Vitamin B3

Overview

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin (nicotinic acid) is one of the 8 water-soluble B vitamins. The Niacinamide and Nicotinic Acid forms of vitamin B3 are absorbed via the Small Intestines. The Nicotinic Acid form is additionally absorbed via the Stomach. While 0.3% of ingested Vitamin B3 enters the Brain. Two other forms of B3 are niacinamide (nicotinamide) and inositol hexanicotinate, both having different effects from niacin.

 Vitamin B3 - Health Benefits

Amino Acids

 Vitamin B3 is essential for the formation of endogenous Carnitine.

 Vitamin B3 facilitates the transport of Proline across the blood-brain barrier.

 Vitamin B3 facilitates the synthesis of endogenous Serine.

 Vitamin B3 enhances the function of Phenylalanine.  ^[1]

 Vitamin B3 is a cofactor for the conversion of Tyrosine to L-Dopa.

Carbohydrates

 Vitamin B3 is involved in the metabolism of Carbohydrates.

Coenzymes - Electron Transport System

 Vitamin B3 is an essential component of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotides (NADs) and supplemental Vitamin B3 especially the Niacinamide form of Vitamin B3 increases the body’s level of NADs:  ^[2]

 Approximately 33% of the body’s endogenous NADH is produced from Vitamin B3.  ^[3]

Digestive System

 Vitamin B3 may stimulate the production of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).  ^[4]

Enzymes

 Vitamin B3 is essential for the production of Delta-5 Desaturase.

 Vitamin B3 is essential for the activity of Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP):  ^[5]

 PARP requires Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) as a substrate, and is very sensitive to NAD concentrations.  Vitamin B3 is required for the production of NAD.

 Vitamin B3 is a cofactor for production of. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD).

Hormones

 Vitamin B3 functions as a cofactor for the production of Corticosteroid Hormones (via NADs).

 Vitamin B3 stimulates the release of Human Growth Hormone (hGH):

 hGH release peaks at four hours after ingestion of Vitamin B3.