Recommended daily intake niacin adults?

What is the recommended daily intake of niacin (vitamin B3) for adults?

For adults, the recommended daily intake (RDAs) of niacin are based on how much niacin activity you need per day, expressed in milligrams of niacin equivalents (mg NE) [1].

- Men (19+ years): 16 mg NE per day [1]
- Women (19+ years): 14 mg NE per day [1]

Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase needs:
- Pregnancy: 18 mg NE per day [1]
- Breastfeeding: 17 mg NE per day [1]

How much niacin do you need if you’re using “niacin equivalents”?

Niacin intake is often listed as mg NE (niacin equivalents). That unit is used to combine niacin from preformed niacin (like niacin itself) and niacin from the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) into niacin [1].

What’s the upper limit for niacin so you don’t overdo it?

The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for niacin from supplements is commonly listed as 35 mg per day for adults, because higher doses can increase the risk of side effects such as flushing and liver-related issues [1].

Are niacin needs different for smokers?

Smokers typically have higher niacin needs due to increased turnover and metabolism. The guideline for smoking is reflected in the RDA/need values for adults who smoke [1].

Where can you find the official RDAs?

The adult niacin RDAs and related guidance (including pregnancy/lactation and upper limits) are published in the Dietary Reference Intakes tables by the U.S. National Academies’ Food and Nutrition Board [1].

Sources:
[1] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-Consumer/