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What Are the Dangers of Nicotinic Acid?

The human body requires vitamin B-3, also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, for optimal wellness. Nicotinic acid contributes to heart health by keeping cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the desired range. Food sources of niacin or multiple vitamin supplements that typically supply about 25 mg per serving rarely cause side effects. Yet, therapeutic doses of niacin can be problematic, especially when taken with prescription cholesterol medications.

  1. Flushing and Itching

    • Swallow a 500 mg capsule of niacin and 30 minutes later you're likely to develop red, itchy blotches over your face, chest and arms. This reaction occurs because nicotinic acid rapidly dilates blood vessels close to the surface of the skin and stimulates blood circulation. Other than temporary discomfort, however, the redness and itchiness pose no cause for alarm. With persistence, many users can build up a tolerance to niacin and avert the flush completely. Start a regimen slowly by taking smaller individual servings. Increase the dose slightly until you begin to experience the flush, and adjust it downward.

    High Dose Side Effects

    • Niacin effectually treats several difficult and dangerous health conditions. However, high therapeutic doses of 3,000 mg or more per day also can result in serious side effects, including gout, ulcers of the digestive tract, vision loss, high blood sugar and irregular heartbeat. Consequently, diabetics who use niacin should be diligent about testing their blood sugar regularly. Individuals who are prone to ulcers or who already have them should refrain from using niacin, as this vitamin stimulates production of hydrochloric acid. Additionally, since niacin is a blood thinner, people scheduled for surgery should stop taking it at least two weeks before the procedure.

    Liver Damage

    • A delayed release version of niacin seemed to be the safe solution for regular niacin and the flush it caused. Contrary to that belief, extended or time-released formulas have been associated with hepatitis in doses as low as 500 mg per day over a two month period of time, according to the Linus Pauling Institute website. However, adverse events were reported more frequently when consumers were using 3,000 to 9,000 mg per day over several years to control high cholesterol.

    Inositol Hexaniacinate

    • Inositol hexaniacinate is a combination of nicotinic acid and another B vitamin called inositol. This form of niacin does not cause a red flushing of the skin, and it tends to result in fewer side effects than nicotinic acid alone. However, doses higher than 2,000 mg per day may cause blood thinning, so stop taking it two weeks before surgery as directed for nicotinic acid.

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