Nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, which is also known as niacin or vitamin B3. It is found in many foods including meat, fish, dairy products and grains. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, consumption of nicotinic acid can have positive health effects such as lower blood cholesterol levels and regulation of blood glucose levels. Individuals can obtain adequate amounts of nicotinic acid by adjusting their daily food intakes to include foods rich in this vitamin.
Liver
Liver is an excellent source of nicotinic acid, according to jn.nutrition.org. Pork liver contains the greatest concentrations at 29.8 mg per 100 g of tissue. Beef liver also contains a relatively high concentration of nicotinic acid at 22.7 mg per 100 g of tissue. It should be noted that although liver is a great source of nicotinic acid, it is also a great source of vitamin A. The body stores the excess vitamin A and over time, this can lead to health consequences, notes the Food Standards Agency. Due to the rich vitamin A content of liver, individuals should consume liver or liver products once a week or less.
Peanuts
Peanuts are an excellent source of B vitamins including nicotinic acid, according to the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina State University. Peanuts with the skin contain a nicotinic acid concentration of 17.2 mg per 100 g serving. It the skin is removed from the peanuts, the concentration of nicotinic acid is slightly lessened to 15.8 mg per 100 g serving. In addition, peanuts are a good source of the B vitamin called folate, which is beneficial in decreasing the incidence of fetal neural disorders.
Swordfish
Swordfish is an excellent dietary source of nicotinic acid, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center website. The nicotinic acid content in swordfish is 10.2 mg per 100 g serving. It should be noted that according to Environmental Chemistry.com, swordfish also contains a high concentration of mercury. Excessive consumption of swordfish, shark and some varieties of tuna can lead to high mercury levels in the body, which can lead to serious health consequences.
Wild Rice
Wild rice is an excellent dietary source of nicotinic acid, according to HealthRecipes.com. Wild rice contains a higher concentration of nicotinic acid than brown rice. The nicotinic acid concentration of wild rice is 6.2 mg per 100 g serving. Wild rice is also a very good dietary source of calcium, potassium, fiber and carbohydrates.
References
- World's Healthiest Foods: Niacin-B3
- jn.nutrition.org: Nicotinic Acid Content of Meat and Meat Products
- North Carolina State University Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences: Quantification of Niacin and Folate Contents in Peanuts
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Health Recipes: Nutrition in Wild Rice
- Food Standards Agency: Meat
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