Niacin

Nicotinic Acid, Nicorinamide, Antipellagra Vitamin, Vitamin B3

ExRx.net > Nutrition > Micronutrients > Vitamin

Functions enhances nerve function, appetite, and digestion component of two important enzymes important in glycolysis, tissue respiration, and fat synthesis Deficiency gastrointestinal disturbances mental disturbances Pellagra disease caused by a diet with too little nicotinic acid and protein marked by a skin rash disease of the digestive system and nervous symptoms Characteristics soluble in hot water and alcohol not destroyed by heat, light, air, or alkali not destroyed in ordinary cooking Good Sources Natural lean meat fish legumes and peanuts nuts whole-grains potatoes Food Quantity mg Bread 1 slice 1.0 Salmon, wild atlantic 3 oz 8.6 Peanuts, dry roasted 1 oz 3.8 Chicken 1/2 breast 12.5 Artificial yeast enriched foods Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) Males (11 yrs. and older) 16 mg 16-19 mg Females (11 yrs. and older) 14 mg 13-15 mg Pregnant females 17 mg Lactating females 20 mg Children 9-16 mg Infants 6-8 mg Varied values reflect different references Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) Adults (19 to 50 yrs) 35 mg Intakes above UL may lead to negative health consequences. Supplementation Large doses may be prescribed by doctor to lower blood cholesterol. May cause flushing and gastrointestinal distress. Nicotinic acid but not nicotinamide causes vasodilation and flushing