Niacin Deficiency

Although rare, niacin deficiency can happen and it is important for us to know how to deal with it in the event that it happens to us. In most cases we are faced with such a condition in countries that are underdeveloped. The most common symptoms visible at first in niacin deficiency are dermatitis, diarrhea and neurological deficits (dementia included). The good news is that niacin deficiency can be discovered and treated thanks to supplementation.

In most cases primary deficiency appears when faced with improper intake of trytophan and niacin. This happens in regions that have maize as the main part of one’s diet. Maize includes bound niacin, which can not be assimilated by our bodies if not treated properly with alkali. The fact that trytophan deficiency is reality in corn protein only makes matters worse. When primary niacin deficiency is reality we are also dealing with other B vitamins that are lacking and even protein deficiency.

Secondary niacin deficiency can be caused by different factors like alcoholism, cirrhosis and diarrhea. Pellagra sometimes appears when dealing with Hartnup disease or carcinoid syndrome. The symptoms you are looking for include modifications in the mucous membrane, skin, GI and CNS. When dealing with advanced pellagra the human body can be affected by diarrhea, rashes, glossitis, mental aberrations and stomatitis. Any combination of symptoms is possible.

The most common symptoms visible are visible on our skin and this is how most doctors start suspecting pellagra or niacin deficiency. The problem is that diagnosis can only occur clinically. It is quite difficult for a doctor to differentiate between thiamin deficiency and niacin deficiency. In most cases the diagnosis is given after looking at the patient’s diet history. Laboratory testing is also crucial to proper diagnosis confirmation.

The good news is that niacin deficiency can be treated. In most cases we are dealing with diet modifications and vitamin supplements. Most doctors will prescribe nicotinamide in order to deal with this deficiency. The reason behind this approach stands in the fact that nicotinamide will not cause itching, burning or flushing. The same thing can not be said about nicotinic acid (one of the most common forms of niacin available). Your doctor will prescribe nicotinamide doses that range from 40 to 250 mg daily, based on the level of niacin deficiency noticed. The daily dosage must be split in 3 or 4 doses. Keep in mind that you always have to follow recommendations to the letter in order to tackle niacin deficiency properly.