Vitamin B3
Benefits of Vitamin B3
- Energy-yielding metabolism
- Psychological function
- Skin
- Form: Niacin (Nicotinamide)
- Food source: Mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, peanuts, green peas, avocado, pulses and fortified cereals.
What is Vitamin B3?
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is one of the B Vitamins. It comes in two main forms, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Vitamin B3 is also used by the brain, both in carrying messages through it and in supplying it with energy.
What does Vitamin B3 do?
Vitamin B3 contributes to breaking down the food that we eat and converting this into energy that we use throughout our day. Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Niacin also contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal psychological function.
Vitamin B3 has some interesting partners. 'Niacin-bound chromium' is a form of the mineral chromium attached to niacin, and it has been studied for its effects on body composition and, alongside plant extracts, on weight. Nicotinic acid has also been studied at high doses for its effects on blood lipids, including cholesterol. Nicotinamide does not share this effect.
Niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Nicotinamide is involved in cellular energy and the regulation of enzymes in the skin. It is also a popular skincare ingredient, where it's known as niacinamide, and a review looked at its uses in cosmetics.
You may also enjoy reading 'Nutrient Deficiency: A Hidden Cause of Skin Issues?' and 'Best Foods and Vitamins for Healthy, Glowing Skin'. Give these '5 easy smoothie recipes for glowing skin' a try too.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is 'The Energy Vitamin' and is essential for the production of red blood cells, fuelling our energy and helping maintain a healthy heart.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 contributes to energy production. It helps convert the food that we eat into energy that we use throughout our day.
Algae
Algae is one of the main starting points for omega 3 in the food chain and is the source of our Vegan Omega 3, vital for our heart, brain and eye health, and much more.
Bifidobacterium Lactis
Bifidobacterium digests the fibre you consume in your diet and helps to produce other vital nutrients and vitamins in your body.
CoQ-10
Found in almost every cell of the body, Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) is a fat-soluble, enzyme that helps convert food into energy and is required in large amounts in the heart muscle.
Inositol
Inositol is a type of sugar produced by our kidneys and used throughout our body, in particular in our brain and in cell membranes, and it influences the effectiveness of insulin.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays a role in making hormones which help balance mood, and improve memory and performance in stressful situations.
