Nicotinic acid (PP, vitamin B3) - requirement, function, sources, deficiency and excess
David Janitzek
2026-03-20
4 min. read
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Vitamins play a pivotal role in the proper functioning of the body, regulating a wide range of life processes and preventing many diseases. Vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid, is vital for the proper functioning of the brain, supports hormone synthesis, and possesses properties that lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Nicotinic acid (Niacin)
The term 'niacin' refers to two variants of Vitamin B3, also known as Vitamin PP - nicotinic acid and its amide. Niacin, like all B-vitamins, is water-soluble. However, it is the only vitamin that can be produced independently in the human body (from the basic amino acid tryptophan, with the aid of Vitamin B6). Nevertheless, the demand for this vitamin cannot be satisfied by the amounts produced in this way, making it necessary to supply it through food. Moreover, tryptophan is an exogenous amino acid that must be introduced into the body from outside. Tryptophan deficiency can lead to secondary niacin deficiency. Vitamin PP is heat-resistant.
Vitamin B3 - body's necessity
Prior to establishing our necessity for niacin, we should ponder the amount our body itself generates from tryptophan. These necessities can be satisfied through a diet that includes a source of high-quality protein. 60 mg tryptophan (average) = 1 mg niacin. An additional method to sustain the proper level of niacin in the body is to provide it via a well-balanced diet. The recommended daily dose of niacin (RDA) fluctuates depending on age and gender.
The function of Vitamin B3
Niacin, as a component of two significant co-enzymes: NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which in combination with proteins become oxidoreductase enzymes, plays a critical role in protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and cellular oxidation. Consequently, niacin is indispensable for the physical processes of the muscle, brain, and entire nervous system. Additionally, niacin contributes to the regulation of gastric juice secretion, the detoxification of the body, the mitigation of the toxic effects of certain medications, the synthesis of hormones (sex hormones, cortisol, thyroxine, and insulin), the formation of erythrocytes, the improvement of skin and hair conditions, and the treatment of pellagra. The effects of Vitamin B3 on the cholesterol level in the blood have been investigated multiple times. It has been shown that Vitamin B3 not only reduces the LDL cholesterol and triglyceride content in the body but also increases the HDL cholesterol level, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. The intake of Vitamin B3 in conjunction with Vitamin A and E and other cholesterol-lowering medications has also proven effective.
Nicotinic acid (PP) – Sources
Substantial quantities of nicotinic acid and tryptophan are present in foods that are rich in animal protein, such as lean meat, fish (tuna, mackerel), liver, cottage cheese, eggs. Nicotinic acid is also found in yeast, vegetables (broccoli), grains (rye), legumes (beans, peas), whole-grain flour, sunflower seeds, and some herbs (alfalfa, garlic mustard, chamomile, chervil, nettle, mint).
Deficiency of Vitamin B3
Avitaminosis is an extremely rare condition. The first indications are: weakness, insomnia, headache, memory difficulties, depression, irritability, anger outbursts, anxiety, arousal, skin diseases, diarrhea, vomiting, increased glucose levels. Chronic, extreme niacin deficiency can result in severe pelagia, which is hard to treat. Currently, it occurs sporadically, whereas once it was common in countries where the main ingredient in the corn meal was acidification (tryptophobia). Pelagia is now uncommon, but this does not indicate that we are not at risk. The most common causes of this condition include: a poorly balanced diet, alcoholism, chronic malabsorption syndromes, Hartnup's disease (absorption disorders causing the urinary excretion of many amino acids, such as tryptophan), and the use of anticonvulsant medications.
Excessive intake of Vitamin PP
An excessive intake of niacin is excreted in the urine, making it difficult to overdose. However, it can be toxic to individuals taking supplements. A dose of about 1 g may cause headache, dilation of blood vessels, redness of the skin, and digestive discomfort. High doses of about 3 g increase the risk of liver damage and elevate uric acid levels. Additional supplementation should only be taken after consultation with a doctor. Pregnant women and individuals with diabetes, gout, liver, and digestive disorders are particularly at risk. In these cases, a daily dose of 0.5 g taken over a long period of time can be harmful. Niacin interacts with other vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, and biotin. A deficiency in one vitamin often indicates a deficiency in others, making a balanced diet crucial for health.
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