Niacin (vitamin B3) is a water soluble vitamin and the common name for the two compounds niacinamide and nicotinic acid. It has been used for many years to help control cholesterol levels and more recently has been found to have powerful antioxidant properties.
Niacin and Cholesterol
Niacin, as nicotinic acid, is helpful for reducing cholesterol levels and is safer than statin medications. Niacin can increase healthy cholesterol (HDL) by up to 35 percent and can reduce triglycerides by up to 50 percent. To produce beneficial effects on cholesterol, niacin should be taken in therapeutic daily doses of 1,500-3,000 mg. This may cause side effects such as blurred vision, skin darkening, flu syndrome and digestive complaints, but these usually disappear when the dosage is adjusted.
Niacin and Detoxification
Most of the toxins which build up in the body are stored in the fatty tissues. Niacin is a useful supplement for detoxification; this is mainly because it helps to dilate blood vessels. This increases through the small capillaries, which have a higher tendency for getting clogged. The increased flow of blood also transports oxygen and vital nutrients throughout the body helping with the elimination of toxins.
Niacin Flushing
Niacin skin flushing is a common effect and is not harmful. Niacin brings about a great increase in blood flow, causing small capillaries to expand. More blood is flowing closer to the surface of the skin as the cells eliminate their waste products, producing histamine during the process. It is the production of histamine that causes the skin to feel itchy.
Niacin Toxicity
A number of side effects may be caused by niacin intake. The most common one is the flushing effect which is usually not harmful. Other side effects, particularly at high doses, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and low blood pressure. Less common side effects include dryness of the skin, unusual pigmentation of the skin, blurred vision, liver disorder and jaundice. Niacin supplements become toxic when they are taken in doses of 200,000 mg or more. Toxic overdose cannot occur if you are obtaining niacin only from food.
Niacin Deficiency
Signs of niacin deficiency include inability to eat, skin problems including dryness and scaliness, muscular weakness, diarrhea and confusion. Food sources of niacin include peanuts, milk, poultry, fish, eggs and yeast. You can take a daily supplement of niacin. The recommended daily dose is 15 mg per day for women and 15-19 mg per day for men.
Tags: side effects, blood flow, blurred vision, cholesterol levels, nicotinic acid, small capillaries