Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Roles

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) play an important role in proper blood circulation, ensures that the nervous system functions properly, maintains the normal functions of the gastro-intestinal tract, and metabolizes miscs and carbohydrates properly. It also helps to maintain healthy skin and dilates the blood vessels to increase the flow of blood to the peripheral capillary system. Finally it is also used in the synthesis of sex hormones and can be used to treat schizophrenia and enhance memory.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Foods

Vitamin B3 (niacin) foods include chicken, fish, lean meat, milk, eggs, and various organ meats such as liver, heart and kidney. Plant sources include wholegrain products, leafy green vegetables, legumes, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, dates, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals, asparagus, and avocados.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Deficiency

Long term deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) can lead to pellagra. The disease starts with sunburn-like eruptions on the skin when exposed to sunlight, with other symptoms including diarrhea, dementia, swollen red tongue, and irritability. Other symptoms of more minor deficiency typically include fatigue, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and canker sores.