Vitamin B3
Vitamin B is a group of bioactives that are water-soluble:
• Thiamine – B1
• Riboflavin – B2
• Niacin – B3
• Pantothenic acid – B5
• Pyridoxine – B6
• Biotin – B7
• Folate – B9
• Cobalamin – B12
Since most B-vitamins are combined in the same food sources (grains, meat and fish), they easily interact and support each other’s function. These vitamins mainly function as co-enzymes in a variety of metabolic and biochemical reactions. B vitamins are essential for:
• Maintaining the energy metabolism
• Cardiac function
• Proper growth and development
• Maintenance of cells and organs
Niacin – B3
Niacin plays a role in reducing cholesterol blood levels. The mechanism behind this is that niacin increases the ‘good’ cholesterol, e.g. high density lipoproteins (HDL), that helps to remove the ‘bad’ low density lipoproteins (LDL) from the blood. EFSA has acknowledged the following beneficial effects as a basis for health claims:
• Niacin – Vitamin B3 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Niacin – Vitamin B3 contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes
• Niacin – Vitamin B3 contributes to the normal function of the nervous system
• Niacin – Vitamin B3 contributes to normal psychological functions