Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinic acid) - effects, deficiency... where can vitamin B3 be found?
Max Müller
2026-03-17
4 min. read
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There is no doubt that proper vitamin provision along with daily diet is essential for human health. Some vitamins are more recognizable, others are less interesting, but that does not mean they are less important for the body's function. A great example is vitamin B3, whose adequate intake plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining health.
Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinamide), also known as nicotinoic acid and its biologically active derivatives
Vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide or vitamin PP, includes the structures of compounds such as nicotinoic acid and its amide, as well as all their derivatives that exhibit the biological activity of nicotinamide. Both nicotinoic acid and its amide can be easily converted into each other's structures. Both of these compounds are equally valuable to the body and are formed as a result of the conversion of tryptophan. Both tryptophane and nicotinamide must be supplied with a solution. Nicotinamide is a constituent of two coenzymes, dinucleotide nicotinamide adenine and its phosphate (NAD+, NADP+). Vitamin B3 can be present in various forms, such as nicotinoic acid, nicotinic amide, NAD+, NADP+. Nicotinamide is easily soluble in water and alcohol and resistant to the effects of oxygen, light, temperature, and alcohol.
Action of Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acid serves as a source of co-enzymes that participate in oxidation and reduction reactions in the body. Nicotinic acid is primarily used in the treatment of lipid disorders in the body. Nicotinic acid exhibits all parameters of the program. It also reduces LDL cholesterol by 5-25%, reduces total cholesterol by 20-50%, and increases HDL cholesterol by 15-35% [3]. Therefore, nicotinic acid is an ideal medication used in the therapy of low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia occurring in type 2 diabetes. Nicotinic acid is also effective in treating chronic migraines and tension headaches. It leads to the dilation of subcutaneous blood vessels, which reduces migraine symptoms. Animal studies have shown that nicotinic acid can reduce neurodegenerative damage to the fetus caused by alcohol, thereby reducing the number of cases of FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). Additionally, it has been proven that nicotinic acid works against the invasive action of liver cancer cells. There are also studies suggesting that nicotinic acid prevents the development of type 1 diabetes in families with type 1 diabetes, but further studies with larger patient numbers are required. Improper intake of nicotinic acid supplements without consultation with a doctor or dietitian can lead to adverse effects due to an inadequate dosage of the supplement. The most common adverse effect occurring with the use of nicotinic acid preparations is sudden redness, a sensation of heat, tingling and itching in the face, shoulders, and chest, resulting from the dilation of skin blood vessels [4].
Niacin deficiency
One of the most recognized consequences of niacin deficiency in the diet is a disease known as pelagra. However, its first epidemic erupted in Europe in the 18th century due to the importation of maize from America to Spain. The symptoms of the disease were first described in 1735 by Gaspar Casala, who noted that it affects patients who consume mainly imported maize but who have limited access to meat. Another epidemic emerged in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. It was a result of the poverty of residents who subsisted mainly on cheap and easily accessible products, such as corn, which is poor in niacin and tryptophan. A significant role in the fight against this disease was played by the discovery of the link between the occurrence of the disease and the nutrition of patients by Joseph Goldberger. He correctly concluded that the disease could be cured by supplementing niacin. Thanks to this discovery, which made it possible to combat pelagra, Joseph Goldberger was nominated five times for the Nobel Prize. Pelagra can be divided into primary and secondary forms, with the primary form being due to a niacin deficiency caused by inadequate nutrition, while the secondary form is caused by disorders of absorption in the stomach and intestines, caused by chronic addiction to alcohol or drugs. The clinical picture of pelagra shows a triad of symptoms, which consist of skin inflammation, diarrhea, and dementia. Nowadays, this disease is extremely rare in highly industrialized countries, with the exception of rare cases of pelagra in alcoholics and people with disturbed tryptophan metabolism.
Presence of niacin (vitamin B3)
The daily requirement of niacin (vitamin B3) depends on the amount of energy consumed in the daily diet. The recommended intake for women is 18 to 23 mg per day, and for men 20 to 25 mg per day, depending on the level of physical activity. The richest sources of this vitamin include liver, meat, fish, cereals, and yeast [2]. Niacin plays a crucial role in our body, not only normalizing the lipid profile but also serving as a coenzyme for anabolic and catabolic reactions that provide our body with energy for life.
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