Side Effects of Niacin: Rash
- Niacin Flush. Taking niacin causes the release of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in your body that are responsible for promoting the inflammatory response when you are injured.
- Contributing Factors. However, the flushing reaction may also occur with normal doses in sensitive individuals. ...
- Niacin Recommendations. ...
- Special Warning. ...
- Severe skin flushing combined with dizziness.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Itching.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Gout.
- Liver damage.
What causes an excess of niacin can cause?
Niacin can cause an excess of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia), putting you at risk of gout. If you're pregnant, don't take prescription niacin for high cholesterol. However, if needed to prevent or treat niacin deficiency, niacin is likely safe to take during pregnancy and in breast-feeding women when used in recommended amounts.
What can happen from taking too much niacin?
- Weakness,
- Throat swelling/soreness.
- Swollen tongue.
- Skin cracking (including cracked corners of the mouth)
- Dermatitis.
- Anaemia.
- Blurred vision and itching, watering, sore, or bloodshot eyes.
- Eyes becoming light-sensitive and easily fatigued.
What are some pros and cons of taking niacin?
Pros:: May lower your triglycerides and/or raise your HDL. Cons: side effects including flossing/heat sensation. Cons: side effects including flossing/heat sensation. Limited to no data on improving outcomes. ...
What are the long term side effects of niacin?
- Dizziness or faintness
- dryness of the skin
- fever
- frequent urination
- joint pain
- muscle aching or cramping
- side, lower back, or stomach pain
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
- unusual thirst
- unusual tiredness or weakness
What happens if I take too much niacin?
Niacin in the form of nicotinamide has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid. However, at high doses of 500 mg/day or more, nicotinamide can cause diarrhea, easy bruising, and can increase bleeding from wounds. Even higher doses of 3,000 mg/day or more can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
What is the most common side effect of niacin?
High doses (50 mg or more) of niacin can cause side effects. The most common side effect is called "niacin flush," which is a burning, tingling sensation in the face and chest, and red or flushed skin. Taking an aspirin 30 minutes prior to the niacin may help reduce this symptom.
Why is niacin not recommended?
Niacin does have risks. It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues.
How do I know if I have a niacin overdose?
Niacin overdose signs and symptoms include: Severe skin flushing combined with dizziness. Rapid heartbeat. Itching.
What medicines should not be taken with niacin?
Anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Taking niacin with them might increase your risk of bleeding. Blood pressure drugs, herbs and supplements.
Does niacin remove plaque from arteries?
The combination of niacin plus simvastatin decreases coronary plaque volume and attenuates the inflammatory response in patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis.
What is the best drink to lower cholesterol?
There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
How quickly will niacin lower cholesterol?
Further, as the 1986 study showed, the benefit of niacin may take up to 15 years to show benefit; the trials of statin-plus-niacin were only for 3-4 years.
When should I take niacin morning or night?
In general, the immediate-release form of niacin should be taken after your evening meal and the extended-release form should be taken at bedtime after a low-fat snack. Taking it in the morning or on an empty stomach might cause you to experience more side effects such as flushing and stomach upset.
How long does it take for niacin to leave the body?
Official answer. Niacin has a short half-life of 20 to 45 minutes.
What helps a niacin flush?
Flushing may be minimized by taking niacin with meals (or at bedtime with a low-fat snack), avoiding exacerbating factors (alcohol or hot beverages), and taking 325 mg of aspirin 30 minutes before niacin dosing.
How long does a niacin overdose last?
When niacin flush occurs, symptoms typically set in about 15–30 minutes after taking the supplement and taper off after about an hour.
Should I take niacin in the morning or at night?
In general, the immediate-release form of niacin should be taken after your evening meal and the extended-release form should be taken at bedtime after a low-fat snack. Taking it in the morning or on an empty stomach might cause you to experience more side effects such as flushing and stomach upset.
Does niacin make you feel weird?
These higher doses of niacin cause an intense flushing or "prickly heat" sensation to the face and upper body, usually 15-30 minutes after taking a relatively large dose (e.g. 500 mg). This flushing is experienced by almost everyone and, while it might feel like an allergy, it is not a true allergic reaction.
What does niacin do for the body?
As with all B vitamins, niacin helps convert food into energy by aiding enzymes. Specifically, niacin is a major component of NAD and NADP, two coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism. Furthermore, it plays a role in cell signaling and making and repairing DNA, in addition to acting as an antioxidant ( 2 ).
Can niacin raise blood pressure?
Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a well-established treatment for dyslipidaemia – an important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. However, niacin may also reduce blood pressure (BP), which is another important CVD risk factor.
What are the symptoms of niacin overdose?
Niacin overdose signs and symptoms include: Severe skin flushing combined with dizziness. Rapid heartbeat. Itching. Nausea and vomiting. Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Gout. If you think you may have overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.
Can you take niacin with statins?
Because niacin has also been linked to liver damage and strokes, most doctors now recommend it only for people who can't take statins to treat high triglyceride levels. If you're concerned about taking niacin, talk to your doctor. With. Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
frequent urination. joint pain. muscle aching or cramping. side, lower back, or stomach pain. swelling of the feet or lower legs. unusual thirst. unusual tiredness or weakness. unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
Can medicine cause side effects?
Side Effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
How serious is niacin?
It's worth noting that some cholesterol patients are prescribed a niacin dosage that is over 1,000 milligrams, so the side effects can be pretty serious. The Mayo Clinic lists some of the side effects caused by high doses of niacin, taken via supplements: Flushed skin. Dizziness.
What to do if you overdose on niacin?
If you suspect that you have overdosed on niacin, you should seek medical help immediately. You should also discuss any existing conditions you have with your doctor before you start taking niacin supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, niacin supplements can exacerbate certain health issues like allergies, gallbladder conditions and certain thyroid disorders.
What is the importance of niacin?
Importance of Niacin. The University of Rochester notes that niacin is part of the B complex group of vitamins. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, there are collectively eight B vitamins, of which niacin is vitamin B3. The Mayo Clinic explains that your body uses niacin to turn the food you eat into energy.
How does niacin help your body?
The Mayo Clinic explains that your body uses niacin to turn the food you eat into energy. It basically helps your body use the carbohydrates, fats and proteins that you consume. In fact, the University of Rochester says that niacin is involved in two enzyme systems within your body; these systems affect every single one of your tissues.
What are the benefits of B complex vitamins?
Read more: The Surprising Benefits and Side Effects of B-Complex Vitamins. The Mayo Clinic explains that your body uses niacin to turn the food you eat into energy. It basically helps your body use the carbohydrates, fats and proteins that you consume. In fact, the University of Rochester says that niacin is involved in two enzyme systems within ...
What foods can you take niacin from?
This nutrient is found in many foods like yeast, meats (liver especially), seeds, grains and legumes. Niacin is also found in many enriched foods, like corn tortillas, ...
Does niacin help with cholesterol?
According to a study published in the February 2012 issue of the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, niacin is also prescribed to help regulate cholesterol levels.
What happens if you take too much niacin?
You might also experience constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. Muscles and joints. Muscle cell damage, weakened muscles, muscle pain and joint pain are common problems for those who take too much niacin. Nervous system.
How Much Niacin Is Too Much?
Though your body definitely needs niacin, too much of it can actually be toxic. Adults should not exceed 35 milligrams in a day. Teenagers up to the age of 18 can tolerate 30 milligrams at most per day, while those between the ages of 9 and 13 shouldn’t have more than 20 milligrams per day. Most people get enough niacin in their diet and do not need a supplement; only those who have a true niacin deficiency, as diagnosed by a physician, should consider taking niacin supplements.
How to take niacin?
Precautions of Taking Niacin Supplements 1 Taking an aspirin 30 minutes before the niacin dose might help the side effects of “flush” – red skin and a burning, tingling sensation of the face and chest. 2 Alert your doctor if you have a history of diabetes or gallbladder problems. People with stomach ulcers, liver disease or kidney disease should not take niacin supplements. 3 Never take niacin within two weeks of a schedule surgery. 4 Remember that niacin increases histamine, which can make allergies worse. 5 Taking any B vitamin, such as niacin, for a long period of time can lead to an imbalance among the B vitamins in your body. Therefore, it might be best to take a B-complex vitamin to ensure no imbalances occur. 6 Due to the risk of heart rhythm changes, those who have unstable angina or coronary artery disease should never take niacin supplements without the doctor’s permission. 7 Niacin can lead to drops in blood pressure. Anyone who has a history of low blood pressure should be carefully monitored while on niacin. 8 Those who have a history of gout should never take niacin.
What to do if you overdose on niacin?
If you have overdosed on supplements, seek medical help immediately. At the emergency department, certain medications might help, or gastric lavage might be used to rid the stomach of any supplements left there.
How long after surgery can you take niacin?
Never take niacin within two weeks of a schedule surgery.
Can too much niacin cause heart problems?
Heart and blood. Too much niacin can lead to circulatory collapse, palpitations, abnormal heart rhythms, reduced white blood cell count, excess clotting, and the potential for long-term heart disease.
Can you take niacin with angina?
Due to the risk of heart rhythm changes, those who have unstable angina or coronary artery disease should never take niacin supplements without the doctor’s permission. Niacin can lead to drops in blood pressure. Anyone who has a history of low blood pressure should be carefully monitored while on niacin.
How to know if you have niacin deficiency?
Diagnosis is usually clinical, and dietary supplementation with high doses of niacin is generally successful is resolving symptoms. When a niacin deficiency is seen, the following are some of the most common signs and symptoms: Pellagra — characterized by skin inflammation, hallucinations, digestive distress.
Why is niacin rare?
Some of the most common causes of deficiency include alcoholism, malnutrition, digestive disorders and prolonged use of certain medications that interfere with absorption.
What Is Niacin?
Vitamin B3, also called niacin vitamin and niacinamide, is an important lipid-altering, water-soluble vitamin that can be found in many common foods, including certain types of meats and organ meats, tuna fish, seeds, mushrooms and more.
Why does pellagra cause low B3 levels?
People with pellagra usually have very low levels of niacin and other B vitamins, which is caused by either a low intake of niacin or other underlying factors , such as issues with protein metabolism or amino acid absorption. When vitamin B3 levels are not restored, those with pellagra can die within just a few years as a result of the deficiency.
What is niacinamide used for?
Niacin or niacinamide is also used for treating and preventing schizophrenia and hallucinations. ( 13) Plus, some studies and case reports have found therapeutic effects of niacin for depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders as well. ( 14, 15) 6. Promotes Joint Health.
Why is niacin important in food?
Foods high in niacin are typically rich in a long list of other important nutrients as well, which is why most can fit seamlessly into many forms of traditional medicine for their healing and health-promoting properties.
Is niacin a water soluble vitamin?
Niacin is an incredibly important water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in many aspects of health, from brain function to heart health and beyond. Although associated with a number of potential niacin side effects, it’s also one of the few micronutrients frequently prescribed by physicians to treat health concerns like high cholesterol, skin conditions, schizophrenia and more — through both supplementation and niacin foods.
What happens if you wake up at night with a flushing stomach?
If you wake up at night with flushing, get up slowly if you feel like passing out or you are dizzy. Itching. Diarrhea . Upset stomach or throwing up. Cough . These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are the symptoms of liver problems?
Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Muscle pain or weakness. Chest pain or pressure. Dizziness or passing out. Shortness of breath. Sweating a lot.
Can aspirin cause side effects?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Flushing. Taking aspirin 30 minutes before taking this drug may help. If you wake up at night with flushing, get up ...
What are the side effects of taking niacin?
This side effect, while not serious, is characterized by redness, itching and tingling in the neck, face, arms and upper chest. According to the National Institutes of Health, niacin flushing can start at doses of 30 to 50 milligrams. Advertisement.
What is the role of niacin in the body?
Niacin, which is also referred to as vitamin B-3, is one of eight B vitamins that plays a role in converting the calories you eat into usable energy . Niacin is also responsible for the production of stress and sex hormones and can help to improve circulation. According to the National Institutes of Health, you can consume all ...
Can niacin cause imbalance?
One less-obvious side effect of high-dose niacin is a potential imbalance in other B-vitamin levels in the body. Taking high doses of any one of the B vitamins can cause imbalances in other B vitamins. Therefore, it is best to consume a B-complex vitamin, containing all of the B vitamins, if you decide to use supplements.
Is 250 mg a high dose?
According to MedlinePlus, doses this high are typically sold as prescription products. Because very high doses are required for treating high cholesterol, dietary supplements — which typically come in strengths of 250 milligrams or less — are not appropriate for this use. Advertisement.
Is niacin bad for you?
High doses of niacin are used as a treatment for lowering cholesterol. But consuming too much niacin in supplement form can cause side effects and be harmful to your health.
Can you eat niacin?
According to the National Institutes of Health, you can consume all the niacin you need though diet, which makes niacin deficiency very uncommon in developed countries. While high doses of niacin present a number of serious risks, they may also be useful, under medical supervision, for treating high cholesterol.
Can you take niacin with diabetes?
It's particularly important for individuals who already have liver disease, kidney disease or stomach ulcers to avoid niacin pills. In addition, those with diabetes or gallbladder disease should only use niacin under the supervision of a medical professional. Read more: Niacin & Anxiety. Advertisement.
