Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B3, which includes niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide), is an essential nutrient involved in numerous metabolic processes, including those occurring in the small intestine. Scientifically, vitamin B3 is a precursor for NAD⁺ and NADP⁺, coenzymes critical for cellular energy production and metabolism. The small intestine requires efficient energy metabolism for nutrient absorption and maintenance of its mucosal lining.

Deficiency in vitamin B3 (pellagra) can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and malabsorption. Supplementing vitamin B3 reverses these symptoms, establishing a clear link between adequate B3 status and small intestine health. However, outside of deficiency states, there is limited direct evidence that supplementing vitamin B3 (in the absence of deficiency) provides significant or targeted support to small intestine function or health. Most scientific literature focuses on B3’s systemic effects and its role in energy metabolism, with only indirect or secondary effects on the gut.

In summary, while there is strong evidence that vitamin B3 deficiency impairs small intestine function, there is limited scientific validation for the use of supplemental vitamin B3 specifically to "support" the small intestine in otherwise healthy individuals. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate but not robust for this specific use.

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