Nicotinic acid; Vitamin B3

Reference Intakes

Recommendations for niacin and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which are developed by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. DRI is the term for a set of reference values that are used to plan and assess the nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by age and gender, include:

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): average daily level of intake that is enough to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97 - 98%) healthy people.
• Adequate Intake (AI): when there is not enough evidence to develop an RDA, the AI is set at a level that is thought to ensure enough nutrition.

Dietary Reference Intakes for Niacin:

Infants

• 0 - 6 months: 2* milligrams per day (mg/day)
• 7 - 12 months: 4* mg/day

*Adequate Intake (AI)

Children

• 1 - 3 years: 6 mg/day
• 4 - 8 years: 8 mg/day
• 9 - 13 years: 12 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults

• Males age 14 and older: 16 mg/day
• Females age 14 and older: 14 mg/day

Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

Images

Vitamin B3 deficit

Vitamin B3 source

Vitamin B3 benefit

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Niacin Prevention

Review Date: 02/14/2011
Reviewed By: Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)