Part of NAD/NADP for energy production, repair and cell metabolism.
Switzerland age 18–65: 1.6 mg niacin equivalents per MJ.
Meat, fish, peanuts, whole grains and mushrooms; also made from tryptophan.
Pellagra with dermatitis, diarrhoea and neurological/mental changes; severe deficiency can be fatal.
Now rare except with severe malnutrition, malabsorption or specific disease.
Symmetric sun-exposed dermatitis can be a sign but requires medical assessment.
Severe malnutrition, alcohol dependence, malabsorption and Hartnup disease.
Clinical picture and diet; laboratory testing is not always routinely available.
Not a general longevity supplement. Pharmacological nicotinic acid requires medical supervision because of adverse effects.
High doses can cause flushing, itching, raised glucose and liver injury.