Vitamin b3 niacin. Vitamin B3. Overdose and side effects

Vitamin B3(vitamin PP, nicotinic acid, niacin) - participates in metabolism, being an integral part of some oxidative enzymes, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and skin condition.

Initially, this vitamin was called PP - preventing pellagra.

Pellagra is a common disease in places where corn is the staple food, just as beriberi is common in rice-eating nations.

Where there is a lack of fruits and vegetables, meat and milk, where the diet mainly consists of foods rich in starch, people begin to suffer from pellagra. In some cases, these same reasons can cause chronic alcoholism. Pellagra is especially rampant in rainy years, when corn does not have time to fully ripen.

Pellagra is a serious disease that manifests itself as damage to the skin and mucous membranes, severe diarrhea, and neuropsychic disorders. Now this serious disease is rare, but its initial symptoms - vitamin B3 deficiency - are quite common. This disease was especially widespread among prisoners in camps during the Second World War.

Acute symptoms of pellagra: “strawberry tongue”, inflammation of the tongue and the entire oral cavity, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea; often low acidity of gastric juice. Symmetrical redness, swelling and peeling of the epidermis appear on the arms, face, neck and inner thighs. A person begins to get tired easily, he is tormented by headaches, insomnia, weakened memory, and he is irritated by bright light, bright colors, and music. Sometimes he falls into melancholy, hallucinations, agitation, and trembling in his hands are possible. All this looks like the beginning of a serious mental illness.

"Pellagra is not only a vitamin deficiency B3 . This is also a lack of multivitamins, primarily group B, as well as vitamins C, A, E, D, etc. Often the symptoms of pellagra are so masked that doctors diagnose “neurasthenia”. And only when the disease develops can they usually determine the correct diagnosis,” writes Yu. Aleksandrovich.

What can save us from pellagra?

An effective treatment for pellagra in humans is niacin (vitamin B3 ). Vitamin B3 participates in many oxidative processes and reactions of the body. B3 deficiency is often associated with a monotonous diet, lack of herbs, greens, vegetables and “live” foods in the diet. The group of all B vitamins has almost the same antipellagritic effect.

Microorganisms living in the intestines of humans and most animals can synthesize nicotinic acid from tryptophan (an essential amino acid not synthesized in the human body and most animals; a component of many proteins found only in plants). However, when food rots and proteins break down in the intestines, toxic substances - skatole and indole - are formed from tryptophan obtained from animal products. This suggests that we must constantly take care, firstly, about consuming green vegetables in their natural form; secondly, about ensuring daily cleansing of the intestines (about defecation) and thirdly, about limiting animal protein products in your diet, since the essential amino acid tryptophan is found only in plants.

What are the initial symptoms of niacin deficiency?

If you have insomnia, fears, anxiety, anger, irritability, inability to concentrate on anything, etc., if you have begun to gain excessive weight, and your mental state is such that you are advised to consult a psychiatrist if you are full of aggression - change your diet first of all to include foods rich in B vitamins, in particular B3 , B1, B2, B6, as well as vitamins A, C, etc.

Vitamin B3 is for the brain what calcium is for bones. Without it, the brain cannot function normally, since a person loses memory, the ability to associate, and cannot sleep.

Often these symptoms are mistaken by others for senile insanity. Signs of vitamin deficiency B3 appear in 13% of people over 60 years of age. According to various clinics, signs of vitamin deficiency B3 (niacin) are observed in more than 9% of women and 8% of men aged 18 to 44 years.

It is believed that a lack of vitamin B3 in the body leads to obesity and that this vitamin helps remove even very dense deposits of cholesterol and other fats on the walls of blood vessels. Vz removes unnecessary metabolic products from the body, easing the pain of arthritis.

With proper nutrition, our food will provide us with a sufficient amount of vitamin B3, as well as other vitamins, group B and essential microelements.

Who needs vitamin B3 and how much?

Experts say: if the diet is high in fiber and low in sugar and sweets, then it does not need to be supplemented with vitamin B3; most likely it will be enough. But those who love sweets and drink alcohol require 2-3 times more of this vitamin than normal.

Sources of vitamin B3 . Vitamin B3 found in all products that contain other B vitamins, but in different quantities (meat, kidneys, liver, dairy products). For example, in 100 g of liver there is about 14 mg, in 100 g of tuna - about 19 mg. Meat products also contain a lot of niacin. Turkey meat is especially rich in it.

There is a lot of niacin in sunflower seeds and ground nuts - peanuts (in 1 glass of roasted nuts - about 24 mg). You just need to remember that peanuts are easily infected with a fungus that produces aflatoxins, a strong carcinogenic poison. Therefore, you need to take grains that are clean from spoilage, wash them thoroughly, disinfect them in a weak solution of manganese or iodinol and then rinse them in running water; after this they are dried in a frying pan without overcooking.

Good source of vitamin B3 can be considered unrefined grains - sprouted wheat, buckwheat, porridge from whole grains - oats, corn, rye, barley and so on. In addition, beans and peas, soybeans and mushrooms are rich in it. But especially rich in vitamin B3 , like all B vitamins, brewer's yeast. Eat B3 and in products such as baked potatoes, chicken, salmon, almonds, bran, liver, dried plums, apricots, peaches, tongue, lentils, wholemeal bread, heart, kidneys, liver, corn, peanuts.

Signs of a lack of nicotinic acid, or vitamin B3:

1. damage to the gastrointestinal tract, constipation and diarrhea;

2. damage to the skin and mucous membranes, often leading to dermatitis; cracks in the oral cavity;

3. disorder of the nervous system, up to dementia.

It has been found that if a person receives a sufficient amount of nicotinic acid (15 mg - 1 g), the signs of this disease disappear very soon. But there were cases when patients recovered only when they were simultaneously administered Bi (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 ).

The hostess must remember that heat treatment does not reduce the content of nicotinic acid in products. But if the diet contains a lot of starch substances, then the body’s need for nicotinic acid increases.

In diabetes, the dose of vitamin B3 should also be higher than normal.

When treating pellagra and any skin diseases, adults need from 500 mg to 1 g of nicotinic acid per day; children 15-20 mg. This amount is contained, for example, in one glass of sour milk.

- a multicomponent biologically active mixture rich in vitamins and minerals, consisting of 51 components, completely natural and fresh products (berries, fruits, roots, natural calcium, gold, silver).does not contain artificial additives or flavors and is absolutely safe.

The instructions for use characterize the drug "Niacin" as a powerful remedy for lowering the amount of cholesterol in the blood. It has several forms and can be used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

What is it?

The instructions for use define the drug "Niacin" as a lipid-lowering and vitamin remedy. This vitamin has several names: B3 and PP. This substance received its last name from this list because it prevents the development of a disease such as pellagra (when the skin becomes rough and various inflammatory lesions of the mucous membrane of the tongue and mouth occur, atrophy of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract).

Vitamin PP is naturally found in the following foods: liver, rye flour bread, kidneys, pineapples and buckwheat flour.

The drug "Niacin" is a white crystalline powder that has no odor. It dissolves well in high temperature water.

Vitamin B3 has two forms:

• nicotinamide;
• nicotinic acid.

The drug "Niacin" is available in tablets or capsules. This vitamin should be stored at room temperature, but not higher than 25 degrees Celsius, always in a dry place.

The medication "Niacin" is good for about three years. The price of the drug in tablet form is 23 rubles. The product "Niacin-Vial" in the form of an injection solution costs 65 rubles.

Pharmacological action of vitamin B3

The healing properties of the drug "Niacin" lie in its following abilities:

• takes an active part in controlling the amount of sugar in the blood;
• promotes the normal functioning of the digestive system;
• has a beneficial effect on the nerves and central nervous system;
• lowers the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
• improves microcirculation;
• eliminates the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
• is an active participant in redox processes;
• promotes cartilage restoration;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• normalizes the concentration of lipoproteins in the blood;
• dilates small vessels;
• increases fibrinolytic activity of the blood;
• promotes the secretion of juice in the stomach;
• has a beneficial effect on tissue respiration;
• cleanses blood vessels from dense lipoproteins;
• lowers blood pressure.

In addition, it helps synthesize energy from carbohydrates. Vitamin PP is also necessary for protein metabolism and the synthesis of genetic material.

Indications for use of vitamin B3

The instructions for use recommend using the drug "Niacin" for the following diseases and situations:

• vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis RR: unbalanced and poor nutrition, pellagra, rapid weight loss (when some amino acids, for example, tryptophan, are not absorbed);
• Crohn's disease, trophic sprue, celiac enteropathy, persistent diarrhea, colitis, gastritis, enterocolitis;
• liver problems (acute and chronic hepatitis);
• prolonged fever;
• hyperthyroidism;
• oncology;
• chronic infections;
• long-term and regular stress;
• hyperlipidemia;
• neuritis of the facial nerve;
• ischemic cerebral circulation disorders;
• vasospasm;
• diabetes;
• microangiopathy;
• spasm of the biliary tract;
• trophic ulcers;
• arthritis;
• nervous system disorders (schizophrenia, depression, decreased attention);
• alcoholism;
• osteoarthritis.

During multiple pregnancy, it is recommended to use the drug "Niacin". B3 is also useful for women during lactation.

Interestingly, the above substance is indicated for people who suffer from photodermatosis (when the skin does not tolerate sunlight well).

Nicotinic acid deficiency

The daily requirement of B3 is 16 mg for men, and only 14 mg for women. If the human body does not receive enough of the above vitamin, the following health problems may occur:

• indigestion;
• regular insomnia;
• headaches;
• lack of appetite;
• pain in the limbs;
• frequent dizziness.

Experts also note that with hypovitaminosis B3, skin problems also occur (formation of cracks, inflammation).

The drug "Niacin": instructions for use

• adults - maximum 100 mg per day (20-50 mg 2-3 times);
• children - 5-30 mg (every 16 or 8 hours).

If pellagra is being prevented, the drug is prescribed to adults from 15 to 25 mg per day. Small patients are shown slightly lower doses: from 5 to 20 mg per day.

It is important to monitor liver function when the patient takes Niacin. capable of influencing this organ. With long-term use, it can cause serious liver health problems.

Vitamin B3 Warnings

The instructions for use recommend using the drug "Niacin" as follows: during meals or with milk to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

Please note that therapeutic doses of vitamin B3 may cause flushing. This is a safe phenomenon.

1. Follow the indicated doses.
2. The drug "Niacin" is not taken in parallel with other drugs.
3. It is strictly forbidden to use therapeutic doses of the vitamin to pregnant women.
4. When taking more than 1000 mg of vitamin per day, it is important to get tested every three months to determine the level of liver enzymes.
5. It is not recommended to use the above remedy without prior consultation with an experienced specialist.

It should be noted that if the patient is taking psychotropic medications, prescribing the drug "Niacin" is possible only after the doctor's permission.

Contraindications

• increased sensitivity;
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer.

The drug "Niacin" is contraindicated for use parenterally in severe arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, gout, hyperuricemia, and children.

Vitamin B3 may cause some side effects such as:

• from the heart and its system: tingling and burning sensation, flushing of the facial skin;
• from the nerves and their system: dizziness, paresthesia;
• from the gastrointestinal tract: ;
• allergy;
• from the metabolic side: hyperuricemia, increased amounts of AST, alkaline phosphatase, LHD in the blood.

In addition, the instructions for use recommend using the drug "Niacin" with caution in the following conditions:

• liver failure;
• arterial hypotension;
• glaucoma;
• in the phase of exacerbation of a stomach ulcer;
• pancreatitis.

Vitamin B3 is a powerful remedy against various serious diseases, including osteochondrosis, diabetes and pellagra. It is not recommended to use the above remedy on your own without a doctor’s prescription, since it has a number of contraindications and side effects. To increase the level of vitamin B3 in the body, you can enrich your diet with foods such as pineapples, liver, kidneys, or products made from buckwheat flour.

Vitamin B 3 is an organic compound involved in oxidative reactions and metabolic processes of all living organisms. Vitamin B3 is present in the human body in two forms - niacin (nicotinic acid) and nicotinamide. These substances are similar in composition, but perform different functions. Both forms of the vitamin are used as therapeutic agents, but they are used for different clinical manifestations.

Hypovitaminosis

With insufficient nutrition, impaired absorption in the stomach and intestines, and some somatic diseases, a deficiency of nicotinic acid may occur. The primary symptoms of hypovitaminosis are irritability and nervousness; other signs may develop in the future:

• Insomnia;
• Attention disturbance;
• Depression;
• Hallucinations;
• Loss of appetite;
• Heartburn;
• Skin diseases (mainly dermatitis, in which the skin turns red and peels);
• Diarrhea.

With acute and persistent deficiency of B3, a disease occurs such as pellagra, which is also called the “three D disease” - diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia (dementia). This syndrome was common in the last century and is now rare.

However, a moderate deficiency of vitamin B3 is observed in many people: to replenish it, doctors prescribe nicotinamide and niacin in dosage forms.

Indications

Indications for use are, first of all, hypovitaminosis of nicotinic acid. This condition is diagnosed by specialists based on characteristic clinical signs related to skin ailments, intestinal disorders and malfunctions of the nervous system.

Vitamin B 3 in the form of medications is also prescribed for:

• Unbalanced diet;
• Insufficient activity of the pancreas;
• Pathological weight loss;
• Gastrectomy (stomach resection);
• Hartnup's disease (a genetic pathology in which the absorption of certain amino acids is impaired);
• Diseases of the digestive organs;
• Hepatitis;
• Hyperthyroidism (thyroid dysfunction);
• Chronic infections;
• Hyperlipidemia (increased levels of fats in the blood, including cholesterol);
• Cerebral circulation disorders (ischemia);
• Spasmodic phenomena of the vascular system;
• Trophic ulcers;
• Neuritis of the facial nerve;
• Pellagre;
• Stress.

Additional use of B 3 is also indicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nicotinamide is indicated for use in type 1 diabetes mellitus. It is noted that patients with additional use of B 3 require a smaller dose of insulin drugs.

Preparations with nicotinic acid are also prescribed to people who have had a heart attack. The medicine significantly alleviates the general condition and speeds up the rehabilitation process.

Daily requirement

In a healthy state, the body requires the vitamin in the following daily doses:

• Children under 6 months - 2 mg;
• Children from six months to 3 years - 6-8 mg;
• Children from 4 to 13 years old - 10-12 mg;
• Teenagers and men - 20 mg;
• Girls over 14 and women - 20 mg;
• Nursing and pregnant women - 25 mg.

How to take

The vitamin is available in tablets, powders, solutions for intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous administration. It should be noted that parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) administration of drugs is very painful and it is better if the injections are done by a professional.

The dosage and method of administration are prescribed by the doctor.

Instructions for use may vary depending on the current clinical case.

For pellagra, the solution is administered intramuscularly at 10 mg daily for 2 weeks. A similar course of treatment is used for ischemic stroke. Other forms usually require smaller dosages.

Nicotinic acid tablets are taken according to a schedule determined by a specialist. In typical cases, a single dose of 1 tablet per day is prescribed during the first week, 2 tablets during the second and 3 tablets during the third. The pharmaceutical packaging of the drug contains detailed instructions for use, which should be carefully studied before starting therapy.

Contraindications

Intravenous injections are contraindicated for hypertension (persistent increase in blood pressure), angina pectoris and atherosclerosis. People with hypersensitivity to nicotinic acid are prescribed another form of the vitamin - nicotinamide (the exception is when nicotinic acid is used as a vasodilator).

People with fatty liver disease, gout and peptic ulcers should take the vitamin with caution.

Overdose and side effects

With prolonged use of drugs in excessive doses, the effect of hypervitaminosis may occur, which can manifest itself in the form of the following physiological disorders:

• Excessive dryness of the skin and insufficient hydration of the mucous membranes of the eyes;
• Dry mouth;
• Headaches and dizziness;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Skin itching;
• Feeling of a rush of blood to the head;
• Hyperemia (redness) of the face and neck;
• Arrhythmia;
• Allergic reactions;
• Fatty liver hepatosis.

In order to avoid these phenomena, you should strictly adhere to the instructions, prescribed dosages and doctor’s recommendations. If such symptoms occur, medication should be stopped immediately.

Interaction

Vitamin B 3 should be taken with caution in combination with medications that lower blood pressure, aspirin and other anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clotting).

Nicotinic acid can cause toxic effects when combined with other lipid-lowering drugs (lowering blood fat levels), alcohol and antispasmodics.

Niacin is one of the essential and vital compounds for humans. Its presence in the diet should be monitored by every person, even quite healthy ones. Pregnant women need to consume the vitamin in addition to their diet to prevent the development of B3 deficiency in the fetus.

Vitamin B3- This is an element extremely important for the normal functioning of the human body. It is also called vitamin PP (this name can often be found in old textbooks). By the way, PP in this case stands for pellagra preventive, which is translated into Russian as “preventing pellagra.”

Pellagra is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin B3 in the body, that is, in fact, it is a vitamin deficiency. But this disease is not at all harmless. It is accompanied by a significant deterioration in a person’s psycho-emotional state, up to the development of schizophrenia, as well as various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, vitamin B3 deficiency provokes the development of various dermatitis.

Pellagra is an extreme manifestation of a lack of vitamin PP, but it is usually manifested by symptoms such as fatigue, depression, insomnia, minor gastrointestinal disorders, dryness and redness of the skin.

This vitamin is also called nicotinic acid, although this is not entirely true. It is only one of its components. We draw your attention to the fact that nicotine and nicotinic acid are different substances, and therefore the myth that smokers do not suffer from vitamin B3 deficiency is simply unfounded.

Vitamin PP is the only vitamin that recognized as a medicinal product. It is produced in the form of tablets, as well as ampoules for injection. By the way, it is also called the vitamin of calm. And all because it is synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan (1 mg of vitamin B3 is synthesized from 60 mg of tryptophan). In turn, the above-mentioned amino acid is intended for the synthesis of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or, in other words, a transmitter of nerve impulses) in the body. Serotonin deficiency leads to psycho-emotional disorders. Therefore, we draw your attention to the fact that most of vitamin B3 should be supplied to the body through food.

But what products contain this very important substance for human health?

Sources of vitamin B3 include animal products (lean meat, poultry, beef liver, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products), as well as plant products (brewer's yeast, whole grain products, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.).

The “calm vitamin” is quite resistant to the effects of external factors. Most solvents have virtually no effect on it. Also, it is not harmed by the acidic or alkaline environment of the digestive tract.

Effect of vitamin B3

The functions of vitamin PP in the body are quite wide:

• takes part in cellular and tissue respiration;
• regulates the body's redox processes;
• is indispensable in the functioning of the digestive system, as it promotes the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• takes part in the production of sex hormones (progesterone, testosterone and estrogen), as well as in the production of thyroid and adrenal hormones;
• reduces blood cholesterol levels;
• reduces blood glucose levels;
• can neutralize toxins hazardous to health;
• dilates blood vessels and improves blood microcirculation;
• has a mild sedative effect (which is why vitamin B3 is effective in the treatment of various psycho-emotional disorders).

It is also believed that vitamin PP reduces cravings for alcohol. In addition, one of its components, and in particular nicotinic acid prevents the degeneration of healthy body cells into cancerous ones. Also, many doctors around the world have noted the ability of vitamin B3 prevent the development of diabetes mellitus.

The use of this substance is urgently needed for people who have experienced myocardial infarction, because thanks to it, the mortality rate of patients during the recovery period from this illness has decreased significantly.

Thanks to the ability of vitamin B3 to improve blood microcirculation and break down “bad” cholesterol, it has become possible to delay the development of senile dementia in older people.

Daily norm

The daily intake of vitamin B3 into the body is measured in niacin equivalents. This unit of measurement is equal to 1 mg of this substance or 60 mg of tryptophan, with the help of which this vitamin can be synthesized in the body.

The amount of vitamin PP that a person should receive per day depends not only on gender and age factors, but also on whether he is engaged in heavy physical labor, whether he lives in harsh climatic conditions, what kind of life he leads, whether he is exposed to psycho-emotional overload (all these factors increase the required daily dosage of niacin).

In general, adult men and women over the age of 18 should consume 20 mg and 18 mg of this vitamin per day, respectively. For older people after 60 years, this norm should be increased by 2-3 mg, since the body’s ability to absorb nutrients at this age is significantly reduced. Also, the daily dosage of niacin should be increased by 2 mg for pregnant women (in the second half of pregnancy), as well as by 3 mg during lactation.

For children, the daily requirement of vitamin B3 is as follows:

• babies up to three months require 5 mg;
• four to six months – 6 mg;
• seven to twelve months – 4 mg;
• from one to three years – 8 mg;
• from three to seven years – 11 mg;
• from seven to eleven years – 15 mg;
• from eleven years to fourteen – 18 mg;
• boys from fourteen to eighteen years old - 20 mg;
• girls from fourteen to eighteen years old - 18 mg.

It must be remembered that the upper limit of vitamin B3 consumed per day should not exceed 60 mg, otherwise it can lead to an overdose and extremely unpleasant side effects.

Vitamin B3 deficiency

As mentioned earlier, vitamin B3 plays an extremely important role in the body, and its deficiency can lead to the development of a disease called pellagra. This is a rather serious disease, which is characterized by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, the appearance of various kinds of dermatitis, as well as mental disorders (up to the development of schizophrenia), and in addition there is a deterioration in the emotional state of the patient. However, it should be noted that pellagra is a rather rare disease.

Symptoms of vitamin PP deficiency in the body:

• increased nervousness;
• fatigue;
• loss of appetite;
• sleep disorders;
• frequent dizziness and headaches;
• problems of a dermatological nature (excessive dryness of the skin, peeling, cyanosis of the skin);
• various gastrointestinal disorders.

People who suffer from alcoholism, as well as older people, are particularly at risk of becoming niacin deficient, as their intestines' ability to absorb nutrients is reduced. Thus, they need to consume this vitamin in slightly higher doses.

Indications for use

Vitamin PP is the only vitamin that has been recognized as a real medicine. However, the rest, as a rule, only follow the basic treatment as a complex.

• Pellagra, which, in fact, is caused by a deficiency of the above-mentioned vitamin in the body.
• Diabetes mellitus (niacin can regulate blood sugar levels, reduce the dose of insulin required by a diabetic, and also, in general, prevent the development of this disease).
• Various cardiovascular diseases (in this case, the vitamin is prescribed not only for treatment, but also for prevention, for example, of heart attacks and strokes).
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
• Various dermatitis and ulcers.
• Neuritis.

People with exacerbation of ulcers (stomach and duodenum), as well as severe forms of hypertension and atherosclerosis, should refrain from consuming this vitamin. Vitamin B3 should be used with extreme caution by people with gout, as well as with a disease such as hyperuricemia, which manifests itself in increased levels of uric acid in the blood. In general, before you start taking vitamin B3, we advise you to consult with your doctor!

It is a drug (unlike others) and takes part in the oxidative reactions of cells.

Vitamin name

Why is it called B3?

Water-soluble vitamins are combined into one group called: group B. All vitamins that are included in this group have a capital letter B in their name and are normal. They share some common properties:

• These are water-soluble (not fat-soluble) vitamins,
• do not accumulate in the body (except for ), therefore they require constant replenishment,
• quickly break down when ingested and are quickly absorbed.

Why is it called niacin or nicotinic acid?

Niacin is an obsolete name for this vitamin.

Nicotinic acid and nicotine are not the same thing. Nicotine is a poison, and nicotinic acid is a vitamin that benefits the human body. Vitamin B3 was first obtained in 1867 through the oxidation of nicotine with chromic acid.

Why is it called RR

The name PP means "anti-pellagric". This element cures a disease called pellagra (one of the types of vitamin deficiency, vitamin PP deficiency). The symptoms of the disease are:

• dementia - decrease in cognitive abilities at the elementary level,
• depression and mental disorders,
• diarrhea,
• peeling and redness of areas of skin exposed to the sun,
• painful sensations in the mouth and esophagus.

This disease is common in people with a monotonous diet of foods low in tryptophan. Tryptophan is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin PP in the body. Therefore, it is very important that human food is as diverse as possible. In reality, today this disease manifests itself in South Africa and in chronic alcoholics.

Functions of vitamin PP

PP is a water-soluble vitamin that reduces bad cholesterol levels and the risk of heart attacks.

The main functions of niacin include:

1. blood sugar regulation
2. cholesterol reduction
3. maintenance of genetic processes in cells

More functions:

Nervous system

Niacin helps with migraines, ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain, is a source of energy, and, together with other vitamins, helps in the development and formation of the nervous system of children.

Cardiovascular system

B3 improves blood circulation, affects the speed of blood flow, has a cleansing effect on blood vessels, helps lower blood pressure and prevents the occurrence of heart and vascular diseases.

Hormonal balance

Niacin plays an important role in the synthesis of sex hormones, as well as in the hormones of the thyroid gland, pancreas and adrenal glands.

Digestive tract

B3 enhances the secretion of gastric juice, promotes the movement of food, has a therapeutic effect on inflammation of the mucous membranes, activates the pancreas, and stimulates bile secretion. The drug can be prescribed for stomach and duodenal ulcers, liver diseases, and enterocolitis.

Other functions of vitamin B3 include:

• energy production,
• support of genetic processes,
• fat metabolism,
• regulation of insulin activity and blood sugar levels,
• improvement of brain function,
• participation in the formation of red blood cells,
• general calming effect.

What products contain

If you do not want to experience a deficiency of this useful element, you need to know the sources of its content.

Niacin is found in foods of animal and plant origin.

• meat (lamb, beef, white poultry),
• offal (heart, liver, kidneys, tongue),
• eggs,
• fish and seafood,
• potato,
• cereals,
• legumes,
• nuts and seeds,
• tomatoes,
• broccoli,
• prunes,
• wheat flour, unrefined,
• bran.

Niacin, being a stable water-soluble element, is still destroyed when cleaning products, but it is resistant to air and light and is not changed during cooking. It is not destroyed at high temperatures, it is not harmed by the acid-base environment of the digestive system and UV radiation.

We need to make sure that our menu includes foods that contain vitamin B3. The ratio of plant foods to foods of animal origin should be approximately 2 to 1. It is important to eat foods that contain fiber; it perfectly cleanses the intestines.

TOP 10 products with the maximum content of vitamin PP (mg per 100 grams of product)

1. beef liver - 17.5 mg,
2. dried Shiitaki mushrooms - 14.1 mg,
3. chicken breast - 13.7 mg,
4. wheat bran - 13.6 mg,
5. tuna - 11.9 mg,
6. veal - 9.5 mg,
7. salmon - 8.2 mg,
8. halibut - 7.1 mg,
9. buckwheat - 7.0 mg,
10. bulgur - 5.1 mg.

Daily vitamin requirement

Niacin norm for healthy people:

• children under one year old – 2-4 mg.
• children from 3 years to 14 years – 8-12 mg.
• men – 16-20 mg.
• women – 14-18 mg.

Many people experience niacin deficiency, and it is especially necessary for pregnant and lactating women, athletes, people exposed to stress and heavy mental workload, people engaged in heavy physical work, with chronic diseases, and with a poor diet. Also, an increased dosage of B3 is necessary for drug addicts, alcohol abusers and smokers.

It is important to remember that B3 is a drug; if there is a need to take it, the daily dose is best determined with a doctor.

Vitamin deficiency in the body

Niacin deficiency accumulates gradually; with B3 deficiency, the nervous system is primarily affected. Symptoms: fear, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, anger. Fatigue also increases.

Woman Staring Out Window - Image by © Rick Gomez/Corbis

The most dangerous disease caused by a lack of B3 is pellagra, which we discussed above. The risk of getting pellagra is very high if the basis of your diet consists of foods containing starch (more than 80%) or you are a chronic alcoholic.

Niacin deficiency affects the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. This is expressed in the appearance of heartburn, nausea and loss of appetite, indigestion.

Overdose

An excess of vitamin B3 in the case of (constant) consumption of food products containing this vitamin in significant doses is not possible. But if this vitamin is used in dosage forms (tablets, capsules), an overdose is possible, which has a negative effect on the body. A large dosage can negatively affect liver function.

Symptoms of overdose when using this vitamin (PP):

• headache,
• skin rash and peeling,
• arrhythmia,
• nausea and vomiting.

Vitamin PP in pharmacies

Release forms

1% solution for injection (for intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous administration) and tablets (50 mg each).

How is it released?

Tablets can be purchased freely, injections are available by prescription.

When is it appointed?

What are the dangers of self-use?

Due to the high risk of side effects, nicotinic acid should be used under the supervision of a physician. With self-therapy, there is a high probability of incorrect dosage selection, which can lead to liver dysfunction.

What you need to know when taking vitamins