Niacin, or vitamin B-3, is a naturally occurring nutrient found in foods such as nuts, fish, eggs and cheese. If you have elevated cholesterol levels, your physician may recommend treatment with high daily doses of a niacin supplement to reduce your cholesterol. Large doses of niacin may cause side effects, which you should discuss with your medical provider prior to beginning treatment with this vitamin B-3 supplement.
Niacin Flush
Health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center report that "niacin flush" is the most common side effect of high doses of this supplement. If you develop niacin flush, you may experience unusual sensations of tingling or burning across your chest or face. You may also notice that your skin appears abnormally red or warm to the touch. Taking a dose of aspirin approximately 30 minutes prior to receiving treatment with niacin may help reduce or prevent the development of niacin flush. This side effect of niacin is temporary and typically resolves within a few hours of treatment.
Liver Damage
Prolonged treatment with large doses of niacin may result in liver damage, SpineUniverse warns. Signs and symptoms of liver damage include fatigue, pale stools, dark urine, confusion, swelling or abnormal yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you exhibit liver damage signs or symptoms while receiving treatment with niacin, seek prompt medical care. In the absence of appropriate medical intervention, liver damage may be permanent.
Stomach Ulcers
High doses of niacin may irritate and damage your digestive tract. Consequently, you may develop stomach ulcers, the UMMC warns. A stomach ulcer may cause persistent stomach pain and result in the appearance of blood in your stools or vomiting. These side effects should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Member Comments