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Niacinamide Effects

Niacinamide is a nutritional supplement used for the treatment of vitamin deficiencies (of vitamin B3, also known as niacin). This dietary supplement functions by replacing the levels of niacin within the body. It is a B-complex vitamin and water-soluble. Vitamin B3 is found in many different types of foods (from vegetables and cereal grains to fish and meat). There are various side effects of niacinamide.

  1. Niacin Deficiency

    • One of the main effects of niacinamide is to stop niacin deficiency from occurring, and to treat it. It also has a positive effect on a specific condition--known as pellagra--associated with niacin deficiency. Pellagra results from having insufficient levels of vitamin B.

    Other Medical Conditions

    • Niacinamide is considered to have beneficial effects on a large array of other medical conditions, including the eye disorder cataracts, heart disease (such as atherosclerosis), both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, second heart attack (in males who have circulatory or heart issues), osteoarthritis, diarrhea that results from the cholera infection, and osteoarthritis.

    Possible Conditions

    • There are also other medical conditions and situations that niacinamide is often used for, but the effectiveness has not yet been confirmed. These conditions are migraine headaches, motion sickness, alcohol addiction, depression, dizziness, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and acne.

    Common Side Effects

    • There are several common side effects of this nutritional supplement. These common side effects are the skin flushing or feeling warm (temporarily), upset stomach, dizziness, itching, diarrhea and headache. If you have any of these side effects, and they are causing you great discomfort or are very persistent, you should notify your physician of the situation.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Some serious side effects are possible with niacinamide, although they are very uncommon. These severe effects include general feelings of malaise, stomachache, urinating less frequently, tarry, dark, or bloody stools, vomit that resembles coffee grounds, extended or extreme skin flushing, yellowing of the eyes or the skin (also known as jaundice), lingering throw-up or nausea, muscle weakness or ache, appetite loss, irregular or rapid heartbeat, vision changes, darker-colored urine, the skin tingling or feeling numb, and the feet, hands or legs becoming swollen. Severe allergic reactions are not common but can occur. Some signs to look out for include chest tightness, swelling, hives, rash, itching and difficulty breathing. If you have any of these side effects, you must immediately get medical attention.

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