Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Why do we need vitamin B3?

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, it can be made it the body from the amino acid called tryptophan. Niacin is needed to lower blood cholesterol, it maintains the normal functioning of nerves and the gut. It is also needed to get energy from food.

Sources of niacin

Niacin is found in meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs and cereals

What happens if I eat too much?

If you eat too much you begin to get irritable, your skin gets flushed, you lose your appetite, and become weak and dizzy. Very high doses can cause kidney damage.

What happens if I don't eat enough?

If you eat little niacin you can get stomach ulcers and liver damage. Severe deficiency causes Pellagra , symptoms of which include cracked skin, diarrhoea, and mental confusion.

How much should I have?

You should have 18 mg (18 000 µg) per day.