The principal role of niacin is as a constituent in coenzyme. It is a constituent of the coenzymes which are essential for completing certain oxidation reactions in the body. It helps in oxidation of glucose for release of energy.

Deficiency of Niacin: Deficiency of niacin and its precursor tryptophan expresses itself in the form of Pellagra which is still found in India, South Africa, and Egypt where there are large numbers of poor persons living on maize or sometimes on millets.

Symptoms

On exposure to sun, persons taking inadequate quantity of tryptophan niacin, acquire a scaly, pigmented dermatitis over the exposed areas like face, neck, back or hands, elbows etc. If this condition is not treated, the skin becomes rough, scaly and ulcerated.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia may be described as symptoms due to deficiency of Niacin.

In dementia, the central nervous system is affected. In mild cases the symptoms are weakness, anxiety, depression, irritability, confusion, fear, dizziness and poor memory. In sever cases paralysis may occur. If pellagra remains untreated, it may prove fatal.

In diarrhoea there are profuse watery stools accompanied by blood and mucus. The rectum and anus also get affected. There is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid which affects digestion and results into anaemia.

Recommended Allowances

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The requirement for this vitamin has been placed at approximately 10mg. to 16 mg. per day in diets which are otherwise adequate in respect of tryptophan in terms of niacin equivalent.

Sources of Niacin

The chief sources of niacin are liver, bean, meat, fish and poultry. Plant sources include peanuts, beans, peas and other legumes. Since niacin is stable to air, light and heat, it is not destroyed by ordinary cooking processes.

Vitamin B-12 (Cynocobalamin): It is also important component of vitamin B group and it is essential for healthy blood formation and proper growth of body. Milk, liver, meat are its important sources.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Vitamin Folic Acid: Sprouted pulses, cauliflower, green vegetable, meat, fish are its important sources. It helps in information and maturation of red blood cells (RBC) in the human body.