Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a retrovirus that causes AIDS. AIDS is a condition in which the body has a severely damaged immune system. Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, is a water-soluble B vitamin that is important for metabolism and maintenance of healthy skin and nerve cells. HIV infection increases the risk of niacin deficiency, according to Oregon State University.
Niacin Deficiency and HIV
Patients with HIV infection suffer from chronic gastrointestinal illnesses which hinder the proper absorption of niacin and other nutrients from foods. HIV infection also causes decreased appetite, which causes reduced consumption of niacin-rich foods. Niacin rich foods and supplements are recommended for patients with HIV because Niacin may slow the progression of HIV to AIDS, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Symptoms of Niacin Deficiency
Symptoms of niacin deficiency include fatigue, indigestion, canker sores, vomiting and depression. Niacin deficiency also leads to a disease called pellagra, which is characterized by symptoms such as cracked scaly skin, inflamed skin, swollen bright red tongue, burning in the mouth, digestive problems such as diarrhea, mental impairment and dementia, according to UMMC.
Sources of Niacin
The recommended daily dietary intake of niacin is 16 mg for males and 14 mg for females, according to MedlinePlus. Patients with HIV may require higher amounts of niacin than healthy people due to malabsorption problems. Natural sources of niacin include beef liver, fish, poultry, lean meat, brewer's yeast, milk, dairy products, nuts, eggs, fortified breads and cereals, according to MedlinePlus.
Niacin Supplements
Niacin supplements are suitable for HIV patients who have difficulties eating niacin-rich foods due to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores and esophageal sores. Niacin supplements are available as tablets and injections. Regular tablets are taken two to three times a day with meals, while extended-release tablets are taken once a day at bedtime, according to PubMed. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing to avoid releasing too much medication into the bloodstream. Common side effects of niacin supplements include headache, dizziness, belching, muscle pain, itching and sleep problems. High doses of niacin can cause skin flushing, skin rashes, stomach ulcers and liver damage.
