Ingredient information: Vitamin B3
What is vitamin B3 ( niacin) ?
Vitamin B3 , niacin , or PP (for pellagra preventive) , is a vitamin initially identified in the treatment of pellagra.
It is a water-soluble vitamin, obtained through food and absorbed in the intestine. It can be synthesized by the body, but in this case, it depends on the intake of its precursor: tryptophan.
Two compounds bear the name vitamin B3: nicotinic acid and nicotinamide.
What are the properties of vitamin B3?
Vitamin B3 is a precursor to two molecules crucial in energy metabolism:
- NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
- NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)
Vitamin B3 is resistant to light, heat, and oxidation.
It is primarily of dietary origin but can be synthesized from tryptophan.
Its deficiency (along with a lack of tryptophan) leads to pellagra, a fatal disease whose main symptoms are skin lesions, digestive disorders, and cognitive impairment (confusion).
In "developed" countries, vitamin B3 deficiency is rare, but can occur in cases of intestinal malabsorption (such as in IBD) or alcoholism.
What are the uses of vitamin B3?
The primary use as a dietary supplement is to prevent deficiencies. However, there are also therapeutic uses (in which case nicotinic acid is used), with varying degrees of scientific evidence.
- treatment of excess cholesterol (vitamin B3 increases HDL)
- treatment of alcohol addiction
- treatment of hypertriglyceridemia
- diabetes treatment
- migraine treatment
What foods are rich in vitamin B3?
- dry yeast
- the liver
- meats, offal and fish
- mushrooms,
- wholemeal bread
What are the recommended daily intakes of vitamin B3?
The recommended daily intake for adults is 1.6mg EN/MJ (niacin equivalent per megajoule), which is approximately 16mg for men.
The upper safety limits (maximum chronic dose) are:
- 10 mg EN/MJ for nicotinic acid
- 900 mg EN/MJ for nicotinamide
What are the health claims related to vitamin B3?
EFSA authorises the use of health claims for products containing vitamin B3.
They must provide a minimum of 3.2mg of vitamin B3 per 100g, 100ml or per serving.
Products meeting these criteria can claim to contribute to:
- At metabolism normal energy
- to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- to the maintenance of skin and mucous membranes normals
- to normal physiological functions
- to the reduction of fatigue
Vitamin B3 at Phytocea
You can find vitamin B3 in ORetine .
ORetine is a highly comprehensive and highly effective vision food supplement, intended among other things to maintain visual function and to participate in the prevention of certain pathologies such as AMD or cataracts.
=== content-split ===
7489814462678
=== content-split ===
What are the contraindications and side effects of vitamin B3?
The safety limits differ between the two forms of vitamin B3. These maximum values should not be exceeded.
Extra care is needed with nicotinic acid . Its use is not recommended for people suffering from diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, gout, etc.
The symptoms of excess nicotinic acid are:
- hot flashes
- stomach aches
- headaches
- diabetes
- liver disorders
What are the drug interactions of vitamin B3?
Nicotinic acid may interact with medications, so medical advice should be sought before use, particularly in the following cases:
- epilepsy treatment
- treatment of dyslipidemia
- treatment of high blood pressure
- treatment of type II diabetes
- anticoagulant treatment
Nicotinamide has fewer side effects; however, excessive use can cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- headaches
