VITAMIN B3 - NIACIN

Occurrence and structure

niacin is found mainly in fish and coffee beans. It is interesting that a modified form of niacin can be produced from the essential amino acid tryptophan (which essentially means that the body cannot produce it itself and has to take it in with food), albeit in too small quantities so that it can be supplied from outside is necessary.
Niacin is a synonym for nicotinic acid. It contains one Pyridine ring (contains one nitrogen atom) to which a short side chain is attached.
Furthermore is Vitamin B3 contained in: Poultry, fish, mushrooms, eggs, liver, whole grain products, peanuts, dates, wheat bran

function

niacin could be a relative of Riboflavin to be discribed. It is just like that part of electron carriers, albeit different. Namely NAD+ and NADP+. The same applies here that these can absorb electrons. In this case only 1 proton (H +) and two Electrons (e-) what a Hydride ion (H-) corresponds to. So it applies analogously to FAD: NAD+ à NADH. This means that too NAD and NADP in a variety of dehydration reactions (Oxidations) are involved, with NAD cofactor of catabolic (i.e. degrading) reactions, such as beta-oxidation (Fatty acid breakdown) is while NADP Is a cofactor of anabolic (anabolic) reactions. Most well-known metabolic pathway on that NADP contributes and to NADPH is reduced, is the - already mentioned - pentose phosphate route.

Overview of vitamins

Water-soluble (hydrophilic) vitamins: