Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3).

Eiman Fadul, Lina Bakheet, Sarah Almutaib, Amal Alaoufi.

Introduction Methodology
Definition: Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a necessary water-soluble vitamin also referred to as nicotinamide or
nicotinic acid. Because it is a component of the coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP
(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), it is crucial for the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrate,
protein, and fat).
.
Synthesis of Niacin: Niacin, is an essential nutrient for the human body. It can be obtained from dietary
sources or synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. The synthesis of niacin from tryptophan involves several
enzymatic reactions. Tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is then converted into serotonin, N-
acetylserotonin, and 5- methoxytryptamine. Finally, 5-methoxytryptamine is converted into niacin through a series of
enzymatic reactions. However, the conversion of tryptophan to niacin is not very efficient, and dietary intake is usually
necessary to meet the body's needs. Good dietary sources of niacin include meat, fish, poultry, legumes, and fortified
cereals. Niacin supplements can also be taken if needed.

Coenzymes: NAD and NADP are molecules that can be reduced and play different roles in cells. NADH
transfers electrons for energy production, while NADPH acts as a reducing agent in biosynthesis. Both molecules bind
to specific enzymes and transport hydrogen atoms. NAD participates in oxidative reactions and vitamin B6 breakdown,
while NADPH is involved in processes like fatty acid synthesis and antioxidant regeneration. NADH is primarily
involved in energy production, while NADPH serves as a reducing agent in cellular processes. (Figure 1.0)
Results and discussion
A previous study has shown that nicotinic acid percentages in fruits were 47%(0.059mg/100g), 49% (0.216 mg/100g),
25% (0.0221mg/100g), 46% (0.180 mg/100g), 50% (0.468 mg/100g) in apple, apricot, banana, kiwi, peach,
respectively, using (HPLC) High Performance Liquid Chromatography method [ref]. In our study, consistent results
attributing that peaches (1.4145 g%) contain the highest content of nicotinic acid as opposed to apple (0.1581 g%),
apricot (0.1845 g%), banana (0.2255 g%), and kiwi (1.1378 g%). In our study, apricot had the lowest nicotinic acid
(Figure 1.0) The coenzymes NAD(P)/NAD(P)H. content compared to apples, banana, and kiwi. On the other hand, Çatak et al study showed different results indicating
Skin function. apricot to have higher nicotinic acid contents compared to apples, banana, and kiwi.
Moisturization: Niacinamide can help improve the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss and keeping
In regards of avocado, our study found that it contains (0.3075 g%) of nicotinic acid which is the lowest content of
the skin hydrated.
Skin tone: Niacinamide has been found to have brightening properties, helping to even out skin tone and reduce the nicotinic acid compared to apple, apricot, and banana. Several studies found that avocado is a significant source of
appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
nicotinic acid, it contains 1.7 mg/100g to 1.9 mg/100g [ref]. Furthermore, the USDA National Nutrient Database
Minimizing pores: Niacinamide has been shown to help regulate sebum production, which can lead to a reduction in
the appearance of enlarged pores. supports this information by stating that avocadoes are composed of higher nicotinic acid amount, compared to the
Anti-aging effects: Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free radicals and other fruits that were included in the study [ref].
environmental damage.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Niacinamide has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, which can help Relying on the same study, Çatak et al results show that the content of nicotinic acid in tomato 81% (0.555 mg/100g) is
calm redness, irritation, and acne. higher in comparison to lemon 39% (0.098 mg/100g), by using HPLC. However, in our study we found that tomato
(0.1501 g%) intriguingly showed lower nicotinic acid content compared to lemon (7.6260 g%).
Sources of Vitamin B3. These inconsistent results could be due to the distinct methodology used for nicotinic acid estimation by either HPLC
Meat: such as chicken and turkey beef.
Fish and seafood: Tuna, salmon, sardines, and shrimp. or NaOH titration.
Legumes: Peas, lentils, and beans, including kidney beans, black beans.
Whole grains: Whole grains, such as wheat, barley, and oats.
Nuts and seeds: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds are examples of nuts.
Dairy products: Milk and milk products, including yogurt and cheese.
Vegetables: Some vegetables, such as mushrooms and avocados. (Figure 2.0)
(Figure 2.0) Sources of Vitamin B3.

Disease of niacin: Vitamin B3 deficiency, also known as pellagra, is a condition caused by insufficient
intake or absorption of niacin (vitamin B3) in the diet. Pellagra is characterized by a set of symptoms known as "the
four Ds": dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and, in severe cases, death. It is rare in developed countries but can occur in
individuals with poor nutrition or underlying health conditions affecting niacin absorption. The primary treatment
involves correcting the niacin deficiency through dietary changes and, in severe cases, niacin supplements. Pellagra Figure (3.0) Results of niacin survey.
can be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and history of inadequate niacin intake. If you suspect pellagra, it is Results shown in the charts represent that the society is not fully aware of nicotinic acid
important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. sources. However, the majority acknowledge its function in skincare products and in
cardiovascular system.

Diagnosis: Niacin status is assessed in relation to clinical signs and symptoms that are consistent with the
diagnosis of pellagra in order to make the diagnosis of niacin deficiency. Serum niacin, NAD, NADP, and tryptophan
concentrations can be determined, although these are not accurate measures of niacin status. The 24-hour urine
excretion of two niacin metabolites, N1-methyl-nicotinamide and N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, is the
most accurate measure of niacin status. Diagnostics is focused mostly on how the disease presents clinically. There are
Conclusion
frequently delays in diagnosis and treatment due to the disease's low prevalence. Given that patients with nutritional
inadequacies frequently appear with cutaneous abnormalities, dermatologists are essential to the diagnosis and Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin B3 that has many beneficial effects on skin health, cholesterol levels,
treatment of these patients. Diagnosis of vitamin B complexes, including Niacin (Vitamin B3), is usually present with and is an electron carrier for ATP synthesis. We concluded from the current study that peaches contain the highest
cutaneous abnormalities. nicotinic acid content compared to the other studied fruits. On the other hand, lemon is the highest nicotinic acid
content compared to tomatoes. Understanding the amount of nicotinic acid in each natural source in our diet would
increase society’s knowledge regarding their daily vitamin B3 requirements to maintain good health.

Acknowledgements References
We would like to express out sincerest gratitude to our instructor Dr. Bahiya Osrah, as well as our
department supervisor Dr. Ebtihaj Jambi, who gave us the golden opportunity do this wonderful
research which helped us quite a lot in being able to expand our horizons with their guidance and
support.