Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin found in various foods and is essential for the body. The recommended daily allowance varies by age and gender. Exceeding the recommended amount can cause dermatological and gastrointestinal reactions, including flushing of the face, itching, and liver toxicity. Extended-release niacin preparations are more likely to cause reactions than immediate-release ones.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including fish, chicken, beef, grains and peanuts. Considered one of the body’s essential nutrients, the recommended daily allowance of niacin is 14 milligrams per day for women, 16 milligrams per day for men, 2-12 milligrams per day for children, and 18 milligrams per day for women. are nursing or pregnant. Ingesting amounts much greater than the recommended amount can lead to reactions to niacin which could include a variety of dermatological conditions such as facial flushing, dry skin, itching, and rashes. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as indigestion and liver toxicity are other common reactions to niacin. All dietary supplements or medications can cause allergic reactions, but most people experience little or no side effects from consuming niacin within the recommended daily allowance.
The most common and obvious of the reactions to niacin is dilation of the blood vessels, which could manifest itself as a flushing of the face. The flush usually begins within 10 to 75 minutes of ingesting a dose of niacin greater than 20 milligrams and can last as long as 30 to 75 minutes. During a niacin flush, the affected individual’s face becomes hot and takes on a bright red hue. The redness may spread throughout the upper body and may occasionally be accompanied by itching, tingling, or a rash. Other flushing-related reactions to niacin are dizziness, fainting, chills, shortness of breath, sweating, or an increased heart rate.
Even at therapeutic doses, gastrointestinal problems are among the most common reactions to niacin. These include stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and flatulence. To avoid gastrointestinal problems, take niacin with food or right after a meal. Gastrointestinal difficulties can also be avoided by starting a niacin therapy program at a lower dosage and gradually increasing to a higher dosage over a period of several weeks.
Individuals taking niacin in doses greater than 2 grams per day are at risk of developing niacin-related liver toxicity. Extended-release niacin preparations are more likely to cause niacin reactions than immediate-release preparations. Liver toxicity is manifested by jaundice, inflammation of the liver, and increased liver enzymes. The liver enzymes of individuals who have been prescribed long-term niacin therapy are typically monitored regularly to screen for possible liver damage.
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