Vitamin PP, also known as Vitamin B3, has been found to improve skin health and aid in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Additionally, it helps regulate cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Also known as Nicotinamide, Vitamin PP belongs to the group of vitamins and minerals. Its active ingredient is Nicotinamide, and it can be found in different forms such as capsules and tablets under various brand names, including Calcium – Nic extra, Kogimin, Hirmen, Fudplasma, NicoTinamid 500mg.
What is Vitamin PP?
Vitamin PP, or nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3), is a component of two essential coenzymes: NADP and NAD. These coenzymes play a vital role in the transfer of electrons and hydrogens during oxidative reactions. They are also essential in the synthesis or transformation of cholesterol, ATP energy, and fatty acids, which provide energy for cellular respiration.
What food is vitamin pp found in?
Vitamin PP is prescribed for the following purposes:
- Preventing natural Vitamin PP deficiency in the body
- Supporting the treatment and prevention of Pellagra disease
- Reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
- Reducing the risk of heart disease in people with high blood cholesterol
- Treating atherosclerosis
- Treating digestive disorders or neurological disorders
- Improving skin health
- Benefitting individuals with diabetes.
Vitamin PP is a form of vitamin B3.
How to use and dosage of Vitamin PP?
Our body cannot synthesize Vitamin PP by itself, therefore, it only experiences deficiency rather than excess. Once the body lacks Vitamin PP, it will seriously affect health and cause some symptoms such as:
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Physical weakness
- Easily irritated
- Skin inflammation
Moreover, if the deficiency of Vitamin PP is severe, it may cause mental disorders and diarrhea. Therefore, in addition to a proper diet, patients should supplement synthetic Vitamin PP tablets.
When using Vitamin PP, patients should follow the instructions on the packaging or use the medicine as directed by a doctor. The best way for Vitamin PP to have a therapeutic effect is to take it before bedtime with a light meal and low-fat content.
The dosage of Vitamin PP for adults and children is usually different. Specifically:
- The usual dose for adults with Vitamin PP deficiency is 10-20 mg, once a day.
- The dosage for children: For girls aged 14-18, they should take 14 mg daily. As for boys aged 14-18, the dosage can be increased to 16 mg per day.
Foods rich in Vitamin PP.
What are the side effects of Vitamin PP?
When supplementing with Vitamin PP, patients should be careful as the medication can cause unwanted side effects such as:
- Fast or uneven heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial flushing, lightheadedness or nausea due to dilation of blood vessels in the face and upper body
- Muscle pain
- Allergic reactions
- Dark-colored urine
- Flu-like symptoms or fever
- Chills, sweating
- Dry, itchy skin or rash with a prickling sensation
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Leg cramps, muscle contractions
In addition to the above side effects, Vitamin PP can cause many other reactions depending on the individual’s body. Therefore, if abnormal symptoms occur, patients should go to the hospital for examination. Moreover, if the symptoms do not subside after stopping the medication, patients should also contact their healthcare provider.
What should be noted before using Vitamin PP?
Before taking the medication, patients should inform their doctor if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Individuals who are allergic to any ingredient in the medication
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Children under 14 years old or elderly individuals
- Individuals currently taking other types of medication
- Suffering from heart disease
- Experiencing uncontrollable chest pain
- Muscular disorders such as myopathy
- Kidney or liver disease
- Gastric or intestinal ulcer
- Gout
- Diabetes
Additionally, to minimize potential risks, patients should pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use Vitamin PP without the approval of a specialist doctor
- Do not stop using or exceed the recommended dosage. It is best to take the medication in the correct dose.
Which drugs interact with Vitamin B3?
Vitamin PP can alter the activity of some other drugs and increase the effects of their side effects. Therefore, to prevent the adverse effects of drugs, patients should list all the types of drugs they are taking for the doctor to check.
Some drugs that may interact with Vitamin PP include:
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Atorvastatin (Caduet® and Lipitor®), Simvastatin (Simcor®, Zocor®, Vytorin® and Juvisync®), Lovastatin (Altoprev®, Mevacor® and Advicor®) and Fuvastatin (Pravastatin or Lescol®).
- Blood thinners: Warfarin (Jantoven® and Coumadin®)
- Blood pressure medications: Amlodipine (Caduet®, Norvasc®, Exforge®, Tekamlo®, Lotrel®, Tribenzor®, Amturnide® and Twynsta®), Nifedipine (Procardia® and Adalat®), Diltiazem (Cartia®, Tiazac®, Cardizem®, Dilacor®, Diltzac®, Diltia® and Taztia®), Nimodipine (Nimotop®), Nisoldipine (Sular®), Felodipine (Plendil®), Verapamil (Covera®, Calan®, Isoptin® and Verelan®), or Nicardipine (Cardene®),…
- Heart medications: Isosorbide (Imdur®, Dilatrate®, Isordil®, Sorbitrate® and Monoket®), Terazosin (Hytrin®), Nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur®, Nitro-Bid® and Nitrostat®), Doxazosin (Cardura®) and Prazosin (Minipress®)
- Mineral supplements or synthetic vitamins containing Vitamin PP.
Vitamin PP has many beneficial effects on the body. However, this functional food also has many side effects if not used correctly. Therefore, when using Vitamin PP, patients should consult with a pharmacist or doctor. In addition, patients can also supplement Vitamin PP through food.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
