Niacin

Essential for

the release of energy from food
healthy skin, blood cells and digestive system
normal growth and development
hormone production
a healthy brain and nervous system
repair of genetic material

Absorption and metabolism

Niacin is the common name for nicotinic acid and nicotinamide (niacinamide). Daily intake is necessary and needs are partly met by the conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan, to niacin.

Deficiency

Deficiency eventually leads to pellagra, with symptoms of dermati- tis on the hands and face, weakness, appetite loss, sore mouth, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, and dementia.

Sources

These include meat, fish, pulses and whole grains.

Daily recommended dietary intakes

Men                        16 mg

Women                   14 mg

Pregnancy             18 mg

Lactation                17 mg

Toxic effects of excess intake

High doses of the nicotinic acid form of niacin can cause skin flushing, headaches, tingling and burning. Larger doses can cause liver damage.

Interactions

Niacin may enhance anticonvulsant drug action.

Therapeutic uses of supplements

Niacin is used to treat diabetes, mental problems, high cholesterol, digestive problems, headaches, skin ailments and fatigue.

Cautions

People who have diabetes, gout, asthma, liver disease, an active peptic ulcer, and those taking high blood pressure medication should avoid high doses of niacin.

Niacin Categories:

Niacin
Niacin health
Niacin absorption
Niacin deficiency
Niacin sources
Niacin recommended daily
Niacin overdose
Niacin supplements
Niacin interactions
Niacin dangerous

Other Vitamins:

Vitamin A
Carotenes
Beta carotene
Lycopene
Lutein
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Vitamin B6
Folate
Vitamin B12
Biotin
Pantothenic acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K