Niacin Side Effects - Is Niacin a Safe Alternative or Not?

It's widely known that unwanted niacin side effects can occur if taking niacin in large doses of anything at or greater than 50 mg per day.

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is also known as Vitamin B3 and is one of 8 different vitamins in the B family. Two other forms are niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate.

The most prevalent side effect of high dosage niacin use is referred to as the "niacin flush".

This flushing effect is normally experienced as a sort of burning, tingling sensation that occurs around the face and chest. Any unusual warmth or redness on the skin is also a sign of flushing.

The flushing effect occurs because the niacin causes the blood vessels near the skin to widened or dilated. For some, the symptoms are very irritating and painful. For others, it's nothing more than a minor inconvenience. However, it should still be viewed as an indicator to be on the lookout for other more serious side effects of niacin.

Use of niacin in large doses has become more common recently. It's often used alongside (or in place of) prescription statin drugs as a treatment for high cholesterol levels.

However, taking niacin in the substantial doses needed to see cholesterol lowering benefits can be toxic. That's why it's use comes with it's own set of risks that include liver damage and stomach ulcers.

Other common niacin side effects include:

• increased blood sugar
• indigestion
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• heartburn
• vomiting
• increased cough
• upset stomach and nausea

Some of the more severe symptoms or allergic reactions that may indicate an overdose condition are:

• severe skin flushing combined with dizziness
• swelling of lips, tongue, face, or mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• excessive itching
• diarrhea
• hives or rash
• shortness of breath
• bloody or tarry stool
• unusual abdominal pain
• severe liver damage (hepatoxicity)

If any of these appear in a severe form or persist, you will want to seek medical attention right away.

People who should avoid using niacin (or do so only under the close watch of their doctor) are those who have a medical background of...

• liver disease
• kidney disease
• stomach ulcers
• diabetes
• gout
• unstable angina
• gallbladder disease
• coronary heart disease
• low blood pressure (it may cause a further drop resulting in a serious condition)

Using niacin supplements has been known to increase histamine levels, meaning that allergies can be more sensitive or worsened.

It's not recommended to take niacin on an empty stomach as that may increase or intensify side effects and unwanted symptoms.

Because niacin is in the B family of vitamins, taking it in large amounts can cause an imbalance of your B vitamins. That's why taking a B complex vitamin may be suggested by your doctor if you decide to give it a try.

Niacin is also available in an extended release or slo-niacin version. These forms have been show to increase the risk for liver damage.

Don't be lulled into a false sense of safety just because niacin can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription.

It's strongly suggested that if you decide to use it in amounts higher than 50 mg daily, to have regular check-ups with your medical provider to keep an eye on your liver function.

Summary Recommendation: Be sure to ask the right questions of your health care provider to find out if niacin side effects are too big of a risk for you.

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