Niacin

Niacin is better known as vitamin B3. It has many different functions but is particularly well known for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. Since skin is our largest organ, an adequate supply of nutrients is particularly important for you and your children and should not be missing from a balanced diet.

What exactly is niacin?

Vitamins are extremely important for maintaining bodily functions. However, in most cases your body cannot produce them itself. But niacin is a bit different. Vitamin B3 generally belongs to the vitamin B complex, which the body can produce itself.

But what is niacin really? Vitamin B3 comes in two forms: nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) and nicotinamide, an amide of nicotinic acid that the body can convert into niacin. This B vitamin can also come from the amino acid “tryptophan”, which is found in many foods.

The body mainly stores niacin in the liver. It supports normal nervous system and psychological functions, while helping to maintain normal skin and mucous membranes. Niacin also helps reduce tiredness and fatigue by supporting the energy metabolism.

The daily requirement depends on age and gender. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) gives the following reference values for niacin intake for children and adults:

Vitamin B3 can be produced independently by the body from the amino acid “tryptophane”. However, to cover you and your children’s daily requirements, you should also take vitamin B3 in your diet. People who eat a balanced diet and comparatively healthy lives can cover their daily requirements relatively easily.

Niacin is relatively resistant to heat for prolonged storage compared to other vitamins. However, it is water-soluble, which is why a certain proportion of it passes from foods into water during cooking, e.g. with vegetables. Many foods contain niacin; however, your body can process vitamin B3 from animal food much better than from plants. Furthermore, the niacin content of animal products is usually higher.