Niacin deficiency can cause skin, mucous membrane, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system symptoms. Skin symptoms include rashes and lesions, while mucous membrane symptoms include mouth and vaginal pain. Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea. Central nervous system symptoms include psychosis and dementia. Treatment is possible with dietary supplements.
A person who has a niacin deficiency can develop symptoms that affect the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal system, and even the central nervous system. Those who develop skin symptoms due to a niacin deficiency may develop rashes and lesions. Often, the mouth is affected, and people may develop red, painful, sore areas in the mouth, as well as increased saliva production. A person with a niacin deficiency may also develop abdominal discomfort, constipation, and even bloody diarrhea. Women may also experience pain and redness in the vaginal area. Severe cases can also result in psychological changes and dementia.
When a person has a niacin deficiency, they often develop marks that affect their skin. For example, you may develop lesions and rashes on pressure points on your body and in places exposed to the sun. When the face is affected, a butterfly-like rash may form or the person may develop a necklace-like ring around the neck. The lesions may also form like a glove on the patient’s hands or like a boot on the feet and legs. Lesions that develop when a person has a niacin deficiency often form on both sides of the patient’s body.
Signs of deficiency affecting the mucous membranes are often found inside a person’s mouth. They can also, however, affect a person’s vagina and urethra, which is the tube that carries urine outside a person’s body. A person with this deficiency may develop tongue swelling, redness, and pain inside the mouth. Mouth sores can also develop, and many patients with signs of this deficiency experience increased salivation.
A person who is niacin deficient may also develop symptoms affecting their pharynx, which is a section of the throat, and their esophagus, which passes food from the pharynx to the stomach. You may feel burning in both of these areas. Abdominal swelling and pain are also present in many cases. Constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can also develop as signs of a niacin deficiency.
In some cases, central nervous system changes can develop as signs of niacin deficiency. For example, a person may develop psychosis with this condition. Dementia can also be a sign of deficiency. In some cases, a patient with a niacin deficiency may also experience impaired consciousness.
It’s important to note that a niacin deficiency is less likely to develop in people living in developed countries. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can’t develop. For this reason, a person who develops symptoms that seem to indicate a niacin deficiency should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. In most cases, people with this deficiency can be treated with dietary supplements.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
