Niacin

Brand Names

Niacin, B-3-50, B3-500-Gr, Niacin SR, Niacor, Niaspan ER, Slo-Niacin

What is Niacin

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that essential for our body. It helps the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) which is important to produce energy. B complex vitamins are needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.

Niacin also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body. Niacin helps improve circulation.

As a treatment, higher amounts of niacin can improve cholesterol levels and lower cardiovascular risks. Niacin can be found in many foods including greens, meat, poultry, fish and eggs.


Side effects of Niacin

The most common side effects of Niacin are:

  • itching, stinging, tingling, or burning of the skin
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • heartburn
  • bloating
  • dizziness
  • faintness
  • fast heartbeat
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes


    • Indication

    Niacin is very important to maintain healthy skin and proper blood circulation. It is also effective in maintaining normal nerve and brain functions, enhancing memory, as well as in the proper digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The most renowned of all the benefits of vitamin B3 is its significant effect in lowering and controlling cholesterol levels. The other benefits of niacin ranges from its relieving effect on schizophrenia to its soothing effect on arthritis, and almost everything else in between.

    Precautions

    It is not recommended take this medicine if you have:

  • Liver disease such as cirrhosis, liver failure or hepatitis
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • An ulcer, indigestion or heartburn
  • Chest pain (angina) or other forms of coronary artery disease
  • Kidney disease such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Any allergies including allergies to foods, dyes or preservatives
  • Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding


    • Dosage forms

    Category Dose
    Children 2-16 milligrams daily, depending on age
    Men 16 milligrams daily
    Women 14 milligrams daily
    Pregnant women 18 milligrams daily
    Breastfeeding women 17 milligrams daily
    All ages 35 milligrams daily

    However, the ideal dosage of niacin depends on how you are using it. For instance, much higher doses (2-3 grams or more) are used to treat high cholesterol.

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