Crystal Nelson
Vitamin B3 supports the skin’s natural protective layer and is therefore essential for skin health. Where is the nutrient contained and what happens in the event of a deficiency? Part three of our series.
The so-called niacin, better known as vitamin B3, is involved in many metabolic processes in the body. For example, it regulates cholesterol metabolism by increasing “good” HDL cholesterol and lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol.
What is vitamin B3 in?
Although the liver is able to produce a certain amount of vitamin B3 itself, in order to cover the body’s daily requirements, the nutrient must also be ingested through food. It is found, for example, in poultry and beef, chicken eggs, dairy products, fish, and coffee.
What happens with a vitamin B3 deficiency?
A vitamin B3 deficiency is rare in this country but is favored by a number of factors such as alcohol abuse or the use of certain medications (e.g. psychotropic drugs).
If the body lacks vitamin B3, this can show up as scaly skin, tiredness, irritability, depressive moods and insomnia, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Another typical symptom of a vitamin B3 deficiency is the disease pellagra. It is mainly found in certain parts of Africa where corn and a special form of millet are the main food sources. Symptoms of pellagra include skin changes such as an itchy rash, blisters, swelling, and hardening. Diarrhea and dementia can also occur.
