By Karen L. Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU Healthwise Team
In 1971, David Bowie released his Grammy Hall of Fame song Changes. This song is considered one of his top 5 songs. In the lyrics, Bowie writes “time may change me.” How have our thoughts changed on niacin over time?
Niacin is known as vitamin B3 and is commonly found in foods such as meats, fish, nuts, brown rice, seeds and bananas. Many cereals, grains, flour, and breads are enriched with niacin.
A deficiency of niacin results in a condition called pellagra. The term comes from the impact on the skin involving rashes and sensitivity to the sun. Other symptoms can include weakness, confusion, and stomach pain. Alcohol consumption can reduce niacin levels in the body as well as the prescription drugs, phenytoin (Dilantin) or valproic acid (Depokote).