Vitamin B3 Niacin

Pellagra

A deficiency disease caused by niacin deficiency, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and if untreated, death.

Niacin

A vitamin (B3) important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of NAD and NADP.

Nicotinic Acid

A form of niacin that has a pharmacological role, also known as Vitamin B3.

Nicotinamide

An amide form of niacin that is used to fortify foods.

Cornbread

A staple food in the early 1900s southern United States associated with Pellagra.

Histamine Release

A response that can cause vasodilation, leading to flushing when high doses of niacin are consumed.

Nixtamalization

An alkaline treatment of corn that enhances the bioavailability of niacin.

Dermatitis

Skin inflammation that is one of the symptoms of Pellagra.

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI): RDA

Guidelines for daily nutrient intake; for niacin, 14 mg/day for females and 16 mg/day for males.

NAD

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, an essential coenzyme involved in redox reactions.

NADP

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate, a coenzyme involved in biosynthesis and redox reactions.

RDA

Recommended Dietary Allowance; specific nutrient intake recommendations.

Energy Production

A primary function of NADH, which fuels ATP synthesis in cellular metabolism.

Tryptophan

An amino acid that the body can convert into niacin.

Niacin Sources

Includes animal products, fortified grains, legumes, and fish.

Free Nicotinamide

The active form of niacin that cells convert to NAD or NADP after absorption.

Antioxidant Defense

A function of NADPH, which helps regenerate antioxidants like glutathione.

DNA Repair

A critical function of NAD in maintaining genomic integrity.

Sirtuins

NAD-dependent enzymes that are involved in aging processes and metabolic regulation.

Cholesterol Synthesis

A process supported by NADPH, essential for producing hormones.

Hypercholesterolemia

A condition treated with high doses of niacin to improve lipid parameters.

Excess Niacin Intake

Can lead to side effects like flushing, gastrointestinal issues, and liver damage.

Four Ds of Pellagra

Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia, and Death.

Liver Injury

A potential chronic side effect of excessive niacin intake.

Glycolysis

A metabolic pathway where NADH is generated.

Electron Transport Chain

A process where NADH and FADH2 help produce ATP from glucose.

B3 Niacin

Another term for niacin, reflecting its designation as vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3

Refers to both niacin and its active forms; crucial for health.

Trytophan Conversion

About 3% of ingested tryptophan is converted to niacin.

Boiling Water

Causes niacin to leach; recommended to consume the cooking water.

Fortified Grains

Grains that have added niacin to increase dietary intake.

Vitamin Activity

Refers to the capacity of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide to act as vitamins.

Antioxidants

Substances that prevent oxidative stress and are regenerated by NADPH.

Synaptic Plasticity

Potential role of NAD in brain function related to memory.

NADH Generation

Occurs in glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle; essential for ATP production.

Antioxidant Regeneration

Restoring antioxidants using NADPH, vital for cellular protection.

Clinical Uses of Niacin

Includes managing cholesterol levels and treating certain skin conditions.

Flushing Reaction

A common response to high doses of niacin, characterized by redness and warmth.

Smart Supplementation

Utilizing niacin supplements while considering potential side effects.

Acne Vulgaris

A skin condition for which nicotinamide is used topically for reduction.

Nutrient Absorption

The process affected by dietary forms of niacin, differing in digestibility.

Animal Sources of Niacin

Include meat, fish, and poultry where niacin is readily absorbed.

Plant Sources of Niacin

Include cereal grains and legumes; less readily available forms.

Poverty and Food Insecurity

Conditions that increase the risk of niacin deficiency.

Glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue, associated with Pellagra symptoms.

Acute Effects of Niacin

Effects like flushing and gastrointestinal distress from high doses.

Calorie Restriction

A potential factor in lifespan extension associated with sirtuins.

Histamine Effect

Release triggered by high doses of niacin, leading to vasodilation.