The diverse effects of niacin (vitamin B3)

What is niacin?

Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide) is a water-soluble vitamin. Niacin is a collective term for two compounds: Nicotinic acid and its biologically active form, nicotinamide. It is produced by the DigestionIt is well absorbed and excreted in excess via the kidneys. In the presence of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, it can be produced in the liver from the amino acid tryptophan.

Why do we need niacin?

Niacin is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous, circulatory and digestive systems. It activates enzymes that are necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It plays an important role in detoxification, the formation of cholesterol and sex hormones such as Oestrogen.

How is niacin formed?

Niacin is formed in the healthy intestinal mucosa via the tryptophan-quinurenine-niacin metabolic pathway. In the liver, niacin is converted into the active form niacinamide. In Fulvicherb - Synergy niacin is present in the form of niacinamide, so that its absorption is guaranteed regardless of the state of the intestinal microbiome.

What role does niacin play?

Niacinamide is the precursor of NAD+ and NADP+.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) are two very important biochemical cofactors found in living cells. They play a fundamental role in the transport of protons and electrons and in terminal oxidation. In the tricarboxylic acid cycle, they are the cofactor for electron transport.

Without NAD+ and NADP+, the efficient aerobic energy production of the mitochondria cannot function.

Niacin is only formed in the epithelial cells of a healthy small intestinal mucosa.

Short-chain fatty acids, including butyrates, acetates and propionates, have a major influence on the metabolism and healthy development of the intestinal mucosa, small intestine and colon epithelial cells. For this reason, a sufficient supply of water-soluble fermentable fatty acids is essential. Dietary fibre very important.

The role of the enzyme IDO

The enzyme indoleamine pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays an important role in the development of immune tolerance and the regulation of inflammation.

It is involved in tryptophan metabolism. This enzyme catalyses the first and rate-limiting step of the quinurenine pathway. Only 5 % of the ingested amino acid tryptophan is converted into proteins. 1 % forms the basis for serotonin production. 94 % are converted in the body via the tryptophan-quinurenine pathway into the production of NAD+ and NADP+.

Importantly, the function of the IDO enzyme is dependent on nitric oxide (NO). Those who have read our previous blog posts will be familiar with the effects of processed foods on the lysine enzyme.Arginine-antagonism. Since arginine is the NO donor, this antagonism plays an important role in the inappropriate production rate of NAD+, NADP+. This is further evidence that e.g. tryptophan, niacin and NAD+, NADP+ levels can be a problem in livestock. A direct consequence of this is pellagra of the skin.

The role of bile acids

Bile acids play an important role in the body's defence against harmful influences. Bile acids have a major influence on the body's cholesterol metabolism. They can trigger inflammatory processes, influence the body's immunity and alter the circadian rhythm.

The role of pectin and inulin

Pectin and inulin provide large amounts of butyrate, acetate and propionate. The increase in body fat and insulin resistance have been significantly reduced by pectin and inulin in various studies. Pectin also lowers the triglycerides in the Liver and improves insulin sensitivity.

Inulin reduced the uptake of fatty acids in the liver, increased mitochondrial capacity and inhibited lipogenesis in the liver.

The addition of fermentable fibre increased the number of bifidobacteria. Inulin prevents fatty liver, which causes abnormal fat storage in the liver.

Fulvicherb - Synergy contains inulin and pectin in addition to many other ingredients. Our product contains a high proportion of inulin and pectin.

Pectin and inulin change the gut microbiome

The microbiome of the digestive tract contains 10¹⁴ microbial cells with about 1000 species of bacteria. Bacteria are generally beneficial to human health as they can convert fermentable fibres into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which play an important role in regulating the metabolism. Immune systems, neurology, the endocrine system, digestion and the homeostasis of the host.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) play a role in the development of obesity. Different types of dietary fibre and different proportions of SCFA influence the abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome.