Test : Niacin (Vitamin B3) Test
Indications : The test is recommended if you have the following symptoms (
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Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
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- Cracked scaly skin
- Swollen bright red tongue
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Fatigability
- Canker sores
- Poor circulation
- Depression
Physiology : Niacin, or vitamin B3, plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes essential for overall health. It aids in converting carbohydrates and fats into energy, metabolizing proteins, and contributes to the production of hormones such as cortisol (which regulates stress and metabolism) and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Niacin is also vital for the formation of red blood cells. The niacin test evaluates its levels in blood and urine, providing insights into its availability and potential impacts on metabolic function and hormonal balance.
Normal Range : Niacin reference ranges for adults (≥ 10 years) (
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Normal: 0.50 - 8.45 ug/mL
Low: Less than 0.50 ug/mL
High: More than 8.45 ug/mL
Niacin reference ranges for pediatrics (<10 years) (
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Niacin
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Normal: 0.50 - 8.91 ug/mL
Low: Less than 0.50 ug/mL
High: More than 8.91 ug/mL
Interpretation : Higher level of niacin intake can result in (
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Niacin - Vitamin B3
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- Flushing
- Burning, tingling, and itching sensations over the face
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance
- Abdominal pain
- Blurred vision
Lower level of niacin intake can result in these conditions (
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Niacin - Vitamin B3
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- Niacin deficiency
- World Lung Cancer Day
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Coronary artery diseases
More Information: Niacin rich foods include (
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- Red meat: beef, beef liver, pork
- Poultry
- Fish
- Brown rice
- Fortified cereals and breads
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
- Banana
References:
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- (https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-b3-niacin)
- About Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- (https://asantelab.testcatalog.org/show/LAB5516)
- Niacin - (https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/)
- Niacin - Vitamin B3
- (https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/niacin-vitamin-b3/)