Facts About Vitamins

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Importance of vitamin B3, its sources and toxicity

Vitamin B3 or niacin is made up of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide and is resistant to heat, acid and ultraviolet light. Like other B vitamins, niacin plays an important role in human health and overall well-being. Its deficiency can cause series of health problems including pellagra, a serious disease which is characterized by skin disease, diarrhea, weakness, mental confusion, depression, dementia and death if left untreated. Niacin deficiency also increases the cholesterol blood levels which in turn increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and heart attack but it is also believed to be a major contributor to age-related muscular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and various skin conditions.

The recommended daily allowance of niacin for adults is 16 to 19 mg for men and 13 to 5 mg for women. A healthy person with a balanced diet obtains the required dosage of niacin through diet. Niacin is commonly found in combination with other B vitamins best sources of which are brewers' yeast, peanuts, liver, fish, poultry, cereal grains, milk, eggs and green vegetables. You are highly recommended not to exceed the recommended daily allowance because niacin in high doses can cause series of side effects most commonly dermatological complaints but it can also cause liver toxicity, gastrointestinal complaints, while animal studies also shown that it can cause cardiac arrhythmias and birth defects. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are highly recommended not to use any vitamin B3 supplements due to lack of scientific evidence concerning safety.