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DRI Dietary Reference Intakes: For Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline
UL for Infants
0–12 months
Not possible to establish; source of intake should be formula and food only
UL for Children
1–3 years
10 mg/day of niacin
4–8 years
15 mg/day of niacin
9–13 years
20 mg/day of niacin
UL for Adolescents
14–18 years
30 mg/day of niacin
UL for Pregnancy
14–18 years
30 mg/day of niacin
19 years and older
35 mg/day of niacin
UL for Lactation
14–18 years
30 mg/day of niacin
19 years and older
35 mg/day of niacin
Special Considerations
A review of the literature identified individuals with the following conditions as being distinctly susceptible to the adverse effects of excess niacin intake: hepatic dysfunction or a history of liver disease, diabetes mellitus, active peptic ulcer disease, gout, cardiac arrhythmias, inflammatory bowel disease, migraine headaches, and alcoholism. Therefore, people with these conditions may not be protected by the UL for niacin for the general population.
Intake Assessment
On the basis of data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey, the highest mean intake of niacin from diet and supplements for any life stage and gender group was 39 mg/day. This intake was being consumed by men aged 31 through 50 years, women over age 70, and pregnant women aged 14 through 55 years. The highest reported intake at the ninety-fifth percentile was 77 mg/day in women aged 51 through 70 years (see Appendix H). Niacin is available over the counter in dosages ranging up to 100 mg or more (in the immediate-release form).
