The first name for vitamin B3 - vitamin PP - appeared in the USA during the spread of the disease pellagra. It manifests itself the following symptoms: severe neuropsychiatric disorders, severe diarrhea, damage to the mucous membranes and skin (symmetrical red spots appear on the face, arms, neck, inner thighs), frequent headaches, insomnia, frequent fatigue, irritating bright lights, loud music, trembling in hand.

The substance, the deficiency of which leads to the appearance of pellagra, is called vitamin PP. It was first described by Thierry in 1755 as a “pink disease” (calorizer). First description nicotinic acid given by Huber in 1867, the elemental composition and structure of salts by Widel in 1873.

In 1913, Funk isolated nicotinic acid from. It was soon proven that pellagra could be cured with nicotinamide and that large doses of niacin reduced the level of “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood.

Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid, ) is a medicine, a vitamin involved in many oxidative reactions of living cells.

Vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin that reduces bad cholesterol levels and the risk of seizures.

In the food industry it is used as a food additive.

Physico-chemical properties of vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is an oily substance, soluble in water, alcohol, and acetic acid. Easily synthesized by intestinal microflora, tolerates high temperatures And ultraviolet radiation, is not destroyed under the influence of acidic and alkaline environments digestive tract.

Contained in following products:

• and in many other products.

Daily requirement of vitamin B3

The daily requirement for vitamin B3 for an adult is 15-20 mg, the norm varies depending on age, disease and physical activity.

The table provides more detailed data:

Vitamin B3 is very important for the normal functioning of the body and maintaining health.

In the human body, niacin performs the following functions:

• Dilates small vessels (including the brain);
• Improves microcirculation;
• Has a weak anticoagulant effect (increases fibrinolytic activity of the blood);
• Participates in energy production;
• Reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, which significantly reduces the risk of a heart attack;
• Necessary for amino acid metabolism;
• Normalizes heart function, participates in the formation of hemoglobin;
• Stimulates the production of gastric juice and helps the production of digestive enzymes in the liver and pancreas, participates in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates;
• Participates in the synthesis of hormones;
• Promotes the absorption of protein from plant foods;
• Ensures normal functioning of the nervous system;
• Participates in ensuring normal vision;
• Maintains healthy skin, intestinal mucosa and oral cavity.

Harmful properties of vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 can cause allergic reactions and lead to gastric ulcer, but only with uncontrolled regimens and abuse of various dietary supplements.

Vitamin B3 absorption

Copper and vitamin B6 improve the absorption of vitamin B3.

The absorption of vitamin B3 is inhibited by some antibiotics and diuretics.

Symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency:

• Headache, dizziness;
• Irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• Dry and pale skin;
• Decreased immunity;
• Constipation;
• Insomnia.

Excess vitamin B3 in the body

Signs of excess B3:

• Fainting;
• Skin rash, itching;
• Vasodilation.

Interaction of vitamin B3 (Niacin, nicotinic acid, vitamin PP) with other substances

Vitamin B3 can be produced by our intestinal bacteria in the presence of the essential amino acid tryptophan and a sufficient amount of vitamins and (calorizator).

Copper and vitamin improve the absorption of vitamin B3.

Caution must be exercised when combining drugs with anticoagulants, antihypertensive drugs, and aspirin.

Vitamin B3 can reduce the toxicity of neomycin.

Learn more about vitamin B3 from the program “About the most important things” in the video clip “Nicotinic acid for hair growth, weight loss, application and other beneficial properties”

In order for the body to constantly receive useful substances and microelements, it is not at all necessary to purchase any tablets or powders. You just need to choose the right products for yourself, diversify your diet, add some new spices and seasonings to transform, give new life old menu. At the same time, of course, do not forget to include foods rich in nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 or vitamin PP) in your diet. Since today we are talking about nicotinic acid, niacin, then vitamin B3 / PP (niacin) where found in foods?

So, what does niacin contain? In what products? What are the concentrations of niacin (Vitamin B3 or vitamin PP) in food (table)? All this can be found out below in the article.

Where is nicotinic acid found?

In general, nicotinic acid/niacin predominates in meat, nuts, mushrooms and organ meats. That is, it is present in both plant foods and animal foods (dairy products and eggs are also taken into account, but there is not very much vitamin B3 / PP here). There is also a sufficient amount of nicotinic acid in fish (especially fatty fish) and seafood. Yes, this vitamin is also present in dried fruits, although not in such large quantities as in offal or nuts. Fruits and vegetables contain this vitamin to a lesser extent, even minimally.

And of course, don’t forget about herbs and cereals. They can also partially provide us with vitamin PP or B3.

What foods contain nicotinic acid?

The main products where nicotinic acid is present are: offal, mushrooms, bran, fatty fish, nuts, meat. Many vegetables and fruits contain B3, but the amount is not very large. There is a little more of it in dried fruits.

From ready-made products: bread and pasta do not contain very much vitamin B3 / PP. But there is much more of it if bread and pasta are enriched with bran and wholemeal flour. Porridges are a good way to replenish niacin reserves. Unsurprisingly, smoked sausage is a good source of nicotinic acid, although we still do not recommend leaning on it. But dairy products contain almost no B3/PP at all, with only fatty cottage cheese being an exception.

It is important to know that nicotinic acid tolerates heat well. It is almost indestructible. So the vitamin content in raw foods and hot dishes made from them is almost unchanged.

Sources of vitamin B3 / PP

	in mg on 100 g of product		in mg on 100 g of product
Peanut	17,1	Premium pasta / 1st grade	2,6 / 4,0
Tuna / chum salmon / salmon / mackerel	15,5 / 8,5 / 9,0 / 5,5	Capelin / pink salmon / pike perch / cod	2,6 / 5,5 / 3,8 / 4,0
Bran (wheat)	13,0	Parsley / dill / cilantro (fresh)	2,6 / 1,5 / 1,1
Liver: pork / chicken / beef Heart: beef / chicken Kidneys: beef / pork Tongue: beef/pork	11,8 / 10,0 / 9,3 5,1 / 4,3 7,8 / 3,5 4,9 / 4,4	Squid Shrimps
Honey mushrooms Boletus White mushrooms Champignon		Dried apricots Dates Prunes
Chicken (white meat) / drumstick Turkey	10,5 / 3,7	Beans Lentils Peas
Parsley/cilantro (dry)	10,0 / 10,7	Chicken/quail egg	2,4 / 1,9
Sunflower seeds raw/roasted	8,3 / 7,0	Cod	2,3
Ground red pepper	8,2	Pumpkin seeds	1,9
Pumpkin seeds	5,0	Perch	1,7
Cashew	4,9	Bread / with bran	1,6 / 4,4
Rabbit Pork Mutton Veal Beef		Potato Sweet pepper Carrot Eggplant Cabbage
Sesame/almond	4,5 / 3,9	Avocado	1,5
Perch	4,4	Pistachios	1,4
Buckwheat	4,1	Oatmeal	1,3
Smoked sausage	4,1	Walnuts	1,2
Pine nuts	4,0	Banana	0,9
Saira	3,9	Garlic	0,8
Herring	3,8	Peach/apricot	0,8 / 0,7
Barley / millet / pearl barley / rice	3,5 / 3,6 / 2,9 / 4,2	Raspberry / blackberry / blueberries/strawberries	0,7 / 0,5 / 0,3 / 0,3
Hazelnut	2,9	Sour cream / full-fat cottage cheese / milk/hard cheese	0,5 / 3,3 / 0,2 / 4,5

Vitamin B3 / PP (niacin) where it is found and how much it is contained

The niacin content of various foods depends greatly on whether the product is fresh or processed in some way. So 100 grams of dried fruits contain several times more vitamin than fresh fruits. This is understandable - the water leaves and the concentration of nutrients per 100 grams increases. The situation is similar with herbs. Dry herbs are rich in niacin, while fresh herbs are low in niacin.

As you can see, vitamin PP (or B3) is found in the simplest foods; there are quite a lot of them that everyone can afford.

As already mentioned, it is very important to properly plan your diet, monitor your nutrition, and then the body will always have enough nutrients and vitamins that provide us with good health, strong immunity, and a great mood.

Read more on our website.

Greetings, my dear readers. I propose to continue the fascinating “journey” to the land of vitamins. Today I want to introduce you closer to another valuable element. This is nicotinic acid. This is one of the names of vitamin B3. But it also has other names - niacin and vitamin PP. And all this is one vitamin!

By the way, PP is an abbreviation. It comes from “Pellagra Preventive” and literally translates as “preventing pellagra” (PP). I’ll tell you what it is later :)

Nicotinic acid is part of the B vitamin complex. It is an important water-soluble element. It is found in many foods, including some types of meat and offal, fish, seeds, and mushrooms.

The use of vitamin B3 shows positive results in treatment wide range common health problems. The role of this element in the body is difficult to overestimate. It is involved in the following biochemical processes:

• reduces bad cholesterol;
• reduces painful sensations and normalizes joint mobility (this “drug” is prescribed for osteoarthritis);
• promotes the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• reduces alcohol dependence;
• performs an anticoagulant function;
• has a slight sedative effect;
• improves blood microcirculation;
• needed for hair growth, beauty and health;
• invaluable for the face - smoothes wrinkles and moisturizes the skin;
• participates in respiration at the cellular level;
• is an oncoprotective agent.

Nicotinic acid is an essential substance for maintaining the cardiovascular system and metabolism. It also normalizes brain function and is responsible for skin health. And even serves as a preventive measure for diabetes ( 1 ).

Deficiency Symptoms

Lack of this element in people with a complete diet is rare. Clinical symptoms Vitamin deficiency is classified according to the “3D” criterion. These are dermatitis (skin rashes), diarrhea, dementia. Purpose food additives with high doses of niacin is usually successful in relieving these symptoms.

With vitamin B3 deficiency, the following symptoms appear:

• Pellagra - characterized by skin inflammation, hallucinations, and stomach upset. It usually occurs in exhausted people, as well as those who suffer from alcoholism.
• Swelling of the mucous membrane is a problem that affects the oral area and genitals. May cause mouth pain, increased salivation, swelling and ulcers.
• Rashes and cracks on the skin.
• Gastrointestinal disorders and loss of appetite. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the throat and esophagus, abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Disorders in brain function and psychosis with disturbances of consciousness, insomnia and headaches. In addition, cognitive impairment, disorientation, confusion, depression, mania, or paranoia may occur.
• Poor body resistance to viruses and infections.

Research shows that vitamin B3 deficiency is more common in countries where the main food product is corn. This condition is also observed if there are no complete proteins in the daily diet. In both the first and second cases, the body does not receive enough tryptophan. Namely, it is from this that nicotinic acid is produced. For reference: from 60 mg of tryptophan, the body receives 1 mg of vitamin B3.

What products contain

Vitamin B3 can be obtained in fairly high quantities through diet. Remember, it is always preferable to eat plenty of whole foods. They contain all vitamins and minerals in their natural form. Eat meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and you will get daily norm nicotinic acid.

The table below shows you the top products that contain niacin. Please love and favor :)

*Percentage of the minimum daily intake of 20 mg for adults.

Nicotinic acid, unlike other vitamins, is resistant to heat and ultraviolet exposure. Also, this element is only partially destroyed under the influence of alkaline and acidic environments. Less than 20% of niacin is lost during cooking.

Instructions for use

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that his body takes as much as it needs. All excess is excreted in the urine. Therefore, like other B vitamins, it must be replenished daily. Such an element cannot accumulate in the body. It comes with food. If necessary, an appointment may be prescribed additional additives.

It is quite difficult to sort through this element. Side effects may occur when taking 300 – 1000 mg.

With a balanced diet, the body receives a sufficient amount of niacin from food. However, in some cases, additional supplements may be required. Vitamin PP has the following indications for use:

• migraine;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• fever;
• hepatitis;
• chronic infections;
• malignant neoplasms;
• mental disorders;
• osteoarthritis;
• pellagra;
• neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease);
• eye diseases (such as cataracts);
• to reduce acne;
• circulatory disorders;
• migraine, dizziness.

Vitamin B3 is available in 3 forms: niacin, niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate. They are produced in tablets and ampoules. You can buy these drugs at the pharmacy. The price depends on the form of release and dosage.

Nicotinic acid has the ability to cause stomach upset, so it must be taken with food. The fact is that food slows down the absorption of the drug and prevents the development of side effects.

Benefits of Vitamin B3

This item is incredibly useful. There are many benefits of taking niacin and consuming foods rich in it.

Common Side Effects

If you eat foods rich in niacin, the chances of you overeating are very low. However, there may be side effects niacin when taking supplements, especially at high dosages.

Here's what side effects occur most often when taking large doses:

• nausea or vomiting;
• skin reactions, rash;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• allergic reactions;
• heart problems (high doses may increase the risk of developing irregular heartbeats);
• diabetes: niacin and niacinamide may increase blood sugar levels;
• deterioration of the gallbladder and symptoms of liver disease;
• exacerbation of gout symptoms;
• low blood pressure;
• stomach or intestinal ulcer.

If you take any medications or supplements daily, be sure to tell your doctor. Otherwise, negative side effects of niacin may occur.

Interaction with other drugs and products

Nicotinic acid has many “enemies” and “friends”. So, with special caution you need to take vitamin B3 with certain groups of drugs. These include hypertensive drugs and anticoagulants.

As for lipid-lowering drugs and antispasmodics, their simultaneous use with nicotinic acid is dangerous. The toxic effect of the former increases and this can lead to serious problems. Including coma.

The absorption of niacin is inhibited by rifampin and isoniazid, as well as penicillamine. And alcoholic drinks are not the best “friends” of nicotinic acid. Consumption in large quantities sugars, sweeteners and sugary drinks lead to the destruction of vitamin B3.

But niacin has perfect compatibility with copper. By the way, a deficiency of this element leads to a lack of nicotinic acid in the body. A similar relationship exists between niacin and riboflabin (B2).

I am sure that after reading today’s article, you will become real experts in the field of B vitamins. Don’t forget to continue to improve your knowledge. Also send a link to the article to your friends on social media. net. They will then tell you for this: “Thank you!” 🙂 I’m telling you: see you next time.

The name of vitamin PP (vitamin B 3, nicotinic acid, niacin) comes from “Pellagra Preventive,” which means “preventing pellagra.” Nowadays, vitamin PP is equal in importance and effectiveness to medicines and is considered an element without which the normal course of redox processes in the body is impossible. Nicotinic acid is actively involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. Has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular system, improves digestion, cures gastrointestinal disorders. Helps maintain healthy skin. Participates in ensuring normal vision. Improves blood circulation and reduces elevated blood pressure, as it has a vasodilating effect.

Structural formula vitamin PP

Daily requirement for vitamin PP: The norm of vitamin PP per day for a healthy adult is 20 mg. Children need more vitamin PP as they age: from 6 mg for six-month-old children to 21 mg for teenagers. Boys need more of this vitamin than girls. During physical and nervous stress, pregnancy and breastfeeding, we need more vitamin PP - up to 25 mg per day or more.

Vitamin PP deficiency: manifestations of an insufficient amount of vitamin PP in the body are multiple and unpleasant. In a short list, these are dizziness, nausea and loss of appetite, heartburn and general digestive problems, for example, diarrhea, soreness of the oral cavity, in particular the gums.

A constant lack of vitamin PP results in fatigue and muscle weakness. Increased irritability, apathy, even depression, headaches, and insomnia are observed. In the most “peak” cases, dementia, delusions and hallucinations occur. A person may lose orientation in space. Vitamin deficiency RR - its complete absence - leads to pellagra.

Excess Vitamin C: in case of overdose or hypersensitivity, redness of the skin of the face and upper half of the body, dizziness, a feeling of a rush to the head, and a rash may occur.

Interaction of vitamin PP with other substances: Vitamin PP is not recommended to be used together with antihypertensive drugs medicines and anticoagulants, since in these cases a sharp drop in blood pressure is possible.

Also, vitamin PP is a kind of opponent and antagonist of aspirin, and their joint use leads to the lack of effect of both drugs.

In general, vitamin PP, like any medicine, is needed by our body in small quantities and can be dangerous in case of overdose. Therefore, each of us must correctly create a diet that will contain a sufficient amount of this vitamin, but not abuse it in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Biological role of vitamin PP.

Not a single redox process is possible without vitamin PP. In addition, vitamin PP has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism, promotes normal tissue growth, reduces the level of “bad” and unnecessary cholesterol in the blood, and takes part in the conversion of fats and sugar into energy. A sufficient amount of vitamin PP in the human body protects it from hypertension, diabetes, thrombosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin PP also helps normal operation nervous system. If you additionally take vitamin PP, you can prevent or alleviate migraines. In addition, a sufficient amount of vitamin PP has a beneficial effect on the health of the digestive tract and stomach: it promotes the formation of gastric juice, fights existing and developing inflammation, stimulates the functioning of the pancreas and liver, and accelerates the movement of food in the intestines.

Among other things, vitamin PP is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the synthesis of hemoglobin. This vitamin takes part in the formation hormonal levels, this is one of the main differences between this vitamin and others. Vitamin PP plays a role in the formation of progesterone, estrogen, insulin, testosterone, thyroxine, cortisone - hormones necessary for the functioning of many systems and organs.

Vitamin PP, nicotinic acid, niacin, vitamin B3 - these can be said to be the names of one substance. It is often called nicotinic acid or niacin, and nicotinamide is a derivative of nicotinic acid. As doctors have recognized, niacin is the most effective medicine in regulating blood cholesterol.

Niacin produces energy and also helps maintain normal heart function and circulation. Niacin also takes part in metabolism, including amino acids.

There are cases where, thanks to niacin, people who had a heart attack remained alive. Niacin can neutralize a heart attack and prolong the patient's life, even if he has stopped taking the vitamin. This vitamin also reduces triglyceride levels, which usually increase in type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Nicotinamide can prevent the development of diabetes, and this is due to the fact that it protects the pancreas, which produces insulin, from damage.

Doctors have long understood that when diabetes mellitus Type 1 nicotinamide reduces the need for insulin injections. And as a preventive agent, nicotinamide reduces the development of the disease by more than 50%.

For joint disease - osteoarthritis, the cause of which is: excess weight, heredity, tissue deficiency nutrients, age (all reserves in the body are depleted), nicotinamide significantly reduces pain, thereby increasing joint mobility.

Nicotinamide, like niacin, calms emotional and neuropsychic disorders, relieves depression and anxiety, inhibits the development of schizophrenia, and helps improve concentration.

The body's daily requirement for vitamins.

For an adult, the daily norm is 20 mg of vitamin PP. For a six-month-old child, 6 mg per day is enough, but with age the daily dose should increase, and when the child reaches adolescence, the daily rate should be 21 mg. Moreover, girls require less vitamin PP than boys.

For nervous or physical activity, the daily norm increases to 25 mg. Daily norm vitamin PP should be increased to 25 mg or more during pregnancy and lactation.

What foods contain vitamin PP?

First of all, this vitamin is found in foods of plant origin: carrots, broccoli, potatoes, legumes, yeast and peanuts. In addition, vitamin PP is found in dates, tomatoes, corn flour, cereal products and wheat sprouts.

Vitamin PP is also found in products of animal origin: pork, beef liver, fish. Also in the following products: eggs, milk, cheese, kidneys, white chicken meat.

A number of herbs also contain vitamin PP, these are: sage, sorrel, alfalfa, burdock root, rose hips, chickweed, chamomile, nettle. Also red clover, catnip, fennel seed, peppermint, fenugreek, horsetail, hops, cayenne pepper. And also oats, dandelion, eyebright, mullein, raspberry leaves, parsley, ginseng.

If the essential amino acid tryptophan is present in the body, this will contribute to the formation of nicotinic acid. This acid will be enough if sufficient quantities of animal proteins are included in the diet.

All of the listed products have different values, since they contain vitamin PP in different forms. For example, in corn and grains the vitamin is contained in such a form that it is practically not absorbed by the body. And in legumes, on the contrary, in an easily digestible form.

Lack of vitamin PP.

A deficiency of this vitamin will lead to decreased appetite, nausea, heartburn, dizziness, sore gums, esophagus and mouth, bad breath, diarrhea, and digestive problems. The shortage will also adversely affect nervous system: muscle weakness, fast fatiguability, insomnia. Irritability, apathy, headaches, depression, dementia, delirium, loss of orientation, hallucinations.

A lack of vitamin PP will affect the skin as follows: dryness, pallor, formation of cracks and corroding ulcers, peeling and redness of the skin, dermatitis.

In addition, a deficiency can cause tachycardia, weakened immunity, pain in the limbs, and a decrease in blood sugar levels.

During the preparation of vitamin PP, a maximum of 20% is lost, the remaining percentage enters the body with food. But how it is absorbed depends on what foods you choose, especially which protein products you choose.

Vitamin PP: contraindications for use.

Contraindications: exacerbation of certain gastrointestinal diseases: peptic ulcer stomach, severe liver damage, peptic ulcer duodenum. In complex forms of atherosclerosis and hypertension, excess uric acid, and gout, vitamin PP is contraindicated.