Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is essential for converting carbohydrates to glucose, metabolizing proteins and fats, producing hormones, and maintaining cholesterol levels. Deficiency can arise from various factors, including malabsorption in eating disorders and chronic alcoholism, and symptoms may range from mild signs like indigestion and fatigue to severe symptoms including disorientation and skin rashes. Dietary sources include meat, fish, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, while deficiencies are prevalent in regions such as China, Africa, and India.

1. Vitamin B3
Deficiency
Emilio Solomon
5580132

2. Background
•Three forms, including niacin, NAD, + NADPH
•Water-soluble
•Convert carbohydrates to glucose
•Metabolize protein and fat
•Produce hormones
•Maintain cholesterol levels
•Improve circulation
•Can be synthesized in our bodies and obtained from food

3. Sources of Vitamin B3
Meat- chicken, veal, turkey, pork, beef and
beef liver
Fish- tuna, halibut, swordfish, and salmon
Grains- cereals, baked goods
Dairy- milk, cheese
Fruits & Vegetables- broccoli, beets, corn,
sweet potatoes, carrots, dates, tomatoes,
peaches, and mangos
Nuts & Legumes- legumes, nuts, and seeds
including sunflower seeds, peanuts,
almonds, and peanut butter
Herbs- alfalfa, cayenne, chamomile, fennel
seed, hops, licorice, parsley, peppermint,
red clover, and rose hips

4. Epidemiology
•China, Africa, India
•Alcoholics
•Eating disorders
•Hartnup’s disease
•Carcinoid syndrome

5. Pellagra

6. Pathogenesis
Eating disorders
• Malabsorption of nicotinic acid
Hartnup disease
• Impaired transport of neutral amino acids in small intestines
+ proximal tubule of kidneys
Pregnancy/Lactation
• Increased levels of xanthurenic acid
Chronic alcoholism
• Production of free-radicals

7. Pathogenesis
HIV-1
• Lack of NAD
Copper deficiency
• Conversion of tryptophan to niacin is inhibited
Vitamin B2 + B6 Deficiency
• Conversion of tryptophan to niacin is inhibited
Carcinoid syndrome
• Depletion of tryptophan
Antituberculosis drugs
• Conversion of tryptophan to niacin is inhibited

8. Signs & Symptoms
Mild • Severe
• indigestion
• fatigue
• canker sores
• vomiting
• depression
• thick, scaly pigmented rash on skin
exposed to sunlight
• swollen mouth and bright red tongue
• vomiting and diarrhea
• headache
• apathy
• fatigue
• depression
• disorientation
• memory loss

9. References
•http://bestpractice.bmj.com/best-
practice/monograph/634/basics/pathophysiology.html
•http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/4-
signs-of-a-niacin-deficiency.html
•http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b3-
niacin
•http://www.vitamin-mineral-info.com/vitamin-b3-niacin-daily-
requirement-dietary-sources.php#sources
•http://www.vitamin-mineral-info.com/vitamin-b3-niacin.php
•http://www.webmd.com/diet/niacin-deficiency-symptoms-and-
treatments