Vitamin B3 Or Niacin | CHAPTER 1 | Nutrition and Dietetics

Vitamin B3 Or Niacin – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Nutrition and Dietetics” prescribed by BNMC-for all Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics. This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.

Vitamin B3 Or Niacin

Niacin is also known as nicotinic acid or nicotinamide, It is a white crystalline compound soluble in water, stable to heat, light, acids and alkalies. In body niacin is converted into niacinamide. Whole cereals, dried yeast, liver, ground nuts, legumes and fish are good sources. Milk, eggs and vegetables are fair sources of the vitamin B3. B3 Niacin or nicotinic acid is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein.

It is essential for the normal functioning of the skin, intestinal and nervous systems. This vitamin differs from other vitamins of the B-complex groups in that an essential amino acid, Tryptophan serves as its precursor.

Sources of niacin:

(Ref: Essential of Human Nutrition/1/87)

• Animal sources: Liver, kidney, meat, poultry’ fish and milk.
• Plant sources: Legumes and groundnut’ whole grain rice’ wheat.

Functions of B3:

1. Niacin functions as a co-enzyme in nearly all the metabolic pathways.

2. Niacin plays a role in tissue respiration (the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in tissue)

3. It is involved in the synthesis and breakdown of fats, and helps maintain healthy skin.

4. It takes part in tissue oxidation.

5. It is essential for the normal functioning of the skin, gastrointestinal and nervous system.

Effects of niacin deficiency:ATHER

• Niacin deficiency results in pellagra
• The skin exhibits symmetrical lesions of dark, dry patches with scales.
• There are varying degrees of–
• Irritability.
• Insomnia apathy which may progress-

-Confusion.

-Loss of memory.

-Other features of psychotic state.

Prevention of niacin deficiency:

Pellagra is a preventable disease. The preventive measures are

• A good mixed diet containing milk and or meat.
• Avoidance of total dependence on maize or sorghum

Daily requirement of niacin:

The recommended daily allowance is 6.6 mg/1000 kcal of energy intake.

Digestion and absorption of niacin:

Niacin is easily absorption from the small intestine. Tryptophan, the precursor of niacin, is converted to the vitamin in the body in the presence of pyridoxine. This amino acid present in large amounts in milk and eggs, prevents niacin deficiency even if the diet does not contain niacin

Vitamin B or Pantothenic acid:

Pantothenic acid referred to as the “anti-stress vitamin” is part of the B group vitamins. This vitamin can be produced in the body by the intestinal flora. Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in all foods particularly abundant in that of animal origin, whole grains and legumes Human blood normally contains 1g to 35 mg of pantothenic acid per 100 ml. It occurs in small quantities in milk, fruits and vegetables. It is heat-labile.

Functions of Pantothenic acid:

1. Pantothenic acid plays an important role in the secretion of hormones such as cortisone because of the role it plays in supporting the adrenal gland. These hormones assist the metabolism’ help to fight allergies and are beneficial in the maintenance of healthy skin, muscles and nerves.

2. Pantothenic acid is also used in the release of energy as well as the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates.

3. It is used in the synthesis of lipids, neurotransmitters and hemoglobin.

4. It is essential for the oxidation of pyruvic acid.

The visible signs of deficiency include:

1. Nausea.

2. Vomiting

3. Tremor of the outstretched hard.

4. Irritability.

Daily requirement of pantothenic acid: anizobr

Read more:

• Fat Soluble Vitamin | CHAPTER 1 | Nutrition and-Dietetics