Recommended Daily Allowance for Vitamin B3

What is Vitamin B3?

Also called Niacin, the micronutrient vitamin B3 is sometimes referred to as nicotinic acid, niacinamide, nicotinamide or vitamin PP (pellagra-preventing). It is water-soluble and it's deficiency symptoms are commonly summed up as 3 Ds: dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia.

Functions of Vitamin B3 in Diet

Like other B-complex vitamins, Niacin is involved in a range of enzyme reactions such as call respiration (oxygen take-up), as well as the synthesis of reproductive hormones and maintenance of the central nervous system. In addition, it maintains healthy skin, nerves, brain, tongue and digestive system.

Weight Loss Benefits of Niacin

Vitamins B2, B3 and B6 are required for normal thyroid hormone production. A deficiency in any of these B Vitamins will affect thyroid function and metabolism, whose impairment may lead to hypothyroidism and/or weight gain.

Vitamin B3: Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

US RDA: Women: 14mg/day Men: 16mg/day Children: 9-13mg
EU RDA: 15-18mg

People Who Need More Vitamin B3 in Diet

Groups with an increased risk of Niacin deficiency include: heavy drinkers, people with raised cholesterol, users of the birth-control pill and chronic users of sleeping pills.

Nutrition Resources About Vitamin B3

Food Sources
Health & Weight Benefits

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