Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 26 : Nicotinic Acid (Niacin)

Requirements

Tryptophan present in dietary proteins is converted into niacin in the tissues, a consideration of niacin requirements should also include the niacin provided by the tryptophan in addition to free niacin present in the diet.

Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors like pregnancy, women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts.

The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for niacin:

Group	Niacin(kg)
Infants 0 - 6 months 7 - 12 months	710 µg/kg 4 µg/kg
Children 1 - 3 years 4 - 6 years 7 - 9 years	8 mg/day 11 mg/day 13 mg/day
Adolescents and Adults Males age 14 and older Females age 14 and older	14-17 mg/day 13-14 mg/day

Ref: Nutrition Expert group , ICMR(2010)