Nicotinic Acid

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Nicotinic acid / nicotinic acid / is a B vitamin that is water soluble. Nicotinic acid is also known by other names, including niacin, nicotinamide, vitamin B3 and vitamin PP. In the food industry, it is popular as a food additive E 375.

Nicotinic acid can be taken into the body along with food or formed in the body thanks to the amino acid tryptophan. However, it should be noted that a person who is deficient in vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 cannot obtain niacin from the amino acid in question. Niacin can also be obtained artificially by synthesizing the alkaloid nicotine.

History of nicotinic acid

In the first quarter of last century, the famous chemist Funk separated nicotinic acid. It was later discovered that the acid in question was a kind of carrier of hydrogen. Subsequently, numerous studies of the vitamin began, and theories emerged that nicotinic acid could cure pellagra. We recall that in the first quarter of the twentieth century it affected many people in South America.

The disease has spread to other countries, including Romania, Italy and Spain, or in other words, to countries whose inhabitants eat mainly corn. At the time, the disease was associated with poisoning. To date, we already know that the actual cause of the condition is the lack of tryptophan in corn, which, in turn, means that the body can not synthesize niacin. That is, pellagra is caused by a deficiency of nicotinic acid.

Functions of nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid performs many important functions. It turns out that it is necessary for the synthesis of sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. It also affects the synthesis of hormones such as thyroxine, insulin and cortisone. Of course, the activity of niacin does not end there. Experts note that this type of acid is needed for the health of the brain and also the nervous system. Nicotinic acid is also responsible for the healthy and beautiful appearance of the skin.

Selection and storage of nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid is a component of many tablets and ampoules. It is used alone or combined with vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and others. It is also used in various medicines. They are stored in a dry and dark place, away from other drugs. Buy medicines containing nicotinic acid only from specialized sites and always check the expiration date, which must be written on the product packaging.

Benefits of nicotinic acid

The benefits of moderate nicotinic acid intake are many. It's proved that vitamin B3 helps relieve gastrointestinal problems and takes care of the good condition of the digestive system. It also affects the appearance of the skin and fights against bad breath. According to research, niacin helps to normalize high blood pressure and proper blood circulation. It also lowers high cholesterol.

Nicotinic acid has also had a beneficial effect on diabetes, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, cataracts, Alzheimer's disease and others. Among the positive features of vitamin B3 is its ability to interact with anticoagulants. Another advantage of nicotinic acid is that it withstands heat treatment and retains its useful properties even after cooking and baking.

Sources of nicotinic acid

Great sources of nicotinic acid are both foods of plant origin and some meat products. In general, a satisfactory amount of the substance is found in mushrooms, asparagus, seaweed, avocados, prunes, figs, dates, rice, beets, celery. Niacin It is also found in brewer's yeast, peanuts, almonds, cow's milk and eggs. Among the meat products, the sources of nicotinic acid are the liver, white poultry, venison, kidneys and others. This valuable vitamin can also be obtained by eating fish (tuna and salmon) and seafood such as shrimp.

Nicotinic acid intake

For the good condition of our body we must regularly take nicotinic acid. The daily dose for adults is 13 to 19 milligrams. Experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers take a little more than the substance - 20 milligrams. As with most substances, so with nicotinic acid it should not be overdone. If you take more than 100 milligrams of the vitamin, you may experience unpleasant side effects.

Harms from nicotinic acid

When taking nicotinic acid in large quantities, it is possible to observe certain ailments, including burning and itchy skin. In addition, in large quantities vitamin B3 may interfere with the body's absorption of sugar, which in some cases may lead to impaired glucose control. It is also possible that excessive intake of nicotinic acid may cause gout attacks.