Neuropathy, a general term for damage to your nervous system and resulting symptoms, can be caused by a variety of factors, including a niacin deficiency. Ideally, your diet should be well-balanced and nutritious, providing enough niacin naturally so that you do not have to worry about a long-term niacin deficiency.
Peripheral Neuropathy
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, neuropathy -- also called peripheral neuropathy -- describes damage to your nervous system that results in neurological symptoms. The peripheral nervous system sends primarily sensory information to your brain from your limbs and relays commands from your brain to your extremities. When the nerves in this system are damaged or disrupted, symptoms like numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, pain and sensitivity to touch can occur.
Niacin
Niacin, also called vitamin B-3, is a vitamin your body needs for a variety of functions, especially the metabolism of energy from food. Niacin also helps your digestive tract, nerves and skin work correctly. Niacin is water-soluble, so your body cannot store it and you need to make sure you get enough every day. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, a niacin deficiency is called pellagra, and it can result in nerve damage that causes neurological symptoms.
Niacin and Neuropathy
One cause of peripheral neuropathy can be a deficiency in vitamins that are necessary for healthy nerve tissue, including vitamins B-1, B-6, B-12 and niacin. Without enough niacin, your nerves are unable to maintain healthy functions, leaving your nervous system susceptible to damage. Damage can come from a number of sources, including excessive alcohol consumption. A chronic deficiency in niacin leading to widespread nerve damage can result in a variety of symptoms in addition to peripheral neuropathy symptoms, including headaches, fatigue and memory loss.
Sources and Amounts
To help prevent a niacin deficiency that leaves you more susceptible to nerve damage, make sure you get enough niacin in your diet every day. The Food and Nutrition Board recommends that adult males consume 16 mg, while women take in 14 mg every day. Niacin is found abundantly in meat, from red meats to poultry and fish. You can also find niacin in yeast, breakfast cereals, legumes and seeds. Liquid sources of niacin include milk, coffee and tea.
