Niacin or B3

Niacin exists in two forms, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Both forms are readily absorbed from the stomach and the small intestine. Niacin is stored in small amounts in the liver and transported to tissues, where it is converted to coenzyme forms. Any excess is excreted in urine. Niacin is one of the most stable of the B vitamins. It is resistant to heat and light, and to both acid and alkali environments. The human body is capable of converting the amino acid tryptophan to niacin when needed. However, when both tryptophan and niacin are deficient, tryptophan is used for protein synthesis. Physiological and biochemical functions: Niacin takes part in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats through enzymatic reactions. Nicotinamide is a component of two co-enzymes NAD and NADP which take part in several enzyme reactions like, dehydrogenation reaction in krebs cycle, synthesis of fatty acid and cholesterol etc. Nicotinic acid is essential for the normal functioning of the skin, energy metabolism, proper digestion and healthy nervous system. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy. In nicotinic acid deficiency, lesions of the skin, intestines and nervous system develop.

Effects of deficiency In mild deficiency state weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite, lassitude, irritability, burning tongue and constipation occur. Pellagra is the characteristic disease resulting from niacin deficiency. Pellagra is otherwise known as 3 Ds disease i.e., Dermatitis, Diarrhoea and Dementia

Dermatitis Occurs mainly on the exposed portions of the body to the sunlight Reddish, dark brown lesions are seen on the face, neck, surfaces of hands, elbows, feet Skin lesions are symmetrical in shape and always occur on both sides of the body simultaneously Cracked and scaly skin Burning sensation and itching Mucous membrane of the alimentary canal is affected Glossitis, abdomen pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

Diarrhoea
The diarrhea may range from a few to several loose stools a day with blood and mucus.

Dementia Delirium is the commonest severe mental disturbance in acute pellagra. Dementia is more frequently seen in the chronic cases. Milder mental disturbances consisting of irritability, change in disposition, depression, inability to concentrate and poor memory are more common in the mild cases. The symptoms of postero-lateral tract of spinal cord degeneration, ataxia(loss of full control of bodily movements), spasticity (altered skeletal muscle performance in muscle tone) and the involvement of the bladder and rectal sphincters are seen in chronic cases. Dietary sources: The important sources of niacin in the average diets are cereals, pulses, meat, fish, milk, eggs, nuts and oilseeds. The richest natural sources of niacin are dried yeast, rice polishings, liver and groundnut. Whole cereals, legumes, meat and fish are good sources. Milled cereals, milk, eggs and vegetables are fair sources.

Requirements: Tryptophan present in dietary proteins is converted into niacin in the tissues, a consideration of niacin requirements should also include the niacin provided by the tryptophan in addition to free niacin present in the diet. Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for niacin: Infants

0 - 6 months: 2 milligrams per day (mg/day) 7 - 12 months: 4 mg/day

Children

1 - 3 years: 6 mg/day 4 - 8 years: 8 mg/day 9 - 13 years: 12 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults

Males age 14 and older: 16 mg/day Females age 14 and older: 14 mg/day

TOXIC EFFECTS: Large doses of niacin can cause liver damage, peptic ulcers, and skin rashes. Even normal doses can be associated with skin flushing. It can be prescribed as a treatment for elevated total cholesterol and other types of lipid disorders, but it should only be used with medical supervision due to its potential for severe side effects.