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Functions
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Niacin (vitamin B3) participates in energy metabolism as an enzyme system (NAD, NADP) for transfer of hydrogen, metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates. It is needed in fat synthesis and tissue respiration, and is essential for healthy skin, blood, tongue and gastrointestinal tract. Niacin is also used in the synthesis of several hormones relating to the control of blood sugar, normal adrenal function, thyroid function, and sex hormones. Niacin helps to repair daily damage done to genetic materials. It is synthesized by intestinal bacteria.
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Uses
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Used to decrease cholesterol, in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, nerve conditions. |
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Deficiency
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Niacin deficiency symptoms include: weakness and decreased appetite, skin eruptions, dark, scaly dermatitis, diarrhea, nervous depression , neuritis. Severe deficiency may cause confusion and pellagra, a condition of dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia. |
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Antagonists |
Diets high in the amino acid leucine may cause niacin deficiency. |
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Co-
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Niacin is absorbed in the small intestine, where bacteria can convert it to a useable form from extrinsic NAD or NADP. It is also made from tryptophan where enough iron, riboflavin and vitamin B6 are present. Niacin may enhance zinc and iron utilization.
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Drug Interactions
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May reduce toxic side effects of adriamycin (anti- |
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Dose
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RDA: Men 16 mg, Women 14 mg, Pregnancy 18 mg, Lactation 17 mg Use inositol hexanicotinate as it may be safer than nicotinic acid or niacinamide, although note that these have different therapeutic uses.
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Toxicity
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Can injure liver, causes skin flushing, itching, heartburn. Don't use without advice if you have impaired liver function, gall bladder disease, migraine or active peptic ulcer.
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Sources
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Vitamin B3 is found in:
Only about 30% of dietary niacin is absorbed from these sources.
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