Nutrition and Information Guide: Vitamin Niacin

About the vitamin niacin, nutritional information guide, uses, effects of deficiency, good sources of niacin.

Niacin

Use in the Body: Assists in the breakdown and use of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Promotes good physical and mental health, maintains the health of the skin, tongue, and digestive system.

Deficiency May Lead to: Weakness, diarrhea, dermatitis, swelled tongue, irritation of the rectum, depression and irritability, and pellagra, which in advanced cases leads to delirium, hallucinations, and stupor.

Notes: Not destroyed by heat, light, or air. Most effective when used with other B vitamins.

Best Sources: Chicken and turkey (light meat contains 50% more niacin than dark meat), peanuts, organ meats, rice bran and polish, milk and milk products, meat and fish, hot red pepper, whole grains.