Why is niacin important

Most people in the United States get enough niacin from the foods they eat. Niacin deficiency is very rare in the United States. However, some people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough niacin:. You can develop niacin deficiency if you don't get enough niacin or tryptophan from the foods you eat. Severe niacin deficiency leads to a disease called pellagra.

Pellagra, which is uncommon in developed countries, can have these effects:. Scientists are studying niacin to better understand how it affects health. Here is an example of what this research has shown. Cardiovascular disease Scientists have studied the use of large doses of niacin in the form of nicotinic acid to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with atherosclerosis.

They found that prescription-strength nicotinic acid more than times the recommended dietary allowance can lower blood levels of LDL bad cholesterol, raise levels of HDL good cholesterol, and lower levels of triglycerides. In addition, experts do not recommend high doses of nicotinic acid for people taking a statin medication. Your healthcare provider should approve and supervise any use of very high doses of nicotinic acid in the thousands of milligrams to treat atherosclerosis.

The niacin that food and beverages naturally contain is safe. However, dietary supplements with 30 mg or more of nicotinic acid can make the skin on your face, arms, and chest turn red and burn, tingle, and itch. These symptoms can also lead to headaches, rashes, and dizziness. These include:. Long-term treatment, especially with extended-release forms of nicotinic acid, can cause liver problems, including hepatitis and liver failure. Niacin in the form of nicotinamide has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid.

The daily upper limits for niacin from dietary supplements are listed below. Niacin dietary supplements can interact or interfere with certain medicines that you take, and some medicines can lower niacin levels in your body.

Here are some examples:. Of particular note is one side effect known as niacin flush. This can occur when taking 30—50 mg or more of supplemental niacin in a single dose. It causes a reddening of the skin along with burning or itching sensations. Even higher doses may cause liver damage or other severe side effects 1.

Supplemental niacin can cause unpleasant side effects, like niacin flush. Speak with a healthcare professional before you start taking a niacin supplement. However, if you are deficient or have another condition that may benefit from higher doses, your doctor may recommend a supplement.

In particular, niacin supplements may be recommended for people with high cholesterol and heart disease risk factors but cannot take statins. Since large amounts have many possible side effects, consult with a healthcare professional before taking niacin as part of any supplement. Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way it does drugs Niacin supplements may be recommended for certain conditions.

However, they can have negative side effects, so you should always discuss with your healthcare provider before taking niacin. Niacin is one of eight B vitamins that are important for every part of your body. Luckily, you can get all the niacin you need through your diet. Foods that provide niacin include meat, fish, and nuts. However, supplemental forms are sometimes recommended to treat certain medical conditions, including high cholesterol.

Niacin, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient, which aids your metabolism and nervous system and which you must obtain through your diet. Here are…. This article examines the benefits of B-complex vitamins, as well as dosage and…. High doses of niacin can cause niacin flush, which appears as red skin that may itch or burn. There are eight B vitamins that all play vital roles in your body. Here are 15 healthy foods high in one or more B vitamins. Many people boast the benefits of vitamin B-3 for treating depression.

We'll explain what science says and how a niacin deficiency may be connected. Learn more about what causes it and whether it can be treated.

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