Vitamin B3 Deficiency
Assess whether you present clinical signs of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency.
Vitamin B3, also called niacin or vitamin PP (Pellagra Preventive), is involved in more than 400 enzymatic reactions in the form of NAD and NADP. It is essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and proper functioning of the nervous system. A severe deficit leads to pellagra, classically described by the triad of 3Ds: dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. This questionnaire targets early signs of niacin insufficiency, which are often overlooked.
Points forts
- + Rapid identification of clinical signs
- + Simple self-assessment test
- + Detection of cutaneous, digestive, and neuropsychic manifestations suggestive of niacin deficiency
Limites
- - Does not replace blood testing
- - Some signs may have other causes
- - Limited sensitivity for subclinical deficiencies
Raccourci clavier : appuyez sur le chiffre correspondant
Recevez votre guide personnalise (6 pages PDF)
Alimentation, 10 techniques naturo, supplementation raisonnee et references scientifiques.
Guide envoye par email ! Verifiez votre boite de reception.
Maintenir votre équilibre
Understanding the central role of NAD+
Vitamin B3 is the precursor of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), often called the longevity molecule. NAD+ is involved in mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair via sirtuins and PARP enzymes, and circadian rhythm regulation. Your good score indicates that your NAD+ pool is probably sufficient, but it naturally declines with age, which justifies continued dietary attention.
The tryptophan-niacin link to monitor
Your body synthesizes niacin from dietary tryptophan, but this conversion requires vitamin B6, vitamin B2, and iron. A deficiency in any of these cofactors, a protein-poor diet, or chronic stress (which diverts tryptophan toward the kynurenine pathway) can compromise this synthesis. Monitor your intake of complete proteins and associated cofactors.
Preserving your niacin status
Regularly incorporate niacin-rich foods into your diet: poultry, fatty fish, mushrooms, peanuts, and nutritional yeast. Tryptophan-rich foods (turkey, eggs, pumpkin seeds, banana) complement this intake through the endogenous synthesis pathway. Prioritize good stress management and sufficient sleep, as NAD+ is heavily used during nighttime recovery.
Comprendre tes resultats en profondeur
Chaque semaine, un enseignement de naturopathie orthodoxe pour equilibrer ton terrain.
Explorez d'autres questionnaires pour un bilan complet
Voir tous les questionnairesVotre protocole naturel
Pathophysiology of your situation
NAD+ is the metabolic crossroads of the cell: it participates in glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and beta-oxidation of fatty acids. B3 deficiency reduces NAD+ production, causing global energy collapse. The sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7), NAD+-dependent enzymes involved in longevity and cellular repair, are also compromised. Organs with high energy demand and rapid turnover (brain, intestine, skin) are affected first.
Clinical and biological markers
Clinical signs according to Hertoghe include cutaneous photosensitivity (dermatitis in sun-exposed areas), digestive disorders (glossitis, stomatitis, diarrhea), cognitive fatigue, and diffuse burning sensations. In the laboratory, the reference marker is urinary N-methylnicotinamide assay (normal above 5.8 micromol/L). The erythrocyte NAD/NADH ratio and blood niacin assay complete the workup. Elevated homocysteine may also suggest an associated B vitamin deficiency.
Priority food sources
Cooked calf liver (16.7 mg/100 g), cooked tuna (22 mg/100 g), chicken (13.7 mg/100 g), and roasted peanuts (13.5 mg/100 g) are the most concentrated sources of preformed niacin. Mushrooms (button and shiitake) also provide niacin in plant form. Supplement with tryptophan-rich foods (turkey, eggs, pumpkin seeds) to activate the endogenous synthesis pathway. Nutritional yeast remains an exceptional source (40 mg/100 g).
Targeted supplementation
Nicotinamide (or niacinamide) at 500 mg per day is the preferred form: it does not cause the flush (vasomotor flush) characteristic of nicotinic acid. It is well tolerated and effective for restoring the NAD+ pool. Alternatively, nicotinic acid (classic niacin) at 100 to 500 mg per day also improves lipid profile, but causes transient cutaneous flush in most people. Preferably take with meals to limit digestive effects.
Lifestyle adjustments
Chronic stress diverts tryptophan toward the kynurenine pathway at the expense of niacin and serotonin synthesis. Adopt daily anti-stress practices (heart rate variability coherence, nature walks, meditation) to preserve this metabolic pathway. Sufficient sleep (7 to 8 hours) is essential as NAD+ is heavily consumed during nighttime repair processes. Alcohol also depletes NAD+ reserves by engaging alcohol dehydrogenase.
Hepatic support through plants
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) as EPS (5 to 10 mL per day) or dry extract capsules supports hepatic function, the key organ for tryptophan-to-niacin conversion. Cynarin and chlorogenic acids stimulate bile secretion and protect hepatocytes. Desmodium (Desmodium adscendens) complements this hepatoprotective action. For associated digestive disorders, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) as an infusion soothes abdominal burning and promotes digestion.
Comprendre tes resultats en profondeur
Chaque semaine, un enseignement de naturopathie orthodoxe pour equilibrer ton terrain.
Complétez votre bilan avec d'autres questionnaires
Voir tous les questionnairesVotre protocole naturel
Understanding the severity of the situation
Severe NAD+ deficiency simultaneously compromises cellular energy production (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, respiratory chain), DNA repair (PARP enzymes), inflammation regulation (sirtuins), and neurotransmitter metabolism. Classic pellagra (4Ds: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, death) is the terminal manifestation of this global metabolic collapse. Subclinical forms are far more common than thought and manifest as chronic fatigue, brain fog, and cutaneous hypersensitivity to sunlight.
Priority biological workup
Prioritize urinary N-methylnicotinamide assay (most specific marker, normal above 5.8 micromol/L) and erythrocyte NAD/NADH ratio. According to Hertoghe, major clinical signs include dermatitis of photo-exposed areas (Casal necklace appearance on neck), glossitis (red and smooth tongue), abdominal burning, and neuropsychic disturbances (confusion, irritability, insomnia). In the laboratory, comprehensive workup should include vitamins B6, B2, and serum iron, as these cofactors are essential for tryptophan-to-niacin conversion. Homocysteine is often elevated in case of multiple B vitamin deficiency.
Therapeutic diet
Focus on the most concentrated sources of preformed niacin: nutritional yeast (40 mg/100 g), cooked tuna (22 mg/100 g), calf liver (16.7 mg/100 g), anchovies (14 mg/100 g), chicken, and turkey. Roasted peanuts (13.5 mg/100 g) constitute an excellent therapeutic snack. Supplement with tryptophan-rich foods to activate the endogenous synthesis pathway: turkey, eggs, pumpkin seeds, banana. Simultaneously ensure intake of vitamin B6, B2, and iron, essential cofactors for this conversion.
Attack supplementation
In case of probable deficiency, start with nicotinamide (niacinamide) at 500 mg, twice daily with meals, for 2 to 3 months. Nicotinamide does not cause flush and effectively restores the NAD+ pool. If your lipid profile is also disturbed, nicotinic acid (250 to 500 mg per day, increasing progressively) may be preferred for its beneficial effect on triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, despite transient flush. Associate a complete B complex (B2, B6, folic acid) to support the tryptophan-to-niacin conversion pathway. Adding magnesium and zinc optimizes overall energy metabolism.
Lifestyle reform
Drastically reduce alcohol, which depletes NAD+ via alcohol dehydrogenase and damages the digestive mucosa necessary for absorption. Absolutely manage your chronic stress: cortisol activates the IDO enzyme (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase) which diverts tryptophan toward the inflammatory kynurenine pathway at the expense of niacin and serotonin. Practice daily heart rate variability coherence, nature walks, or meditation. Sleep 7 to 8 hours per night to allow NAD+ pool regeneration. Protect your skin from sunlight while the deficiency is being corrected.
Targeted phytotherapy support
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is the plant of choice to support the liver, the central organ for tryptophan-to-niacin conversion. Take 10 mL of EPS daily or 2 capsules of standardized extract in cynarin, before meals. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in combination strengthens hepatoprotection through silibinin. For digestive disorders (burning, diarrhea-constipation alternation), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) as EPS (5 mL/day) protects gastric and intestinal mucosa. In case of associated sleep disturbances, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) at bedtime promotes nighttime recovery and NAD+ regeneration.
Comprendre tes resultats en profondeur
Chaque semaine, un enseignement de naturopathie orthodoxe pour equilibrer ton terrain.
Complétez votre bilan avec d'autres questionnaires
Voir tous les questionnairesCe questionnaire est un outil d'auto-évaluation et ne remplace en aucun cas un diagnostic médical. Consultez un professionnel de santé pour toute préoccupation.
Comprendre ton terrain pour mieux agir
Chaque semaine, un enseignement de naturopathie, une recette de jus et des reflexions sur la vitalite. Gratuit, sans spam.
Unsubscribe in one click.