NIACIN Presented by: Jesika Knitter

Also known as…

• Vitamin B3

• Nicotinic Acid

• A component of the “Vitamin B Complex”

Note: Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body converts into niacin during digestion.

Water-soluble Vitamin

• Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body

• Once ingested: vitamin is absorbed, metabolized, and excreted

• Must be consumed regularly

http://paulej.hubpages.com

Food Sources • dairy products

• eggs

• breads

• sunflower seeds

• nuts

• cereals

• beets

• yeast

• lean meats

• Legumes

consume 15 mg per day

http://vafoods.org

Why is Niacin important

• Converts carbohydrates into glucose; glucose helps to fuel the body

• Major component of the digestive system, skin, nerves, eyes, liver, and conversion of food to energy

• Aids in circulation, production of sex hormones, and stress-related hormones

• Helps the body to utilize fats and proteins

Picture from http://washu.spoonuniversity.edu

Pellegra - Niacin Deficiency

Pellegra means “Raw Skin” in Italian

Reasons for deficiency

• Lack of nutrient in diet

• Metabolic disorders

• Alcoholism

• Diseases effecting absorption

http://itnutrizionista.eu

http://www.pennmedicine.org

“Flushing” – Niacin Excess

Niacin flushing is the vasodilation of blood vessels close to the skin, along with a hot, tingly sensation.Occurs when at least 50 mg of niacin are ingested.

http://side-effects-site.com

Systemic Implications

Too little• Pellegra

• High cholesterol

• Brittle hair

• Unhealthy eyes

• Nerve disorders

Too much• Liver damage

• “Flushing” sensation

• GI disorders

Just right• Reduces cholesterol

• Blood vessel dilation

Oral Implication of Deficiency

• Limits antibody synthesis and phagocytosis

• Hinders metabolic reactions of epithelial and connective tissues

• Inflammation

• Vulnerability of oral pathology (candidiasis)

• Canker sore

• Bright, beefy tongue

Medical Management

• Increase or decrease niacin intake to recommended dosage of 15 mg/day via diet or supplements

• If niacin deficiency still occurs – explore metabolic or absorption disorders

• Question patient about alcohol consumption

Dental Hygiene Considerations

• Patients may present with a bright, beefy tongue

• May experience burning sensation of the tongue

• Oral tissue may be inflamed

• Be cautious of sensitive skin (dermatitis) and/or nerve damage in rare cases

• Refer to specialist if nerve damage and/or dermatitis is suspected

• Urge patient to follow diligent homecare

• Increase recall appointment to manage inflamed tissue

Nutritional Counseling

• Urge patient to keep a food diary

• Seek nutritional counseling for deficiency

• Remind patient that niacin needs to be replenished frequently as it is

a water- soluble vitamin

http://www.wholify.com