What is Niacin? (Vitamin B3), deficiency symptoms, causes, foods rich in Niacin, RDA Niacin

Rate it!

Currently 4.5 /5 Stars.
1
2
3
4
5

Stabilize blood sugar: Niacin has shown to be involved with insulin metabolism and thereby blood sugar regulation. The theory is that Niacin is a part of a molecule called GTF (glucose tolerance factor) for optimal insulin activity.
DNA synthesis: Niacin is also vital for the production of DNA in our body (deoxy ribonucleic acids -that carry a person’s genetic information). Deficiency of Niacin leads to DNA damage and is seen during cancers. Optimum amounts of Niacin may prevent cancer.
Others: More & more studies are now throwing light on the role of Nicotinic acid (niacin) in the treatment of lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease, its action on Blood triglycerides and how it affects vascular anti inflammatory events.

Food sources of Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is mainly found in the liver, red meat and a variety of fish including salmon and mackerel. Peas, peanuts and many types of beans are also good food sources of niacin. Coffee is also said to be a good source of nicotinic acid. So if a person eats as per the balanced diet a meal with varied items collectively, they should be able to get their RDA from the diet both as Niacin in its various forms and by tryptophan getting converted to niacin.

NIACIN (Vitamin B3) An exhaustive list is below

Asparagus
Avocados
Beef
Bread (whole wheat)
Broccoli
Carrots
Cereals (fortified)
Chicken
Dates
Eggs
Fish - tuna, salmon
Leaf vegetables
Legumes
Liver, heart and kidney
Milk
Mushrooms
Nuts
Pasta (enriched)
Saltbush seeds
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Whole grain products
Yeast extract

NutritionVista

Previous Page Next Page

User Comments

09 August, 2011 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Studies have shown that Lp(a)-a type of protein is usually higher in patients with coronary artery disease. Niacin supplementation seems to not only to lower Lp(a) levels but also increases levels of HDL (good)cholesterol.
However a few more conclusive studies are required to study the link between Lp(a) levels and heart diseases

11 July, 2011 | Shakti | Reply

On seeing the extensive role of Niacin in our body, I am a little worried as foods in India are not fortified with Niacin as in the West. As long as I was there I was using processed foods but here I eat mainly fresh foods. Could you please tell me how I can ensure that I am getting sufficient Niacin in my daily diet?
I would also like to know if there are any symptoms we need to watch out for if we have a mild deficiency of Niacin?

12 July, 2011 | Poonam | Reply

Dear Mr Shakti
Niacin deficiency is not very common in people eating a normal healthy balanced diet.Symptoms of deficiency include skin lesions, mouth ulcers,distention in the abdomen,nausea, diarrhea, memory loss and confusion.
If in doubt ever, it is best to check with your physician.

12 July, 2011 | Meghan | Reply

I take 2 grams of niacin every day. Niacin can raise HDL by 15 to 35 percent. This makes niacin, a simple B vitamin, more effective than any cholesterol drug ever invented.

13 July, 2011 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Yes Megan, Niacin can raise your good cholesterol by 15-35%. However its always good to let your primary physician prescribe the supplements instead of indiscriminately taking them or at least keep him /her informed on what supplements you are on in case of sudden allergies or toxicity.
Vijayalakshmi Iyengar
Sr.dietitian, NutritionVista.com

12 July, 2011 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Dear Shakti
If a person eats a well balanced diet, there will be no chance for any deficiency normally.However as Niacin (vitamin B2) is a water soluble vitamin, foods rich in B2 need be eaten everyday.
On the flip side, in connection with fortification of most foods with niacin, there is a study that shows that probably it is one of the reasons contributing to Obesity in the US.
http://www.physorg.com/news193572389.html
So let us all focus on eating well, holistically ..in short a balanced diet.. everyday.
Vijayalaksmi Iyengar
Sr.Dietitian, NutritionVista.com

Post Comments

Contact Name:

E-mail:

(Will show your Gravatar icon)

Comments:

Notify me when new comments are added

User Rules

Dear User,

This is to inform you that this part of the site is moderated, and your comments will be published after the approval of the moderators. Your text comments can be modified or deleted at any time. All comments that are posted are moderated by paid employees to ensure appropriate behavior and monitor and prevent abuse and disrespect of users and readers. The moderators also ensure that all questions asked are forwarded to and responded by employees in a timely manner and by the appropriate and qualified employees. The moderators are the dietitians listed under "The NV Dietetic Team"

All users are by default considered as non medical professionals, unless explicitly stated. If you are a health professional giving medical information as a platform user, please list your status as a medical professional so as to be clearly identified.

Please note - We recommend you not include any personal data and will remove all advertising for a site or product.

All platform users and moderators must behave at all times with respect and honesty. If comments are inappropriate moderators may intervene and if a platform users is banned they will be warned or notified before being banned.

Please note regarding response time - The moderator’s is notified automatically with details the instant a comment is posted.

'The information provided on the NutritionVista.com website is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.' The minimum age for the use or participation in these platforms is 18 years of age and is strictly adhered to. By posting a comment all users of this platform undertake to disseminate only information that is true and correct in light of their knowledge.

Tags: Nutrition

© 2007 - 2024 NutritionVista.com. All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. All articles and content written by the Nutritionvista.com team for NutritionVista.com are the sole property of J.L.S Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Content may not be copied without express permission to do so. If you want to link back to an article, please ensure a working link to the article title is used and is functioning at all times.