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There will be a lack of stomach acid production (achlorhydria) and a decrease in fat digestion and, thus, lower availability from food absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E. Death could occur, usually from convulsions, if the niacin deficiency is not corrected. Deficiency symptoms include: failing vision, hypersensitivity to light, pellagra, skin inflammations and hypersensitivities including skin rashes, cracked and scaly skin, bad breath, tender gums, mouth sores, diarrhea, digestion upsets, ulcers, nausea, decreased appetite, decreased sense of taste, hyperacute sense of smell, fatigue, nervousness, emotional instability, depression, alternating depression and emotional agitation, irritability, apathy, confusion, nervousness, hallucinations, headaches, memory loss, insomnia, muscle weakness, deterioration of amino acid utilization, acne, increased serum cholesterol. Pellagra (a severe niacin and tryptophan deficiency disease), is rare in modernized societies. The skin then becomes darkly pigmented, especially in areas of the body prone to be hot and sweaty or those exposed to sun.
The first stage of this condition is extreme redness and sensitivity of those exposed areas. Some 50% of our daily niacin requirement comes from the conversion in our livers of tryptophan to niacin with the help of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Vitamin B3 (niacin, niacinamide) is needed for release of energy from food; it maintains the health of skin, mouth and digestive tract; it is necessary for normal mental function and can increase circulation and reduce high blood pressure. B3 was first isolated during oxidation of nicotine from tobacco and was thus given the name 'nicotinic acid vitamin', shortened to niacin. It increases the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that tissues produce to help control such physiologic processes as blood clotting and inflammation. All this has been known for a long time but, in spite of this, designer drugs are still being pushed as the only answer.
Niacin appears to reduce symptoms of vertigo, as in Meniere's syndrome. It is common throughout the world but infrequent in the U.S.
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