When vitamin B3 deficiency is prolonged, the body may show many abnormal signs but is easily confused with normal fatigue.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, one of the early manifestations of vitamin B3 deficiency is skin damage. Patients may experience red, dark, peeling skin or become more sensitive to sunlight. Skin areas in the neck, arms, or face are often more clearly affected.
Not only affecting the skin, vitamin B3 deficiency also affects the nervous system. People with niacin deficiency may feel prolonged fatigue, headache, reduced concentration, irritability or mood swings. Some cases also experience insomnia, dizziness or numbness in limbs.
In addition, the body may also experience digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhea. If severe deficiency occurs for a long time, patients are at risk of pellagra, a disease related to niacin deficiency with typical manifestations in the skin, nerves and digestive system.
Experts recommend maintaining a diverse diet with foods rich in vitamin B3 such as fish, chicken, lean meat, peanuts, mushrooms and whole grains. People who regularly drink alcohol, eat poorly or have digestive diseases need to pay attention to the risk of micronutrient deficiency.
If prolonged skin damage appears accompanied by fatigue, neurological or digestive disorders, people should go for examination to be checked and supplemented appropriately.
