Vitamin B3 are also known as niacin. It was first time developed in the earlier centuries by its deficiency disease called pellagra and black tongue in dogs. It exists in three forms niacin, nicotin amide and nicotinic acid.

Vitamin B3 DATS

DATS (DIGESTION, ABSORPTION, TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE) OF VITAMIN-B3 Niacin

Sources:

The best sources of niacin include fish like tuna, meat, chicken, pork etc are the best animal sources of niacin. Niacin is also found in coffee and tea and in small amount in green vegetables and milk. In supplements niacin is generally found as nicotinamide.

In addition to these sources niacin are also produced in human body. For is production vitamin B6 (PLP), Riboflavin (FAD) and Iron are required. Tryptophan are converted to niacin in the presence of riboflavin, vitamin B6 and Iron.

RDA (recommended dietary allowances):

The recommended dietary allowances are different for the individuals of different age groups. RDA for males, females and children are:

Gender

RDA

Men

16 micro gram

Women

14 micro gram

Children

2-4 micro gram

 

Functions of vitamin B3 in Human body:

Vitamin B6 performs many important roles in human body these are:

  • Transportation of hydrogen ion as NADH in electron transport chain, fatty acid synthesis and cholesterol.
  • Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
  • Needed for normal functioning of nervous system.

DATS (digestion, absorption, transportation and storage) of vitamin B3:

Digestion:

Niacin (NAD and NADPH) hydrolyzes within the intestinal tract or enterocyte by glycohydrolyses or pyro phosphatases to yield free nicotinamide.

Absorption:

Nicotimamide are than absorbed in stomach but are more readily absorbed in the small intestine. If its concentration is low than its absorption occurs through sodium dependent multi vitamin transporter. In higher concentration it is absorb through passive diffusion.

Transportation:

In plasma niacin is present as nicotinamide and nicotinic acid. Almost 1/3 of the nicotinic acid is present by bound to plasma proteins. From blood these molecules diffuses into the tissues according to requirement and trapped with in the cells.

Storage:

Intracellular concentration of NAD is pre dominant over NADH. In liver excess amount of niacin and tryptophan are converted to NAD which is stored in small amounts not bound to enzymes. According to requirement NAD are than degrade to yield nicotinamide which are than transport towards tissues for utilization.

Deficiency:

Deficiency of vitamin B5 leads to dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and death. Pellagra is also the cause of its deficiency.

Toxicity:

Toxicity may leads to the imbalances of other vitamins. May also damage to liver and stomach ulcer can may cause.