What Are the Signs of Niacin Deficiency?

Nicotinic acid deficiency, also known as pellagra, is a disease characterized clinically by dermatitis, glossitis, enteritis, mental abnormalities, and peripheral neuritis due to niacin vitamin deficiency.

Basic Information

nickname

Pellagra

English name

niacin deficiency

English alias

pellagra

Visiting department

Internal medicine

Common causes

1. insufficient intake; 2. bad living habits; 3. drugs; 4. gastrointestinal disorders; 5. congenital defects; 6. carcinoid syndrome

Common symptoms

Indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness and insomnia, angular cheilitis, swelling of the oral mucosa, tongue mucosa and gums, ulcers, etc.

Causes of Niacin Deficiency

Insufficient intake

The main food sources of niacin are liver, kidney, lean meat, poultry, fish, peanuts, beans and so on. When these foods are inadequate, both vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 deficiency can cause niacin deficiency. Seen in those who eat corn as the main food, since most of the niacin contained in corn is a combination type, it cannot be used by the body without decomposition. In addition, the lack of tryptophan in corn protein makes niacin deficiency prone.

2. Bad living habits

Such as inadequate dietary intake when drinking alcohol, irregular eating, when there is insufficient intake of other nutrients, it will easily affect the absorption and metabolism of niacin.

3. Drug

Some drugs can interfere with the metabolism of nicotinic acid. The best known is isoniazid, which interferes with pyridoxine, which is an important coenzyme in the tryptophan and nicotinamide metabolism pathways. Long-term use of certain anticancer drugs, especially thiopurine, can cause niacin deficiency.

4. Gastrointestinal disorders

Including long-term diarrhea, pyloric obstruction, chronic intestinal obstruction, and intestinal tuberculosis caused by various reasons can cause malabsorption of niacin.

5. Congenital defects

For example, Hartnup disease is caused by a defect in the transport of tryptophan and several other amino acids in the small intestine and renal tubules.

6. Carcinoid syndrome

Caused by a large amount of tryptophan conversion to serotonin without conversion to niacin.

Clinical manifestations of niacin deficiency

Early performance

Indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, indifference, drowsiness, insomnia, and burning and numbness in the extremities may occur at an early stage.

2. Skin damage

It starts with erythema, much like sunburn, with burning and itching sensations. With the subsequent exudation, herpes and bullae were formed, then crusted, pigmented, and the skin became rough and scaly.

3. Digestive system symptoms

Stomatitis, swelling of the oral mucosa, tongue mucosa, and gums, with ulcers and secondary infections. Have loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

4. Nervous system symptoms

Onset of headaches, dizziness, irritability, disturbed sleep, etc. If the disease progresses, there may be depression, hallucinations, hallucinations, insanity, delirium, and coma. Check for paresthesia, numbness of the limbs, general pain, and early hypertonic reflexes Disappeared later.

Niacin deficiency treatment

1. Diet therapy, including liver, lean meat, poultry, milk, eggs and soy products in the diet. In addition, eat more peanuts, yeast, green leafy vegetables and other foods.

2. Niacin or nicotinamide is taken orally for 2 to 4 weeks as a course of treatment. After the clinical symptoms improve, gradually reduce the amount while adjusting the diet. In severe cases, nicotinamide can be injected intramuscularly.

3. If niacin deficiency is caused by other diseases, the primary disease should be treated at the same time.

4. Symptomatic treatment, for skin lesions, intensive care should be avoided to avoid sunlight, oral hygiene, and B vitamins. Those with diarrhea stop diarrhea, give easily digestible food, and have symptomatic treatment for those with mental symptoms.