4 Symptoms of Vitamin B3 Deficiency in Children, Beware!

Vitamin B3 or niacin deficiency occurs when the intake is less than 4.4 to 6.6 milligrams for every 1,000 calories consumed by toddlers.

According to Oregon State University's Micronutient Information Center, vitamin B3 deficiency can occur as a result of malnutrition, an unhealthy diet, abnormal tryptophan absorption, metabolic disorders, as well as chemotherapy side effects.

Read: Vitamin B3: Definition, Benefits, Functions, Food Sources

Vitamin B3 itself has various important roles in maintaining the health and function of various organs of the toddler's body, such as lowering triglyceride levels in the blood, helping to improve brain function, or maintaining mental health.

Symptoms of Vitamin B3 Deficiency in Children

Well, here are the symptoms and impacts of vitamin B3 deficiency on toddlers that you should know as quoted from the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS).

1. Symptoms on the Skin

Vitamin B3 has important functions for the health of toddlers' skin, such as keeping the skin supple and hydrated and preventing skin cell damage due to sun exposure.

According to internal medicine physician Larry E. Johnson, MD, Ph.D., the most easily recognizable mild vitamin B3 deficiency symptoms are skin rashes that are red, inflamed, and painful to the touch.

In cases of severe vitamin B3 deficiency, symmetrical lesions usually appear on areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the neck, hands, and feet.

2. Symptoms of the Mucous Membranes

Mucous membranes or mucous membranes are layers that protect parts of internal organs that come into contact with air, such as those found in the mouth, tongue, nose, vagina, or anus.

Symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency in toddlers are most common in the mouth, but can also affect the vagina or urinary tract. A mild vitamin B3 deficiency can trigger symptoms such as inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) and canker sores.

When it occurs in the long term, the mucus on the tongue and mouth area will redden and feel painful, which is then followed by excess saliva production and swelling of the tongue.

3. Symptoms of the Digestive System

Vitamin B3 or niacin plays an important role in the digestive system and metabolism, as well as helping the body break down carbohydrates and fats from foods consumed by toddlers.

In the early stages of vitamin B3 deficiency, the throat will feel hot, the stomach will feel sore and bloated, also sometimes accompanied by constipation.

If vitamin B3 deficiency continues, toddlers will experience vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by blood, due to the narrowing of blood vessels (hyperemia) or the presence of dead tissue (ulceration).

4. Symptoms of the Nervous System

Apparently, vitamin B3 deficiency can also affect the nervous system of toddlers.

According to information from the National Institutes of Health, neurological symptoms that can appear due to vitamin B3 deficiency include headaches, fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, apathy, voice, and visual hallucinations.

In order not to take the wrong step, if you see the symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency above, you should immediately check the Little One to a doctor so that they can be given the right diagnosis and professional treatment is carried out.

That's an article about 4 symptoms of vitamin B3 deficiency in children, you must be aware. Hopefully, this article is useful!