Niacin helps lower blood cholesterol levels, but dosing is tricky due to serious side effects. Adequate levels are obtained through diet, but supplements may be needed. The average daily dose for adults to lower cholesterol is 500-2,000 milligrams. Your healthcare provider should determine your exact dosage, considering your diet, health, and medical condition. Niacin supplements are associated with potentially serious side effects, and liver function should be monitored.
Niacin, one of the B vitamins, helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Although a balanced and healthy diet provides adequate levels of niacin, you may need a supplement, especially if you need niacin to control your cholesterol levels. Niacin dosing is tricky because the vitamin is associated with side effects that can be serious. The proper dose varies from person to person, but the average daily dose for lowering cholesterol in adults is between 500 milligrams and 2,000 milligrams daily.
Vitamin B3, or niacin, is water soluble, which means the body cannot store it. Adequate levels of niacin are generally obtained through the diet. Recommended daily amounts of the vitamin vary by age and gender. Men ages 19 and older should get 16 milligrams of niacin daily, and women ages 19 and older require 14 milligrams. Pregnant women should have 18 milligrams daily, and breastfeeding women should have 17 milligrams.
A higher dose of niacin is necessary when the vitamin is used to control cholesterol levels. The average daily dose for adults to lower cholesterol is 500-2,000 milligrams. The dose is rarely more than 3,000 milligrams daily. The tablets or capsules are taken once or three times a day, depending on your specific needs.
Your exact dosage of niacin should be determined by your healthcare provider. When determining your dose, your doctor will consider your diet, general health, and the medical condition being treated. Your condition determines the strength of the supplement, the timing of the doses, the number of doses to be taken each day, and the length of treatment. Niacin supplements are available as tablets or capsules in regular and timed release formulations.
Niacin is associated with potentially serious side effects. It often causes red, itchy skin when you first start taking it. You will likely start treatment with a low dose of niacin, gradually increasing the dose until you reach the level needed. The redness will subside as your body adjusts to the supplements.
Your liver may become inflamed while taking niacin supplements. Other side effects include blurred vision, high blood glucose levels, flu-like symptoms, upset stomach, and dark skin. These side effects resolve when the niacin dose is decreased. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function while you are taking the vitamin supplement for signs of toxicity.
Be sure to take your dose as directed by your healthcare provider, and do not increase or decrease your niacin dose without specific instructions. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if it is not very close to your next dose. Do not take a double dose. Do not take a niacin supplement without consulting your health care provider.
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