Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3, Vitamin PP, Niacin)

General Information

Niacin or vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin. Nicotinamide is a derivative of niacin, which is a part of coenzymes - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP).

In these coenzymes, nicotinamide plays the role of an electron acceptor or donor in oxidation-reduction reactions.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cofactor of enzymes involved in the breakdown (catabolism) of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and alcohol.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) participates in the synthesis (anabolism) of fatty macromolecules and cholesterol. Studies have established that nicotinamide participates in DNA repair processes.

Both nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are obtained from foods. Deficiency of niacin may develop when there is a disturbance in the normal diet or when there is a deficiency of the amino acid tryptophan in the food. Tryptophan is derived from protein breakdown and may be converted to nicotinamide by liver enzymes that require vitamin B6, B2, and iron as cofactors. Deficiency of these compounds can also lead to nicotinamide deficiency.

Synonyms:

• Niacin
• Nicotinamide
• nicotinic acid

Hartknapp's disease Genetic disorders of tryptophan absorption may cause niacin deficiency.

carcinoid syndrome During this time, the production of serotonin from tryptophan is enhanced, which may lead to the development of nicotinamide deficiency.

Prolonged treatment with isoniazid - Also causes nicotinamide deficiency.

Symptoms

Niacin deficiency affects the skin, digestive system and nervous system.

Acute niacin deficiency, known as pellagra,Associated with the following symptoms:

• dermatitis
• Diarrhea
• dementia
• death (rare)

Pellagra dermatitis is characterized by thickening-yellowing of the skin, with dark pigmentation that develops as a result of exposure to sunlight.

Among the symptoms of the digestive system, it is worth noting: nausea-vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, hyperemia (redness) of the tongue.

Among the neurological disorders during pellagra, the following are observed: apathy, lack of energy, headache, disorientation, memory changes.

Material for examination: Venous blood

Referral norms: 8,0-52,0 ng/l