Niacin

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the proper function of the body. It plays a vital role in converting food into energy and is necessary for maintaining the health of the skin, nerves, and digestive system.

Niacin is found naturally in many foods, including meat, poultry, fish, legumes, and whole grains. It can also be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tryptophan.

Niacin is important for the proper functioning of enzymes involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol, and increasing the production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol.

Niacin deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra, which is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. However, excessive intake of niacin supplements can lead to niacin toxicity, which can cause flushing, itching, and liver damage.

Niacin is commonly available in supplement form, either as nicotinic acid or niacinamide. It is also added to many fortified foods, such as cereals and energy bars, and is commonly used as a dietary supplement to treat high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Foods in the CalorieStar database containing Niacin

Hovis Seed Sensations Seven Seeds Medium Sliced Seeded Bread
Warburtons Thick Sliced Seeded Bread
Sainsbury's Wholemeal Sourdough Half Bloomer Bread, Taste the Difference
Taste & Glory Roast Tenderstrips
Young's Admiral's Pie
Sainsbury's All Butter Croissants
Kellogg's All-Bran Cereal
Kellogg's All-Bran Fibre Crunch
Pizza Express American Pepperoni Pizza
Sainsbury's Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns, Taste the Difference

Graze Apple & Cinnamon Morning Oat Minis
Go Ahead Apple Bakes
Sainsbury's Artisan Sourdough Roll, Taste the Difference
Asda Baker's Selection Hot Cross Buns
Sainsbury's Bakewell Slices
Sainsbury's Balance Cereal
Sainsbury's Balance With Red Fruit Cereal
Albert Bartlett Rooster Homestyle Chips
Sainsbury's Battered Cod Fillets
Sainsbury's Battered Onion Rings
Wicked Kitchen BBQ Beans And Mash
Wicked Kitchen Bbq Butternut Mac
Tesco BBQ Chicken, Bacon & Cheese Sandwich
Wicked Kitchen BBQ Mushroom Pizza
M&S Beef & Onion with Peppercorn Mayo Roll