What is the function of vitamin B3/niacin?
Niacin is the generic term for nicotinic acid (niacin) and nicotinamide (niacinamide), both of which are sources of the vitamin in the diet. Nicotinate in the form of niacin is needed for the synthesis of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These two molecules are key components of many metabolic pathways affecting carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism such as the citric acid cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, and gluconeogenesis. The main function of the two enzymes is the maintenance of the redox (oxidation-reduction) state of the cell A niacin deficiency leads to Pellagra, a disease characterized by weightioss, digestive disorders, dermatitis, depression and dementia. While niacin is considered a true vitamin, it can be made within the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan, and amino acid that must also be obtained in the diet. The conversion of tryptophan to niacin in the body requires the involvement of thi
