Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 — dosage, safety & deals FAQ

How much Niacin do you need per day?

The RDA, in mg niacin equivalents (NE), is 16 mg NE for men and 14 mg NE for women age 19+. Children: 6 mg NE (1-3y), 8 mg NE (4-8y), 12 mg NE (9-13y), 16 (boys)/14 (girls) mg NE at 14-18y. Pregnancy is 18 mg NE; lactation 17 mg NE. — per the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; general information, not medical advice.

Can you take too much Niacin?

Yes. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for supplemental niacin is 35 mg for adults 19+ (30 mg at 14-18y). 30-50 mg or more nicotinic acid typically causes flushing with burning, tingling, itching. Pharmacologic doses of 1,000-3,000 mg/day can cause hypotension, impaired glucose tolerance, GI effects, and hepatotoxicity. — per the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; general information, not medical advice.

What are the signs of Niacin deficiency?

Severe deficiency causes pellagra: a pigmented rash or brown discoloration on sun-exposed skin with a roughened, sunburned appearance; a bright red tongue; vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Neurological signs include depression, apathy, headache, fatigue, memory loss, and hallucinations. As it progresses, anorexia develops and the person eventually dies. — per the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; general information, not medical advice.

Who is most likely to need more Niacin?

Groups at risk of inadequacy: people with undernutrition (poverty, anorexia, alcohol use disorder, AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, or liver cirrhosis); people with inadequate riboflavin, pyridoxine (B6), or iron intakes; people with Hartnup disease; and people with carcinoid syndrome. — per the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; general information, not medical advice.

Does Niacin interact with any medications?