23 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Vitamin B3 deficiency leads to serious health consequences such as cognitive decline, low energy, depression, and other mental disorders. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is crucial to human health mainly because it is a coenzyme. In fact, close to 400 enzymes depend on it for their optimum activity.
Hence, it is crucial to know what causes vitamin B3 deficiency, the symptoms to look out for and learn some effective preventive measures as well. Read on and find out!
What is Vitamin B3 Deficiency?
Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin. Niacin or nicotinic acid is one of the 8 known types of vitamin B. Vitamin B3 deficiency or Niacin deficiency occurs when the body cannot absorb the vitamin or gets little of it.
In fact, the deficiency extends up to the body’s inability to absorb tryptophan, which is the amino acid precursor of niacin.
Below are some of the functions of vitamin B3:
- Niacin or nicotinic acid helps to keep the nervous system working properly
- Further, it helps the body make sex-related hormones and stress-related hormones
- It helps to improve circulation and maintain cholesterol levels
- Moreover, it also helps to break down fats and proteins
- Vitamin B3 helps to convert carbohydrates into glucose
Different Types of B3 Deficiency Disease
There are two types of vitamin B3 deficiency diseases:
Primary Pellagra
Primary pellagra occurs when a diet is low in niacin, putting individuals at risk due to insufficient intake of this essential nutrient. When a diet is low in niacin, the person is at risk for primary pellagra. For example, those whose diet includes maize as a staple are at higher risk for developing primary pellagra.
Secondary Pellagra
A person who cannot absorb vitamin B3 despite having a diet rich in vitamin B3 is at risk for secondary pellagra.
The persons who are at risk for vitamin B3 deficiency are:
- Alcoholism can cause a deficiency of niacin because of malnutrition.
- Other risk factors of secondary pellagra are malnutrition, Crohn’s disease, anorexia, HIV, Hartnup disease, dialysis, drugs for tuberculosis, carcinoid syndrome.
How Common is Vitamin B3 Deficiency?
Vitamin B3 deficiency, known as niacin deficiency, is relatively uncommon in developed countries due to the widespread availability of niacin-rich foods and fortified products. However, it can still occur in certain populations, particularly those with poor dietary intake, alcoholism, or certain medical conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption.
The risk of deficiency is higher in developing countries, where diets may lack diversity and rely heavily on staple foods like maize, which is low in niacin.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin B3 Deficiency?
The vitamin B3 deficiency symptoms mostly became known with the discovery of pellagra. The signs of vitamin B3 deficiency are
These vitamin B3 deficiency signs and symptoms should be taken seriously and treated.
The symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency in adults are the same as those in children.
Severe cases of vitamin B3 deficiency result in pellagra, which can result in death if unchecked. The symptoms of pellagra are
Reasons that Cause Vitamin B3 Deficiency
A deficiency in this important nutrient can lead to various health issues, such as pellagra, characterised by dermatitis, diarrhoea, and dementia. The most common vitamin B3 deficiency causes are as follows:
What are the Diagnosis of Vitamin B3 Deficiency?
Diagnosing vitamin B3 deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and laboratory tests. Here are some key methods used in the diagnosis:
Clinical Evaluation
Physicians look for physical symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhoea, and dementia, classic indicators of severe niacin deficiency. A thorough physical examination helps identify these symptoms and assess their severity.
Medical History
Reviewing the patient's dietary habits and underlying medical conditions is essential. Information about alcohol consumption, chronic illnesses, and the use of certain medications can provide clues about the potential causes.
Blood Tests
Measuring the levels of niacin and its metabolites in the blood can help confirm a deficiency. Low levels of niacin or its active form, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), can indicate insufficient intake or absorption.
Urine Tests
Assessing the excretion levels of niacin metabolites in the urine can provide additional information about the body's niacin status. Low urinary excretion of these metabolites suggests a deficiency.
Dietary Assessment
Evaluating the patient's diet for niacin-rich foods, such as meats, fish, and whole grains, can help determine if dietary intake is adequate. This assessment helps identify potential nutritional gaps that contribute to the deficiency.
Best Food Sources to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Vitamin B3, or niacin, is vital for energy production, DNA repair, and maintaining healthy skin and nerves. Incorporating niacin-rich foods into your diet can help prevent and overcome deficiency, ensuring your body functions optimally.
Fruits to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
While fruits are generally not the highest sources of vitamin B3, they can still contribute to your overall niacin intake, especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Including a variety of fruits can help support your nutritional needs.
Vegetables to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Vegetables, particularly green leafy varieties and some root vegetables, can provide a good source of vitamin B3. Including various vegetables in your diet can help ensure you get adequate niacin.
Dairy Products to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Dairy products can be a supplementary source of niacin, particularly for those who include them regularly in their diet. While not the richest sources, they contribute to overall intake.
Animal Protein and Seafood to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Animal protein and seafood are among the best sources of vitamin B3. They provide high levels of niacin, which is essential for preventing and overcoming deficiency.
Nuts and Seeds to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Nuts and seeds are excellent plant-based sources of niacin. They can be easily incorporated into various meals and snacks to help boost your vitamin B3 intake.
Other Eatables to Overcome Vitamin B3 Deficiency
In addition to the above, various other eatables can help boost your vitamin B3 intake. Including the given foods in your diet effectively meets your niacin needs.
How Much Vitamin B3 Do You Need Daily?
The daily recommended intake of vitamin B3 varies depending on the age and gender. Infants need 2-4 mg, young children (1-3 years) require 6 mg, and older children (4-8 years) need 8 mg. Pre-adolescent boys and girls (9-13 years) should get 12 mg, while teenage boys (14-18 years) need 16 mg and teenage girls need 14 mg.
Adult men should consume 16 mg daily, and adult women need 14 mg. Pregnant women require 18 mg, and breastfeeding women need 17 mg. Meeting these requirements through a balanced diet is essential for overall health and preventing deficiency-related issues.
Side Effects of Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Vitamin B3 is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Its deficiency can lead to several health issues, some of which can be severe if left untreated. Below are some of the key side effects associated with a lack of vitamin B3:
- Pellagra: The deficiency of vitamin B3, in the long run, can lead to pellagra. Pellagra is a severe disease that arises from the lack of vitamin B3. Some of the symptoms of pellagra are dementia, dermatitis, and diarrhoea.
- Skin Problems: Deficiency can cause various skin issues, including red, inflamed skin, rough and scaly patches, and a condition known as dermatitis.
- Digestive Issues: Lack of vitamin B3 can lead to digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhoea.
- Mental Health Issues: Niacin deficiency is linked to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases, dementia.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Insufficient vitamin B3 levels can result in chronic fatigue and general weakness, impacting daily activities and overall energy levels.
- Mouth Sores and Swollen Tongue: A noticeable side effect of vitamin B3 deficiency includes sores in the mouth and a swollen, bright red tongue.
Diseases Caused Due to Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Deficiency in vitamin B3 can lead to several health issues, ranging from mild symptoms to severe diseases. You may notice some of the symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency diseases in mild form. However, when the deficiency increases, it often leads to pellagra, which is a disease caused due to deficiency of vitamin B3.
Hence, the deficiency of vitamin B3 causes these diseases
- Pellagra: This is the most severe disease associated with vitamin B3 deficiency. Pellagra is characterised by the "3Ds": dementia, dermatitis, and diarrhoea. It can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Dementia: A serious condition marked by memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, often seen in severe cases of pellagra. Dementia impairs daily functioning and significantly reduces quality of life.
- Dermatitis: Inflammation and redness of the skin, often accompanied by a scaly rash, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight. This skin condition can be painful and prone to infections if not treated.
- Diarrhoea: Chronic diarrhoea is another hallmark of pellagra, leading to dehydration and further health complications. Persistent diarrhoea can also result in nutrient malabsorption and weight loss.
- Depression: Niacin deficiency can lead to mental health issues such as depression. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Fatigue: A lack of vitamin B3 can cause extreme tiredness and weakness. This condition makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks and can severely impact productivity and overall well-being.
Treatments for Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Treating vitamin B3 deficiency involves increasing niacin intake through dietary sources or supplements. Here are some effective treatment methods for vitamin B3 deficiency
How Long Does it Take to Fix Vitamin B3 Deficiency?
Vitamin B3 deficiency can be corrected relatively quickly with proper treatment. The recovery duration depends on the severity of the deficiency and the individual’s overall health. Typically, doctors may prescribe a high dose of niacin for 5 days, and symptoms will start to improve within 2 days. Consistent treatment and dietary adjustments are essential to ensure full recovery and prevent recurrence.
Who is at Risk of Suffering from Vitamin B3 Deficiency?
Vitamin B3 deficiency can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable due to their lifestyle, health conditions, or dietary habits, such as:
- Individuals with Poor Dietary Intake: People who consume diets low in niacin-rich foods, such as meats, fish, and whole grains, are at higher risk of deficiency. This includes those following restrictive diets or with limited access to various foods.
- Chronic Alcoholics: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption of niacin and other nutrients, leading to deficiency. Alcoholics often have poor dietary habits, exacerbating the risk.
- People with Digestive Disorders: Conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease can impair nutrient absorption, increasing the likelihood of vitamin B3 deficiency.
- HIV/AIDS Patients: Individuals with HIV/AIDS may experience malabsorption of nutrients and have higher nutritional needs, putting them at greater risk for deficiencies, including niacin.
- Certain Medication Users: Long-term use of specific medications, such as isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis) and certain anticonvulsants, can interfere with niacin metabolism and lead to deficiency.
- Malnourished Populations: A group of malnourished populations, i.e., people living in poverty or with limited food security, are at higher risk due to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, including vitamin B3.
If one can diagnose vitamin B3 deficiency quickly, it is easily treatable. However, sometimes vitamin B3 deficiency may be misdiagnosed as alcohol withdrawal symptoms for those who consume alcohol. This misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment and worsen the condition. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before taking supplements.
A professional diagnosis ensures the correct treatment and helps prevent potential complications. Early detection and proper medical guidance are key to managing vitamin B3 deficiency effectively.
FAQs about Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Which foods are rich in vitamin B3?
Foods like poultry, fish, liver, and red meat are rich in vitamin B3. Further, vegetarian sources include avocado, mushrooms, beans, and potatoes.
How do doctors diagnose vitamin B3 deficiency?
Usually, a family history of a vitamin B3 deficiency can result in being diagnosed with the condition. However, there is also a blood test to check for the deficiency of vitamin B3.
Is it possible to take niacin every day?
Typically, the normal dosage for niacin is around 16mg a day for men and 14mg for women. However, you must consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
What happens if vitamin B3 is low?
Low vitamin B3 levels can cause fatigue, weakness, digestive issues, and severe cases lead to pellagra, with symptoms like dermatitis, diarrhoea, and dementia.
What is the main source of vitamin B3?
The main sources of vitamin B3 are animal-based foods like poultry, red meat, fish, fortified cereals, and legumes.
Which fruit is best for vitamin B3?
Avocados are the best fruit for vitamin B3, providing a substantial amount of niacin compared to other fruits.
Which vitamin B3 is best?
Nicotinamide is often preferred for supplementation due to its effectiveness and lower likelihood of causing flushing compared to niacin.
Who should avoid vitamin B3?
People with high blood pressure should avoid taking niacinamide or niacin as it can significantly drop blood pressure.
Is B3 good for the skin?
Yes, vitamin B3, especially in the form of niacinamide, is beneficial for the skin, improving redness, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
What are 2 symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin B3?
Two symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency are dermatitis, presenting as red, inflamed skin, and diarrhoea, which can be severe and persistent.
Is vitamin B3 hard on the kidneys?
Vitamin B3 is generally safe for the kidneys at recommended doses, but high doses can cause kidney damage in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Does vitamin B3 have side effects?
Yes, vitamin B3 can cause side effects such as skin flushing, itching, and gastrointestinal issues, especially when taken in high doses.
What deficiency is caused by a lack of vitamin B3?
A lack of vitamin B3 causes pellagra, characterised by dermatitis, diarrhoea, and dementia, leading to serious health complications.
How does vitamin B3 affect the brain?
Vitamin B3 supports brain health, maintains cognitive function, and protects against neurological diseases; deficiency can lead to confusion and dementia.