Niacin (vitamin B3): Uses, dosage, side effects

Niacin is a B vitamin that plays a role in keeping the nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy. Niacin (vitamin B3) is often part of a daily multivitamin. Foods rich in niacin include yeast, milk, meat, tortillas, and cereals.

Niacin or nicotinic acid, commonly known as niacin (vitamin B3), is a vitamin everyone needs. When taken in large doses, vitamin B3 works to improve cholesterol levels by reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).

Niacin (vitamin B3) supplementation is a method of raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, with good research showing that niacin can increase levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Niacin also works to lower bad LDL cholesterol. It is often prescribed in combination with a statin to control cholesterol, such as Crestor, Lescol, or Lipitor.
However, niacin is only effective in treating cholesterol in fairly high doses. These doses can cause risks, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, or glucose intolerance. So do not self-medicate with over-the-counter niacin supplements.
Niacin also offers many other benefits. There are studies that show it helps reduce atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, in some people. For people who have already had a heart attack, niacin seems to reduce the risk of a second heart attack. Additionally, niacin is considered a treatment for tinea versicolor, a rare condition that develops due to a niacin deficiency.
Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency: Niacin and a related nutrient called niacinamide are used to treat or prevent niacin deficiency. This condition is not common.

Because niacin can be used in many different ways, you should consult with your doctor to find the optimal dose of niacin for your body.
Everyone needs a certain amount of niacin from food or supplements for the body to function properly. As for niacin, niacin supplementation varies with age and other factors:
Children: between 2-16 milligrams daily, depending on age Men: 16 milligrams daily Women: 14 milligrams daily Women (pregnant): 18 milligrams daily Women (breastfeeding): 17 milligrams daily Maximum daily intake for adults of all ages: 35 milligrams daily Most people can get the amount of niacin they need. by following a healthy diet. If your doctor prescribes a niacin supplement, you can take it with food. This can help you prevent stomach upset.

Niacin is generally safe for most people when taken by mouth. A common minor side effect of niacin is a hot flash. This can cause burning, tingling, itching, and redness of the face, arms, and chest, as well as headaches. Starting with a small dose of niacin and taking 325 mg of aspirin before each dose of niacin will help reduce hot flashes. Usually, this reaction goes away as the body gets used to the drug. Alcohol can make the flushing reaction worse. Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking niacin.
Prescription niacin may be beneficial for people with high cholesterol who cannot take statins or cannot control cholesterol levels through statin use, diet, and exercise. Do not take prescription niacin for high cholesterol if you are pregnant.
Other side effects of niacin are upset stomach, intestinal gas, dizziness, sore mouth and other problems.
Using high doses of niacin can cause some side effects such as:
Severe skin redness combined with dizziness Heart palpitations Itching Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Diarrhea Gout Liver damage Diabetes When taking doses of more than 3 grams per day of niacin, more serious side effects may occur. These include liver problems, gout, gastrointestinal ulcers, loss of vision, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, and other serious problems. When taken daily for many years, niacin may increase the risk of diabetes.
Stroke: Some concern has been raised about the risk of stroke in people taking niacin. In one large study, people taking high doses of niacin were twice as likely to have a stroke as those not taking niacin. However, it is unlikely that this result is due to niacin. Another study showed that niacin had no effect on stroke risk.
Niacin is safe for pregnant and lactating women when taken in recommended amounts. The recommended amount of niacin for pregnant or nursing women is 30 mg per day for women under 18 and 35 mg for women over 18.
Allergies: Niacin may worsen allergies by causing histamine, the chemical responsible for allergy symptoms, to be released.

Heart disease/unstable angina: Large amounts of niacin can increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat. Use carefully.
Crohn's disease: People with Crohn's disease may have low niacin levels and need supplements during flare-ups.
Diabetes: Niacin can increase blood sugar. People with diabetes taking niacin should check their blood sugar carefully.
Surgery: Niacin may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking niacin at least 2 weeks before surgery. In addition, Niacin may increase the risk of infection.
Thyroid disorders: Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Niacin may decrease blood levels of thyroxine. This can worsen the symptoms of a thyroid disorder.

References: Mayoclinic.org; Webmd.com