Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is often found in dietary supplements. All important information about the effect and function of vitamin B3 at a glance.
06.09.2023 | Status: 12:09 p.m
If you believe some advertisements, it has real super powers: It is said to support heart health, lower cholesterol levels, promote mental energy, motivation, good mood and concentration and also ensure healthy, beautiful skin and hair. We are talking about vitamin B3, also called niacin. But what about the promises? What is the effect and function of vitamin B3? An overview.
Such is the function and effect of vitamin B3
According to the consumer center, niacin includes various water-soluble compounds with a similar chemical structure. These include nicotinic acid and nicotin(acid)amide. The body can form niacin itself from the amino acid tryptophan, a protein building block.
For many processes in the body is vitamin B3 important. Among other things, it is involved in the formation and breakdown of carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids. It supports many metabolic reactions in cells and also plays a role in cell division. Niacin also influences the function of the immune system. According to the German Nutrition Society, vitamin B3 may also affect insulin secretion in the pancreas.
Niacin suppliers are fish, lean meat, offal, as well as bread, peanuts and mushrooms. The German Society for Nutritionrecommends a daily intake from 11 to 17 milligrams of niacin. A niacin deficiency occurs very rarely in Germany – and if it does, then only as a result of an illness; such as anorexia, chronic diarrhea or alcoholism.
Vitamin B3: This is the effect niacin has on the body
also read
Unlike what some advertisements promise, they are from the EU Commission the following information about the vitamin B3 approved:
- Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
- Niacin contributes to normal mental function
- Niacin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- Niacin helps maintain normal skin
- Niacin helps reduce tiredness and fatigue at
- Niacin helps maintain normal mucous membranes
Vitamin B3: Are dietary supplements useful?
Of dietary supplements with vitamin B3 advises the consumer center rather. Because: The recommended intake is easily reached or even exceeded with a diet customary in Germany. An additional supplement “usually has no health benefits,” according to the consumer advice center.