's yeast - 36 mg. Peanuts (16 mg per 100 grams) and poultry meat (8 mg) are high in niacin. There is a lot of vitamin B3 in meat and offal (about 5-7 mg per 100 grams), in nuts (in almonds - up to 4 mg) and seeds (in halva - 4.5 mg).

Vegetables and fruits cannot be named significant source vitamin B3. So, cherries contain 0.4 mg of vitamin B3, green peas - 2.2 mg, cabbage - 0.5 mg.

Vitamin B3 deficiency

Vitamin B3 is one of the few vitamins that are extremely resistant to any cooking. regular and complete balanced diet guarantees the daily needs of the body in vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3 is synthesized and absorbed in lower section intestines, so certain painful conditions of this part of the intestine can cause a lack of niacin even with a sufficiently high intake from food.

Weight gain without visible reasons accompanied by a sleep disorder - this can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin B3. A lack of niacin can masquerade as various nervous disorders: irritability, tearfulness, excitability.

Moderate deficiency can manifest itself in the form of muscle and sexual weakness, pain in the limbs, headache, dizziness. Sometimes blood sugar drops. A significant deficit leads to grave consequences: memory lapses, dementia, convulsions, burning sensation in the limbs.

Vitamin B3 deficiency does not occur spontaneously, it is the result of many years of accumulation due to malnutrition or bowel problems. Typically, these disorders affect older people.

Oct-1-2016

What is vitamin B3

Sometimes there are people who constantly or from time to time suffer from skin diseases. In addition, they are often irritable and even depressed. On top of that, indigestion often occurs. Such patients receive a prescription from a doctor and take three various medicines: from diarrhea, from skin disease and "from nerves." In the next few weeks or months, they try to treat their ailments without apparent success. Then they are referred to narrow specialists: gastrointestinal, skin diseases, and a neuropathologist. They conduct a thorough examination and prescribe new drugs.

Constant visits to doctors, a lot of bottles, ampoules and packs of pills ... But sometimes such patients lack only vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3 is nicotinic acid. Another name for this substance is niacin. Also, this vitamin received the name PP (this is an abbreviation for the name "warning pellagra").

Previously, it was called the cure for pellagra because it was treated in countries where the staple food is corn, which has almost no niacin. Patients with pellagra develop blisters and pustules, they suffer from stomach and headaches, depression, and insomnia.

Many of us may also have pellagra, although in a latent or mild form. With a lack of niacin, the skin, intestines and nervous system are primarily affected.

If you are overcome skin diseases if you are nervous and angry for no particular reason, and in addition, you suffer from diarrhea, then you may not have enough vitamin B3.

What is niacin?

Niacin - common name two varieties of substances in which this vitamin occurs, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. It is a white, water-soluble and very stable substance. Nothing can be done about him heat, no acid, no alkali, no powerful ultraviolet radiation. The reason is that this nitrogen-containing molecule is very simple in its chemical structure. Nature has made it, like the vitamin C molecule, extremely mobile. In 70 trillion cells human body she plays like this important role that she just needs to go as quickly as possible from the food mass to the cells of the body. Simple chemical structure it also helps that free radicals it is not so easy to catch this vitamin in the blood stream and destroy it, as is often the case with "large" molecules. Such amazing properties of vitamin B3 make it especially valuable. The speed with which niacin is able to heal diseases is only matched by the effectiveness of vitamin C.

What is vitamin B3 for?

Vitamin B3 is very important for the normal functioning of the body and maintaining health.

In the human body, niacin performs the following functions:

• Expands small vessels(including the brain);
• Improves microcirculation;
• It has a weak anticoagulant effect (increases the fibrinolytic activity of the blood);
• Participates in energy production;
• Reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, which significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack;
• Needed for amino acid metabolism;
• Normalizes the work of the heart, participates in the formation of hemoglobin;
• Stimulates production gastric juice and helps the production of digestive enzymes in the liver and pancreas, is involved in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates;
• Participates in the synthesis of hormones;
• Promotes the absorption of protein from plant foods;
• Provides normal functioning nervous system;
• Participates in ensuring normal vision;
• Supports in healthy condition skin, intestinal mucosa and oral cavity.

No other vitamin, and indeed no other nutrient, in the process of metabolism does not get as close to the boundaries of the psyche as niacin. While other vitamins, such as C or B6, activate the action of psychohormones, so to speak, from the outside, vitamin B3 itself is involved in the biosynthesis of such hormones. Therein lies its uniqueness. The fact is that the nervous stimulus serotonin is formed from tryptophan in the process of metabolism, which affects our sleep and mood. Since niacin is absolutely essential for the production of energy in the cells of the body, when it is deficient, a significant proportion of tryptophan is converted to niacin. And this, in turn, leads to a lack of serotonin and, as a result, to insomnia, poor concentration, depression, nervousness, up to severe depression hallucinations and even schizophrenia. And all this despite the fact that most of us already suffer from tryptophan deficiency. But when nature is faced with a dilemma, which is more important - a clear mind or a viable body, she always decides in favor of the latter. The priority of cellular respiration is the law of nature. It is the guarantor of life as such. In the complex world of hormones, there are many other examples of what our good mood Nature doesn't count when life itself is at stake.

It is simply amazing what an active part this little magician takes in the work of our incomprehensibly complex factory of life. Vitamin B3 is one of the most important substances for transporting electrons and producing energy in a living cell. In this case, the enzymes of niacin and riboflavin form a bridge through which hydrogen atoms are transported to the "furnace". Without niacin, large areas of tissue die very quickly, and life itself is threatened.

But if we eat right, eating complete products With great content vitamins, we will provide an influx of many trillions of niacin molecules to the cells, and thereby enough energy, healthy circulation and normal muscle activity.

Another extremely important function vitamin B3 in metabolism: since this vitamin is an acid, it prevents the release of fatty acids and thus lowers cholesterol and blood levels.

Studies in the United States have shown that niacin treatment reduces cholesterol levels by 22% and triglycerides (fat molecules) by 52%.

In addition, niacin expands blood vessels thereby eliminating circulatory delays. The ability of niacin to dilate blood vessels can also help people suffering from migraines.

Vitamin deficiency:

Primary deficiency - a lack of incoming food, for example, with a predominance of corn in the diet, since vitamin PP, although it is contained in it, is in bound state and is not assimilated in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, corn proteins are poor in tryptophan, which is used in the body for the synthesis of endogenous vitamin B3.

Secondary - due to impaired absorption or assimilation of vitamin PP, as well as an increase in the need for it.

Hypovitaminosis of niacin can proceed for years without specific manifestations.

Its features include:

• lethargy, apathy, fatigue
• dizziness, headache
• irritability
• insomnia
• loss of appetite, weight loss
• bluishness of the lips, cheeks and hands
• paleness and dryness of the skin
• heartbeat
• constipation
• decrease in the body's resistance to infections

With prolonged deficiency of vitamin PP, pellagra disease can develop.

Pellagra - dangerous disease caused by beriberi (lack) of vitamin B3 in the body. Pellagra is characterized by the presence of three "D" symptoms:

• diarrhea (indigestion and, as a result, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea);
• dermatitis (skin, especially on the face, neck and hands, as well as on other open areas of the body, becomes bright red, inflamed and flaky, the tongue also becomes inflamed);
• dementia (acquired dementia).

Pellagra is a severe disease that is manifested by damage to the skin and mucous membranes, severe diarrhea, neuropsychiatric disorders. Now it's serious disease rare, but it initial symptoms- Vitamin B3 deficiency is quite common. This disease was especially widespread among prisoners in the camps during the Second World War.

Vitamin requirement:

Children and adolescents need 5 to 12 mg of niacin daily, adults for every 1000 calories consumed - about 6.6 mg, that is, for women it will be 13-15 mg, for men 15-20 mg. For those who work hard physical labor, needed overdose vitamin A. This also applies to pregnant and lactating women.

Things to consider:

Excessive consumption of sugar, sweets or sugary drinks leads to the loss of niacin. In the body, vitamin B3 cannot be stored for future use. The excess is excreted in the urine, so the vitamin needs to be constantly replenished.

Our body can produce vitamin B3 from the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is found mainly in meat, fish, poultry, and also in cottage cheese.

What foods contain vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is found mainly in lean meat, liver, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, and also in seeds cereal crops and corn. Brewer's yeast is an important source of niacin.

Particularly rich in niacin (in milligrams):

Brewer's yeast (100 grams) - 35.6

Peanuts (1 cup) - 24.2

Liver (100 grams) - 12.2

Tuna (100 grams) - 10.3

Poultry (100 grams) - 9.6

Dried apricots (1 cup) - 8.2

Heart (100 grams) - 7.4

Salmon (100 grams) - 6.8

Natural wheat grains (1 cup) - 5.2

Lamb cutlet (1 piece) - 5.1

Almonds (1 cup) - 4.7

Mushrooms (1 cup) - 4.6

Green peas (1 cup) - 3.8

Pork cutlet (1 piece) - 3.6

Soybeans (100 grams) - 2.9

Harm:

An overdose of niacin usually does not dangerous consequences. Sometimes there is a slight dizziness, redness of the skin on the face, muscle numbness and tingling. Prolonged overdoses of vitamin B3 fatty degeneration liver, loss of appetite and stomach pain.

Niacin is contraindicated in exacerbations peptic ulcer, complex liver damage, with severe forms atherosclerosis and hypertension, as well as gout and excess uric acid in blood.

It should be noted that Negative consequences overdoses of nicotinic acid occur quite rarely, which cannot be said about the deficiency of this substance.

Greetings, my dear readers. I propose to continue the fascinating "journey" to the country of vitamins. Today I want to introduce you to another valuable element. It's nicotinic acid. This is one of the names of vitamin B3. But he also has other names - niacin and vitamin PP. And all this is one vitamin!

By the way, PP is an abbreviation. It comes from "Pellagra Preventive" and literally translates as "preventive pellagra" (PP). What is it, I will tell you further 🙂

A nicotinic acid is part of the B-vitamin complex. It is an important water-soluble element. It is found in many foods, including some types of meat and offal, fish, seeds, and mushrooms.

The use of vitamin B3 shows positive results in treatment a wide range common health problems. The role of this element in the body is difficult to overestimate. It is involved in the following biochemical processes:

• lowers bad cholesterol;
• reduces pain and normalizes joint mobility (this "drug" is prescribed for osteoarthritis);
• promotes the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• reduces alcohol dependence;
• performs an anticoagulant function;
• has a mild sedative effect;
• improves blood microcirculation;
• needed for hair growth, beauty and health;
• invaluable for the face - smoothes wrinkles and moisturizes the skin;
• participates in respiration at the cellular level;
• is an oncoprotective agent.

Nicotinic acid is indispensable substance for supporting of cardio-vascular system and metabolism. It also normalizes brain function, is responsible for skin health. and even serves prophylactic diabetes ( 1 ).

Deficiency symptoms

The lack of this element in people with a full diet is rare. Clinical symptoms vitamin deficiencies are classified on the basis of "3D". This is dermatitis skin rashes), diarrhea, dementia. Purpose food additives with high doses of niacin, as a rule, successfully removes these symptoms.

With avitaminosis B3, the following symptoms appear:

• Pellagra - characterized by inflammation of the skin, hallucinations, indigestion. It usually occurs in malnourished people, as well as those who suffer from alcoholism.
• Swelling of the mucous membrane is a problem that affects the oral region, genitals. May cause mouth pain increased salivation, swelling and ulcers.
• Eruptions and cracks on the skin.
• Gastrointestinal disorders and loss of appetite. Symptoms include burning in the throat and esophagus, abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Disorders in the functioning of the brain and psychosis with impaired consciousness, insomnia and headaches. In addition, cognitive impairment, disorientation, confusion, depression, mania or paranoia are observed.
• Poor body resistance to viruses and infections.

Studies show that vitamin B3 deficiency is more common in countries where the main food product- corn. Also given state is observed if daily diet no complete proteins. Both in the first and in the second cases, the body receives less tryptophan. Namely, nicotinic acid is produced from this amino acid. For reference: from 60 mg of tryptophan, the body receives 1 mg of vitamin B3.

What products contain

Vitamin B3 can be obtained in sufficient high amount with the help of nutrition. Remember that it is always preferable to eat a lot of whole foods. They contain all the vitamins and minerals in natural form. Eat meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and you will get daily allowance nicotinic acid.

The table below shows you the top foods that contain niacin. Please love and favor 🙂

*Percentage of content from the minimum daily allowance consumption of 20 mg for adults.

Nicotinic acid, unlike other vitamins, is resistant to heat and ultraviolet exposure. Also, this element is only partially destroyed under the influence of alkaline and acid environment. Less than 20% of niacin is lost during cooking.

Instructions for use

Niacin is water soluble vitamin. So, his body takes as much as it needs. All excess is excreted in the urine. Therefore, it, like other B vitamins, must be replenished daily. Such an element cannot accumulate in the body. It comes with food. If necessary, additional supplements may be prescribed.

It is quite difficult to sort out with this element. Side effects may occur when taking 300 - 1000 mg.

At balanced diet The body gets enough niacin from food. However, in some cases, additional supplements are required. Vitamin PP has the following indications for use:

• migraine;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• fever;
• hepatitis;
• chronic infections;
• malignant neoplasms;
• mental disorders;
• osteoarthritis;
• pellagra;
• neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease);
• eye diseases (such as cataracts);
• to reduce acne;
• circulatory disorders;
• migraine, dizziness.

Vitamin B3 is available in 3 forms: nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate. They are produced in tablets and ampoules. You can buy these drugs at a pharmacy. The price depends on the form of release and dosage.

Nicotinic acid has the ability to cause indigestion, so it must be taken with food. The fact is that food slows down the absorption of the drug and prevents the development of side effects.

Benefits of Vitamin B3

This item is incredibly useful. There are many benefits of taking niacin and eating foods rich in it.

Common Side Effects

If you eat foods rich in niacin, the chances of you overeating it are very small. However, there may be side effects niacin when taking supplements, especially at high dosages.

Here are some side effects most common when taking large doses:

• nausea or vomiting;
• skin reactions, rash;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• allergic reactions;
• heart problems (high doses may increase the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat);
• diabetes mellitus: niacin and niacinamide can increase blood sugar levels;
• deterioration of the gallbladder and symptoms of liver disease;
• exacerbation of symptoms of gout;
• low blood pressure;
• ulcer of the stomach or intestines.

If you are taking any medications or supplements on a daily basis, be sure to let your doctor know. Otherwise, negative side effects of niacin may occur.

Interaction with other drugs and products

Nicotinic acid has many "enemies" and "friends". So, with special care, you need to take vitamin B3 with certain groups of drugs. These include antihypertensives and anticoagulants.

As for lipid-lowering drugs and antispasmodics, their simultaneous reception with nicotinic acid is dangerous. intensifies toxic effect the first and this can lead to serious problems. Including coma.

The absorption of niacin is inhibited by rifampin and isoniazid, as well as penicillamine. Yes, and alcoholic beverages are not the best "friends" of nicotinic acid. Consumption in in large numbers sugars, sweeteners and sugary drinks leads to the destruction of vitamin B3.

But perfect match in niacin with copper. By the way, the deficiency of this element leads to a shortage of nicotinic acid by the body. A similar relationship exists between niacin and vitamins B6, thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2).

I am sure that after reading today's article, you will become real experts in the field of B vitamins. Do not forget to subscribe to updates to further improve your knowledge. And also drop the link to the article to your friends in the social. net. They will tell you later for this: “Thank you!” 🙂 I tell you: until the next meeting.

Greetings, my dear readers. I propose to continue the fascinating "journey" to the country of vitamins. Today I want to introduce you to another valuable element. It's nicotinic acid. This is one of the names of vitamin B3. But he also has other names - niacin and vitamin PP. And all this is one vitamin!

By the way, PP is an abbreviation. It comes from "Pellagra Preventive" and literally translates as "preventive pellagra" (PP). What is it, I will tell you further 🙂

Nicotinic acid is part of the B-vitamin complex. It is an important water-soluble element. It is found in many foods, including some types of meat and offal, fish, seeds, and mushrooms.

The use of vitamin B3 shows positive results in the treatment of a wide range of common health problems. The role of this element in the body is difficult to overestimate. It is involved in the following biochemical processes:

• lowers bad cholesterol;
• reduces pain and normalizes joint mobility (this "drug" is prescribed for osteoarthritis);
• promotes the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• reduces alcohol dependence;
• performs an anticoagulant function;
• has a mild sedative effect;
• improves blood microcirculation;
• needed for hair growth, beauty and health;
• invaluable for the face - smoothes wrinkles and moisturizes the skin;
• participates in respiration at the cellular level;
• is an oncoprotective agent.

Nicotinic acid is an indispensable substance for maintaining the cardiovascular system and metabolism. It also normalizes brain function, is responsible for skin health. And even serves as a preventive measure for diabetes ( 1 ).

Deficiency symptoms

The lack of this element in people with a full diet is rare. Clinical symptoms of vitamin deficiency are classified on the basis of "3D". These are dermatitis (skin rashes), diarrhea, dementia. High-dose niacin supplementation is usually successful in relieving these symptoms.

With avitaminosis B3, the following symptoms appear:

• Pellagra - characterized by inflammation of the skin, hallucinations, indigestion. It usually occurs in malnourished people, as well as those who suffer from alcoholism.
• Swelling of the mucous membrane is a problem that affects the oral region, genitals. May cause mouth pain, increased salivation, swelling and ulcers.
• Eruptions and cracks on the skin.
• Gastrointestinal disorders and loss of appetite. Symptoms include burning in the throat and esophagus, abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Disorders in the functioning of the brain and psychosis with impaired consciousness, insomnia and headaches. In addition, cognitive impairment, disorientation, confusion, depression, mania or paranoia are observed.
• Poor body resistance to viruses and infections.

Studies show that vitamin B3 deficiency is more common in countries where the main food product is corn. Also, this condition is observed if there are no complete proteins in the daily diet. Both in the first and in the second cases, the body receives less tryptophan. Namely, nicotinic acid is produced from this. For reference: from 60 mg of tryptophan, the body receives 1 mg of vitamin B3.

What products contain

Vitamin B3 can be obtained in a fairly high amount through nutrition. Remember that it is always preferable to eat a lot of whole foods. They contain all the vitamins and minerals in their natural form. Eat meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and you will get the daily rate of nicotinic acid.

The table below shows you the top foods that contain niacin. Please love and favor 🙂

*Percentage of the minimum daily intake of 20 mg for adults.

Nicotinic acid, unlike other vitamins, is resistant to heat and ultraviolet exposure. Also, this element is only partially destroyed under the influence of an alkaline and acidic environment. Less than 20% of niacin is lost during cooking.

Instructions for use

Niacin is a water soluble vitamin. So, his body takes as much as it needs. All excess is excreted in the urine. Therefore, it, like other B vitamins, must be replenished daily. Such an element cannot accumulate in the body. It comes with food. If necessary, additional supplements may be prescribed.

It is quite difficult to sort out with this element. Side effects may occur when taking 300 - 1000 mg.

With a balanced diet, the body gets enough niacin from food. However, in some cases, additional supplements are required. Vitamin PP has the following indications for use:

• migraine;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• fever;
• hepatitis;
• chronic infections;
• malignant neoplasms;
• mental disorders;
• osteoarthritis;
• pellagra;
• neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease);
• eye diseases (such as cataracts);
• to reduce acne;
• circulatory disorders;
• migraine, dizziness.

Vitamin B3 is available in 3 forms: nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate. They are produced in tablets and ampoules. You can buy these drugs at a pharmacy. The price depends on the form of release and dosage.

Nicotinic acid has the ability to cause indigestion, so it must be taken with food. The fact is that food slows down the absorption of the drug and prevents the development of side effects.

Benefits of Vitamin B3

This item is incredibly useful. There are many benefits of taking niacin and eating foods rich in it.

Common Side Effects

If you eat foods rich in niacin, the chances of you overeating it are very small. However, side effects of niacin can occur when supplementing, especially at high dosages.

Here are the most common side effects when taking large doses:

• nausea or vomiting;
• skin reactions, rash;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• allergic reactions;
• heart problems (high doses may increase the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat);
• diabetes mellitus: niacin and niacinamide can increase blood sugar levels;
• deterioration of the gallbladder and symptoms of liver disease;
• exacerbation of symptoms of gout;
• low blood pressure;
• ulcer of the stomach or intestines.

If you are taking any medications or supplements on a daily basis, be sure to let your doctor know. Otherwise, negative side effects of niacin may occur.

Interaction with other drugs and products

Nicotinic acid has many "enemies" and "friends". So, with special care, you need to take vitamin B3 with certain groups of drugs. These include antihypertensives and anticoagulants.

As for lipid-lowering drugs and antispasmodics, their simultaneous use with nicotinic acid is dangerous. The toxic effect of the former is enhanced and this can lead to serious problems. Including coma.

The absorption of niacin is inhibited by rifampin and isoniazid, as well as penicillamine. Yes, and alcoholic beverages are not the best "friends" of nicotinic acid. Consumption of large amounts of sugars, sweeteners and sugary drinks leads to the destruction of vitamin B3.

But niacin has perfect compatibility with copper. By the way, the deficiency of this element leads to a shortage of nicotinic acid by the body. A similar relationship exists between niacin and riboflavin (B2).

I am sure that after reading today's article, you will become real experts in the field of B vitamins. Do not forget to further improve your knowledge. And also drop the link to the article to your friends in the social. net. They will tell you later for this: “Thank you!” 🙂 I tell you: until the next meeting.

The human body constantly needs various vitamins and minerals. If necessary substances come in insufficient quantities, the appearance of failures in functioning is noted various organs and systems and the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms of deficiency of missing elements. Most of useful substances, including vitamin B3, comes with food.

Vitamin B3, it is also called niacin, PP and nicotinic acid, is very important, as it takes an active part in oxidative reactions. In addition, it is often used as medicinal product. From this article you will learn what are the functions of the substance, in which products B3 is found in the highest concentration, and also what is the deficiency or excess of the vitamin.

Vitamin B3 is water-soluble and easily digestible. After entering the body, it takes part in the processes of energy production. When exposed to nicotinic acid, special enzymes are produced that affect the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.

Water-soluble substances are combined into one group called B, and all vitamins that are included in this group have the letter B in their name. These substances are not fat-soluble. They are not able to accumulate in the body, with the exception of B12, therefore their deficiency must be constantly replenished. Substances of this group, including niacin, after entering the body are quickly broken down and absorbed.

Many people often ask the question: "What determines the name of the vitamin?". Niacin is an obsolete name for the substance. Nicotinic acid and nicotine are far from the same substance, as many people are used to believing. Nicotine is the strongest poison, and nicotinic acid is useful substance beneficial effect on the functioning of organs and systems.

For the first time, PP was obtained back in 1867, in the process of oxidation of nicotine with chromic acid. PP stands for anti-allergic. This substance helps to cure a very serious disease - pellagra (a type of beriberi). Pathology is characterized by such symptoms:

• downgrade cognitive abilities at an elementary level or dementia;
• depressive states and mental disorders;
• diarrhea
• peeling and redness of the skin exposed to sunlight;
• pain in the mouth and esophagus.

This ailment is inherent in people with a monotonous diet - the presence in the menu of products with a low concentration of tryptophan, which is necessary for the synthesis of niacin in the body of a substance. In order to prevent the development of pathology, experts advise competently compiling a diet so that all vital elements are present in it.

There are two forms of vitamin B3: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. The first element is found exclusively in plant products, the second - only in products of animal origin.

Table of Foods High in B3

Vitamin B3 is found in both plant foods and animal products. IN most PP is found in beef liver, dried Shiitake mushrooms, chicken breast, wheat bran, tuna, veal, salmon, buckwheat, bulgur. See the table for details:

Role and functions in the human body

Vitamin not only helps in the treatment of pellagra. He takes an active part in many processes. If B3 enters the body in required quantity, it promotes:

• maintaining genetic processes in cells;
• normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates;
• regulation of blood sugar levels;
• normalization of the central nervous system;
• elimination of migraines;
• the formation of the nervous system of the child;
• improve blood circulation;
• improvement of vision;
• prevention of the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
• normalization and maintenance of hormonal levels;
• increased secretion of gastric juice;
• elimination of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
• therapy of gastric and duodenal ulcers, liver pathologies, enterocolitis;
• the formation of red blood cells;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• improving the functioning of the heart muscle.

The vitamin is vital as it performs many functions. Knowing which products contain the element, you can avoid many health problems: inflammatory processes, malaise, sleep disorders, dizziness and headaches, as well as stool disorders.

Table of vitamin PP content in dairy and egg products

How to save PP in products

In order to preserve nicotinic acid in products, several recommendations should be followed. Niacin, considered to be a water-soluble substance resistant to low temperatures, drying to UV radiation and the acid-base environment of the gastrointestinal tract, is still afraid of heat treatment. At heat treatment from 10 to 40% of the substance is lost.

Therefore, care should be taken to include foods with high content niacin. The approximate ratio of products of plant and animal origin is 2:1. At the same time, it is important to eat rich in fiber to help cleanse the intestines.

daily requirement for niacin

The need for PP depends on age and gender. The older a person is, the more his body needs niacin. At the same time, as an addition, a reception is often prescribed. dosage form: tablets, capsules or injections. Doctors advise taking nicotinic acid in combination with other B vitamins.

Up to six months, 2 mg of the substance should enter the body of a child, up to a year - 4 mg, up to three years - 6 mg, eight - 8 mg, 13 years - 12 mg.

Male adolescents should consume up to 14 mg of the vitamin, over 19 years of age -14 mg. Women, unlike representatives of the stronger sex, need more quantity RR. The body of a teenage girl should receive up to 16 mg, adult woman- 16 mg. Pregnant women should use 18 mg PP, and during the period breastfeeding- up to 17 mg.

There are also cases where there is a significant increase in the need for nicotinic acid. These include:

• the predominance of plant products in the diet;
• work in conditions elevated temperatures: hot shops, regions with a hot climate;
• accommodation in the Far North;
• excessive physical exercise, hard labour;
• overstrain of the central nervous system (typical for professions where increased responsibility is required).

Nicotinic acid deficiency: causes and manifestations

The lack of an element accumulates gradually and, first of all, the central nervous system suffers from the disease. The appearance is noted causeless fear, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, anger and chronic fatigue. most dangerous pathology caused by niacin deficiency is pellagra. To a greater extent, people whose diet is dominated by food containing starch and abusing alcohol are at risk of developing the disease.

The lack of nicotinic acid is observed with a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, as well as with violations of the processing of fats and carbohydrates, which in turn is fraught with disruptions in metabolic processes and lack of energy. Lack of nicotinamine is fraught with impaired insulin production and neuro-emotional disorders.

To compensate for the lack of nicotinamide, it is recommended to enrich the diet with red fish, chicken eggs, chicken meat, beef liver and beef.

Element deficiency may be due to:

• gestation and breastfeeding;
• frequent use of diets (unbalanced diet);
• alcohol abuse and drug use;
• frequent stressful situations;
• chronic illnesses and congenital disorder metabolic processes.

The disease is accompanied by the following manifestations: frequent headaches, depression, indigestion and stool disorder, corrosive ulcers, fatigue, chronic fatigue, malaise, dizziness and faintness, inflammatory processes and cracks in the dermis, insomnia and loss of appetite.

In order to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and improve general condition and well-being, you need to reconsider your diet and enrich it with B3 source products. If necessary, you can take vitamin-mineral complexes and preparations with niacin, but only after prior consultation with a specialist and clarification of the required dosage.

How does excess manifest itself?

An overdose of nicotinic acid coming from their products is impossible. An excess of a vitamin can only be due to the abuse of drugs and vitamin complexes, excess of prescribed doses and prolonged use. It is not difficult to understand that the body is suffering from an overdose. The disease is accompanied by such manifestations:

• headaches;
• darkening of urine;
• yellowing of proteins;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• skin rashes and itching;
• pre-fainting and fainting states;
• dyspeptic disorders.

In order to eliminate symptoms, you should consult a doctor if you have been prescribed medication with PP.

Vitamin B3 is vital and important. He takes an active part in many processes, helps to normalize metabolism, improve the functioning of the central nervous system and energy production. Knowing about the role and benefits of the element, in which products it is contained and the necessary daily requirement, you can prevent the symptoms of deficiency and excess, as well as many other health problems.