Nicotinic acid; Vitamin B3

A deficiency of niacin causes pellagra. The symptoms include:

• Digestive problems
• Inflamed skin
• Mental impairment

Large doses of niacin can cause:

• Increased blood sugar (glucose) level)
• Liver damage
• Peptic ulcers
• Skin rashes

Even normal doses can be associated with skin flushing. New forms of nicotinic acid reduce this side effect. Nicotinamide does not cause these side effects.

Images

Vitamin B3 deficit

Vitamin B3 source

Vitamin B3 benefit

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Niacin Food Sources

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Niacin Recommendations

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)