What is the Difference Between Vitamin B3 and B12?

Vitamin B3 and B12 are both essential components of the B-vitamin complex, but they have different functions and structures. The main differences between them are:

1. Function: Vitamin B3 is important in controlling cholesterol levels and is involved in over 50 different functions in the human body. On the other hand, Vitamin B12 is crucial as a coenzyme in DNA synthesis for both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism.
2. Structure: Vitamin B3, also known as niacin or nicotinamide riboside, has three different forms of vitamers: nicotinamide, niacin, and nicotinamide riboside. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a type of vitamin involved in metabolism in our body.
3. Sources: Vitamin B3 is found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and green vegetables. Vitamin B12 is found in animal-derived foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

In summary, both vitamins are essential for various bodily functions, but they play different roles in the body. Vitamin B3 is mainly involved in controlling cholesterol and supporting various cellular functions, while Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and amino acid and fatty acid metabolism.

Comparative Table: Vitamin B3 vs B12

Here is a table comparing the differences between Vitamin B3 and B12:

Vitamin B3 is important for controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, while Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis for both fatty acids and amino acids, red blood cell formation, and myelin production in nerve cells. Both vitamins are water-soluble compounds and are part of the B-complex group of vitamins.