Niacin is one of the essential human nutrients and so it is critical that everyone insures that they intake the appropriate amount whether through diet or with the assistance of niacin supplements. An insufficient amount of this important nutrient can lead to nausea, skin and mouth lesions, anemia, and even a disease called pellagra. It is also important not to overdo the niacin intake as there are toxicity issues as well.
Niacin is also known as vitamin B3 and there are recommended daily intake amounts that should be adhered to in order to maintain proper health. Children should receive 2-12mg per day of niacin. Women should get about 14mg per day and men are recommended to have 16mg as their daily intake. 35mg is known as the tolerable upper intake level for adults and this should generally not be exceeded in order to avoid flushing and other toxic side effects. Staying within these guidelines will insure that everything is appropriate in regards to the dietary needs.
Deficiency of niacin can lead to serious side effects if not corrected. In the early 1900s pellagra was a serious condition that Dr. Joseph Goldberger determined was related to a lack of niacin in the body. Over 100,000 deaths were linked to pellagra during that timeframe.
His discovery has greatly reduced the occurrence of this ailment, but it can still be found in areas of poverty, malnutrition, or chronic alcoholism. The disease manifests itself through diarrhea, dermatitis, and dementia, as well as “Casal’s necklace” lesions on the lower neck and other symptoms. If left untreated pellagra can be a fatal ailment.
Pharmacological doses of niacin can lead to undesired side effects. Flushing is one of the most common of these side effects when niacin is supplemented. Hepatoxicity and hyperurecemia are two other conditions that are related to high doses of niacin that exceed the daily intake recommendations.
It is important to monitor niacin intake. Niacin is found in variety of foods, including liver, chicken, beef, fish, cereal, peanuts, and legumes. The proper amount can usually be received through the inclusion of these products in the diet.