Niacin Deficiency: Cause, Signs And Symptoms

Niacin is less popularly known as the vitamin B3.  The vitamin is necessary for many biological functions in the body. But in extreme doses it may prove to be fatal. Here is a briefing for the benefits and the damage that the vitamin may be responsible for.

A female between the age group of 9 to 70 years, requires a daily niacin doe of 14 mg. For men in the age group require 16 mg daily. Pregnant mother need up to 18 mg everyday whereas children between 4 to 8 years require 8 mg daily.

Niacin deficiency often becomes more visible in elderly. As age progresses, the body loses the capacity to absorb the nutrients from the meals. But there are certain population groups which are equally susceptible to become deficient in niacin.

Women, who have PMS, are pregnant or lactating may become deficient in niacin. Chronic diseases like malignances, cirrhosis of liver and pancreatic insufficiency may also cause niacin deficiency. Treatment for tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism may also lead to the deficiency. The most common causes of niacin deficiency if lack of nutrition in daily diet.

Since the quantity needed every day is quite less, this type of deficiency is quite rare. There are many natural sources of niacin includes yeast, soy flour, brown rice, barley, sweet potatoes, carrots, peanuts, salmon, almonds, mushrooms and pasta.

There are many signs that a help in recognize a niacin deficiency. The person may experience loss of appetite, delirium, indigestion and a swollen tongue that may arrear red. The person may get easily irritated, feels dizzy and reports occurrence of headaches frequently. The skin may appear dry with visible wrinkles. The texture of the skin may become course and lesions may appear.

However, in case of an over dose, there are some serious side effects of niacin. These include a blurred vision, an upset stomach, flushing of the skin. I care cases liver damage may also occur.