NU FS305 Study Guide - Final Guide: Citric Acid Cycle, Pellagra, Bioavailability

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Nutrition and Food Sciences
• Course: NU FS305
• Professor: Donna Vine

Document Summary

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in all food that contains protein. It has a high bioavailability except for in plant foods. The rda is set at 16 mg ne. Ne stands for niacin equivalents, 1 ne is equal to one mg niacin or 60 mg tryptophan, which is one gram per 100 grams of protein. B3 functions as part of the coenzymes nad and nadp. These coenzymes are used in glycolysis, in the tca cycle as hydrogen acceptors and in the etc to deliver hydrogen atoms and electrons. The coenzymes are also necessary for the conversion of pyruvate to lactic acid, fatty acid oxidation and synthesis of lipids/steroids. A disease called pellagra is common among people on a corn or sorghum diet and it is caused by a deficiency in b3. Diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches and symmetrical dermatitis on sun-exposed areas are the common symptoms.