Includes nicotinic acid amide, nicotinic acid (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid), and derivatives that exhibit the biologic activity of nicotinamide.
Note: Given as niacin equivalents (NE). 1 mg of niacin = 60 mg of tryptophan; 0–6 months = preformed niacin (not NE).
Coenzyme or cosubstrate in many biologic reduction and oxidation reactions—thus required for energy metabolism
| Life Stage Group | RDA/AI* (mg/d) | ULa (mg/d) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | ||
| 0–6 mo | 2* | ND |
| 7–12 mo | 4* | ND |
| Children | ||
| 1–3 yr | 6 | 10 |
| 4–8 yr | 8 | 15 |
| Males | ||
| 9–13 yr | 12 | 20 |
| 14–18 yr | 16 | 30 |
| 19–30 yr | 16 | 35 |
| 31–50 yr | 16 | 35 |
| 50–70 yr | 16 | 35 |
| >70 yr | 16 | 35 |
| Females | ||
| 9–13 yr | 12 | 20 |
| 14–18 yr | 14 | 30 |
| 19–30 yr | 14 | 35 |
| 31–50 yr | 14 | 35 |
| 50–70 yr | 14 | 35 |
| >70 yr | 14 | 35 |
| Pregnancy | ||
| <=18 yr | 18 | 30 |
| 19–30 yr | 18 | 35 |
| 31–50 yr | 18 | 35 |
| Lactation | ||
| <=18 yr | 17 | 30 |
| 19–30 yr | 17 | 35 |
| 31–50 yr | 17 | 35 |
Meat, fish, poultry, enriched and whole-grain breads and bread products, fortified ready-to-eat cereals
Adverse Effects of Excessive Consumption
There is no evidence of adverse effects from the consumption of naturally occurring niacin in foods.
Adverse effects from niacin containing supplements may include flushing and gastrointestinal distress.
The UL for niacin applies to synthetic forms obtained from supplements, fortified foods, or a combination of the two.
Extra niacin may be required by persons treated with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or those with malabsorption syndrome.