Vitamin B3, Niasin, Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide, 98-92-0

Vitamin B3, Niasin, Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinamide, 98-92-0

Product Information: Vitamin B3 (Niacin / Nicotinamide)

• Chemical Name / Synonyms: Niacin, Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin B3

• IUPAC Name: 3-Pyridinecarboxamide

• CAS Number: 98-92-0

• EINECS/ELINCS No.: 202-713-4

• COSING Reference No.: 35499

• Appearance: White crystalline powder

• Solubility: Water-soluble

Biological Importance

• Vitamin B3 is one of the eight B vitamins, also known as Niacin.

• It is water-soluble and cannot be stored in the body, so it must be consumed daily.

• Exists in three main forms: Niacin (nicotinic acid), Nicotinamide, and Nicotinamide riboside.

• Plays a vital role in:

  • Energy metabolism (conversion of food into energy)

  • Nervous system function

  • Skin health

  • DNA repair and cell signaling

Daily Requirements

Recommended daily intake varies by age, gender, and condition:

• Adult men: 16 mg

• Adult women: 14 mg

• Pregnant women: 18 mg

• Breastfeeding women: 17 mg

• Children (0–4 years): 2–12 mg depending on age

• Boys (14–17 years): 16 mg

• Girls (14–17 years): 14 mg

Dietary Sources of Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is widely available in both animal and plant-based foods:

• Fish: Tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies, sea bass

• Red meat: Beef, liver, bone broth

• Poultry: Chicken, turkey, eggs

• Grains: Brown rice, whole grains

• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, beans

• Vegetables: Spinach, carrots, okra, zucchini, beetroot, onions, garlic, leafy greens

• Fruits: Bananas, strawberries, citrus fruits, avocados

• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, sesame, chia, flaxseed

• Others: Olive oil, olives, fish oil

Deficiency and Health Risks

• Deficiency disease: Pellagra

• Symptoms of deficiency:

  • Fatigue, weakness, memory loss

  • Depression, irritability, anxiety

  • Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea)

  • Skin problems (rash, roughness, peeling, sensitivity to sunlight)

  • Mouth ulcers, red/swollen tongue

  • Neurological issues (confusion, hallucinations, cognitive decline)

  • Circulatory problems and cholesterol imbalance

Risk groups:

• People with alcohol dependency

• Liver disease patients

• Individuals with eating disorders (e.g., anorexia)

• HIV/AIDS patients

• Those with poor diets or food scarcity

• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or certain drug treatments (e.g., isoniazid)

• People with celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease

Why Vitamin B3 Matters

• Essential for energy production and cellular function.

• Prevents pellagra, a serious deficiency disease.

• Supports mental health, reducing risks of depression and cognitive decline.

• Contributes to skin health and cholesterol regulation.

Key Takeaways

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is a critical water-soluble vitamin that must be consumed daily.

• Found in a wide variety of foods, making deficiency rare in balanced diets.

• Deficiency can lead to pellagra, with severe effects on skin, digestion, and the nervous system.

• Adequate intake depends on age, gender, and physiological conditions such as pregnancy or breastfeeding.