Functions
- enhances nerve function, appetite, and digestion
- component of two important enzymes
- important in glycolysis, tissue respiration, and fat synthesis
Deficiency
- Pellagra
- Digestive
- gastrointestinal disturbances
- vomiting
- Psychological
- mental disturbances
- depression
- headache
- apathy
- fatigue
- disorientation
- memory loss
- canker sores
- thick, scaly pigmented rash on skin exposed to sunlight
- swollen mouth and bright red tongue
- fatigue
- death, if not treated
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
Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA)
- Males (11 yrs. and older)
- Females (11 yrs. and older)
- Pregnant females
- Lactating females
- Children
- Infants
- Varied values reflect different references
Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL)
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
|
|