Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as vitamin B-3. The term niacin refers to both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, both of which are used by the body to form the coenzymes nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotine adenine dinucleotide phospate (NADP).

As many as 200 enzymes require the niacin coenzymes, NAD and NADP. NAD functions most often in reactions involving the degradation (catabolism) of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and alcohol to produce energy. NADP functions more often in biosynthetic (anabolic) reactions, such as in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.

Niacin is necessary for the release of energy from carbohydrates and for alcohol processing. Niacin also has role to play in the regulation of cholesterol in the blood.

Find Niacin (Vitamin B3) in:

Chicken
Chicken is a versatile staple in almost every culture's cuisine which can be prepared in a myriad of ways...
Turkey
Once reserved for Thanksgiving, turkey is now a mainstay at the American table...
Lobster
Lobster, the king of the Crustacean family, is enjoyed around the world...
Ostrich
Ostrich is becoming more and more popular across the U...
Wild Salmon
Salmon is an omega-3 rich fish that naturally comes from the cold waters of Alaska...
Pasta
Pasta was being made by Italians as early as 400 B...
Peanuts
Peanuts are not a true nut, but a legume or pea (hence the name "peanuts”)...
Lentils
Don't let the demure appearance of lentils fool you...
Avocados
Native to the tropics and subtropics, avocados are a unique fruit and concentrated source of nutrients...
Mahi Mahi
Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is found in warm waters throughout the world...

Colletti RB, Neufeld EJ, Roff NK, et al. Niacin treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children. Pediatrics. 1993; 92:78-82.Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998.Elam MB, Hunninghake DB, Davis KB, et al. Effect of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: The ADMIT Study: A randomized trial. JAMA. 2000; 284:1263-1270.Goldberg A, Alagona P Jr, Capuzzi DM, et al. Multiple-dose efficacy and safety of an extended-release form of niacin in the management of hyperlipidemia. Am J Cardiol. 2000; 85:1100-1105.

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