Therapeutic Niacin Side Effects and Health Risk
Niacin is part of the B-vitamin complex.
It is found naturally in several foods which are consumed regularly.
It is in fish, dairy products including eggs, and nuts.
When consumed in these common foods niacin is not known to have any side effects.
Therapeutic niacin has been used by many in the medical field for treatment of high cholesterol.
It is relatively safe and has been proven to help decrease the risk of having a heart attack.
Niacin lowers LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
Niacin also helps raise HDL cholesterol levels.
It also helps to lower triglyceride levels.
It is commonly available at most pharmacies without having to obtain a doctor's prescription.
Generally, it is prescribed at about one and a half grams a day.
If needed, it may be increased but never to more than three grams per day.
There have been instances when up to six grams a day have been taken.
However, this has only been for the purposes of studying niacin side effects.
Even though it is available without doctor's orders, it should not be taken without consulting a health care professional as there can be serious niacin side effects.
The most common niacin side effect is flushing of the skin.
Usually it is limited to the upper portions of the body.
Skin becomes reddened and itchy.
This side effect is known to be lessened if an aspirin is taken about 30 minutes before the dose of niacin.
Taking it on a full stomach also helps to reduce the chances of niacin bad effects.
There are a wide range of possible niacin bad effects.
Even in therapeutic doses it can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are all common side effects caused by niacin.
Mild inflammation of the liver and an elevated blood sugar level is also possible.
This is a common cause of gout arthritis.
Other niacin bad effects are flu syndrome, blurred vision, and a darkening of the skin.
There are some very serious side effects which should be reported to a doctor immediately.
These are fainting, any difficulty with breathing or a severe case of heartburn.
If you after taking niacin supplements any of these symptoms are experienced, contact your doctor or health care professional as soon as any of these serious symptoms appear.
Most niacin bad effects are easily treated.
Usually, simply lowering the intake of supplemental niacin stops the bad effects all together.
Always consult a physician before taking any kind of supplemental niacin.
It is found naturally in several foods which are consumed regularly.
It is in fish, dairy products including eggs, and nuts.
When consumed in these common foods niacin is not known to have any side effects.
Therapeutic niacin has been used by many in the medical field for treatment of high cholesterol.
It is relatively safe and has been proven to help decrease the risk of having a heart attack.
Niacin lowers LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.
Niacin also helps raise HDL cholesterol levels.
It also helps to lower triglyceride levels.
It is commonly available at most pharmacies without having to obtain a doctor's prescription.
Generally, it is prescribed at about one and a half grams a day.
If needed, it may be increased but never to more than three grams per day.
There have been instances when up to six grams a day have been taken.
However, this has only been for the purposes of studying niacin side effects.
Even though it is available without doctor's orders, it should not be taken without consulting a health care professional as there can be serious niacin side effects.
The most common niacin side effect is flushing of the skin.
Usually it is limited to the upper portions of the body.
Skin becomes reddened and itchy.
This side effect is known to be lessened if an aspirin is taken about 30 minutes before the dose of niacin.
Taking it on a full stomach also helps to reduce the chances of niacin bad effects.
There are a wide range of possible niacin bad effects.
Even in therapeutic doses it can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are all common side effects caused by niacin.
Mild inflammation of the liver and an elevated blood sugar level is also possible.
This is a common cause of gout arthritis.
Other niacin bad effects are flu syndrome, blurred vision, and a darkening of the skin.
There are some very serious side effects which should be reported to a doctor immediately.
These are fainting, any difficulty with breathing or a severe case of heartburn.
If you after taking niacin supplements any of these symptoms are experienced, contact your doctor or health care professional as soon as any of these serious symptoms appear.
Most niacin bad effects are easily treated.
Usually, simply lowering the intake of supplemental niacin stops the bad effects all together.
Always consult a physician before taking any kind of supplemental niacin.