Question

What is the chemical name of the Niacin? Why is it required for the body?

Answer 1

Hint: Niacin is also known as Nicotinic acid. Niacin is a type of Vitamin B, that performs various processes that are related to the DNA.

Step by step answer:
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is popularly known by its common name, Vitamin \({B_3}\).
Its chemical name or IUPAC name is Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid. Its chemical formula is \({C_6}{H_5}N{O_2}\).

As niacin is a type of Vitamin B, thus, it is soluble in water, as Vitamin B is a water-soluble Vitamin.
The food items that are usually obtained from animals like meat, beef, pork, seafood, etc. have a high quality of Niacin in it. However, it is found less in eggs and dairy items, as compared to the other animal products. Spices are also considered an active source of Niacin.
Niacin is required by our bodies because it is the precursor of several coenzymes in our bodies. These co-enzymes include NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) and NADP (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate). These co-enzymes help in the process of DNA repair. They are also used in many hydrogen-transfer processes in our body. NAD is actively commonly in catabolic processes, whereas, the NADP is active commonly in the anabolic processes.

Note: The deficiency of niacin causes pellagra in the body. This disease is characterized by lesions of skin and mouth. Other symptoms and signs include anemia, tiredness, and headaches.
Other conditions like diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and hyperpigmentation of the skin are also observed due to the severe deficiency of the Niacin. If the deficiency is left untreated, it could also lead to death.