Vitamin B3...

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is necessary for the formation of two substances vital for the release of energy from food. These are called NAD and NADP. Vitamin B3 is also necessary for the synthesis of sex hormones, the normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids, and the functioning of the nervous system. Because of its role in the nervous system, vitamin B3 may be important to the functioning of the brain, such as with memory recall.

Vitamin B3 is found in a wide range of foods including chicken, roast beef, wholemeal bread, brown pasta, yeast extract, and vegetables such as peas, broccoli and carrots.

The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B3 is 18 mg. Because vitamin B3 is a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is excreted by the body making it safe to take at relatively high doses. A long-term intake of up to 500 mg daily is not considered harmful.