Niacin

Niacin is a B vitamin involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair. Niacin also helps remove toxic chimals from the body and assists in the production of sex- and stress-related hormones.

Deficiencies: Pellagra, the classic niacin deficiency disease, is characterized by bilateral dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Pellagra often is associated with other micronutrient deficiencies and may develop also in cases of disturbed tryptophan metabolism (carcinoid syndrome, Hartnup's). Mild niacin deficiency slows metabolism. Dietary niacin deficiency tends to occur only in areas where corn is consumed as the staple food.

Food sources: Niacin is widely distributed in plant and animal foods. Good sources are yeast, meats including liver, cereals, legumes, seeds, milk, green leafy vegetables, and fish.

2000-Calorie Diet Recommendations

Shown below are the reference numbers used to compute the Daily Value percentages that appear on the Nutrition Facts labels on foods sold in the U.S. These numbers are meant to approximate the nutrients needed for the average person consuming 2000 calories per day.

Click any of the vitamin or nutrient names below to learn more about the importance of each element, and to see detailed dietary allowances for specific population groups.

***Daily Value recommendations are based on a 2000-calorie diet. Recommendations for individuals will vary depending on gender, age, weight, and other factors.