Nicotinic Acid, Niacin (I/Ac/I)

Nicotinic Acid, Niacin (I/Ac/I): description, functions, sources and needs

Nicotinic acid, also known as Niacin or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient for our body. In this article we will take a closer look at what nicotinic acid is, what functions it performs, where it can be obtained and what the need for it is.

What is nicotinic acid?

Nicotinic acid is a B vitamin that is necessary for the proper functioning of many systems in the body. Nicotinic acid is formed from pyridine and is interchangeable with its amide, nicotinamide. Both forms of the vitamin are equally active. Nicotinamide is a component of the coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and its phosphate NADP.

What functions does nicotinic acid perform?

Nicotinic acid is involved in many processes occurring in the body. It helps in converting nutrients into energy, regulates blood cholesterol levels, maintains healthy skin, nervous system and digestive tract. In addition, nicotinic acid improves blood circulation, improves memory and concentration, and also reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Where can I get nicotinic acid?

Nicotinic acid must be obtained from food, but in small quantities it can also be formed in the body itself from the main amino acid tryptophan. Large amounts of niacin are found in meat, yeast extracts and grains. In some cereals (for example, maize), nicotinic acid is in a bound, inaccessible form.

Requirement for nicotinic acid

An adult's need for nicotinic acid is 18 mg of the equivalent of this acid per day (1 mg of its equivalent is equal to 1 mg of free nicotinic acid or 60 mg of tryptophan). It should be noted that with long-term use of large doses of nicotinic acid, its accumulation in the body can occur, which can lead to undesirable consequences.

In conclusion, Nicotinic Acid, Niacin (N/Ac/N), is a B vitamin that performs important functions in the body, including improving digestion, regulating cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation. It must be obtained from food, and sources of this vitamin include meat, yeast extracts and grains. The required requirement of an adult for nicotinic acid is 18 mg equivalent of this acid per day. But when taking large doses of nicotinic acid for a long time, you need to be careful to avoid undesirable consequences. Overall, niacin is an essential nutrient that is essential for maintaining health and fitness.

Nicotinic acid (or niacin) is one of the B vitamins and plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is also involved in energy production in cells and protection against free radicals.

Nicotinic acid is formed by the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to nicotinamide, which is then converted into the active form of the vitamin - nicotinic acid. Both forms of the vitamin have the same activity.

An important source of niacin is animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. It is also found in some plant foods, such as cereal grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables. However, its content in plant foods may be limited due to binding to other substances such as starch or phytates.

Nicotinic acid deficiency can lead to various diseases, including pellagra, dermatitis and diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to get enough of this vitamin through food or supplements. The recommended daily dose for adults is 15 to 20 mg niacin equivalent per day.

Overall, niacin plays an important role in various metabolic processes and is essential for maintaining a healthy body.