Niacin deficiency may result from inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B3 (niacin) and/or ‘tryptophan’, a

dietary amino acid from which NAD can also be synthesized (3) .

Other nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B2 , B6 , and iron) may also contribute to the development of
niacin deficiency.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of niacin deficiency involve the skin, digestive system, and nervous system
(2) .

The symptoms of the late stage of severe vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency ─ a disease called ‘pellagra’ ─
include inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and memory loss. If
untreated, pellagra is ultimately fatal (3) .

Authored by Dr Peter Engel in 2010, reviewed by Giorgio La Fata on 06.06.2017

Severe deficiency results in pellagra, which is a combined deficiency of both niacin and its precursor,
tryptophan. The symptoms of deficiency are primarily dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Death results
if the condition is untreated. 

Key diagnostic factors

dermatitis

insomnia, depression, or memory loss

intermittent stupor

hallucinations or delirium

Full details

Other diagnostic factors

fatigue

anxiety or paranoia

anorexia, weight loss, or cachexia

headache