Niacinamide

Description

Vitamin B 3 occurs naturally in the body in two forms, niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide). Niacinamide can be made from niacin in the body. Niacin supplementation in amounts greater than what is needed by the body may result in the niacin “flush”. Niacinamide perf orms most of the essential biochemical functions of niacin and helps to avoid its deficiency. Large doses of niacinamide do not typically cause vasodilation or “ flushing ”.

Vitamin B 3 is a precursor to the metabolically active coenzymes, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (NAD phosphate). NAD and NADP have pervasive roles in the electron – transport chain and oxidation – reduction reactions. At least 200 enzymes depend on these vitamin B 3 cofactors. In vivo studies indicat e niacinamide plays a key role in cellular energy and enhancement of energy – dependent cellular functions such as DNA restoration. † Independent of its functions as NAD or NADP, niacinamide may support healthy skin and joints, and the proper metabolism of glucose.