How is niacin produced within the body?

Answer 1

Niacin is important for the following functions:

1. Energy production: Like its fellow B-complex vitamins, niacin is important in energy production. Two forms of niacin (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, or NADP) are essential for converting your body's proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into usable energy. Your body also uses niacin to synthesize starch that can be stored in your muscles and liver for eventual use as an energy source.
2. Metabloism of fats: Niacin plays a critical role in the processing of fats in your body. The fatty acid building blocks for fat-containing structures in the body (like cell membranes) typically require the presence of niacin for their synthesis, as do many fat-based hormones (steroids). Niacin is required for production of cholesterol by the liver.
3. Support of genetic processes: Components of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA), the primary genetic material in your cells, require niacin for their production, and deficiency of niacin (like deficiency of other B-complex vitamins) has been directly linked to genetic (DNA) damage. The relationship between niacin and DNA damage appears to be particularly important in relationship to cancer and its prevention.
4. Regulation of insulin activity: Niacin has repeatedly been shown to be involved in insulin metabolism and blood sugar regulation.
5. Regulation of cholesterol: Niacin lowers harmful LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of Heart disease.
6. Hormone production: Niacin helps your body make hormones in your adrenal glands and other parts of your body.
7. Reduction of anxiety and neurosis: Niacin, along with glutamate, enhances gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) activity in your brain, which in turn helps reduce anxiety and neurosis.
8. Improving circulation: Niacin can help improve circulation.

Answer 2

Niacin can also be produced within the body from the essential amino acid called tryptophan.

Answer 3

so you can have babys