Niacin is one of the essential B vitamins naturally found in legumes, dairy, eggs, lean meats, fish, and poultry as well as some fortified breakfast cereals. Most adults only need between 14 and 16 mg of this vitamin each day. But when certain conditions arise or you're deficient in niacin, it may be necessary to take a supplement containing this vitamin. However, its use may cause undesirable side effect, especially if taken in large doses.
Cholesterol
Besides its dietary need for digestion and absorption of nutrients, niacin may be used in conjunction with other medications to help lower your cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of 240 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) and above as well as a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of over 159 mg/dL is considered high blood cholesterol. To bring either cholesterol level into a healthy range while preventing complications, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke, your doctor may recommend niacin. Niacin used for this situation is typically given by prescription, so its use can be better monitored.
Dosing
As with almost any medication, the dosage of this dietary supplement will vary from person to person, based on a number of different factors, including your diet, age, weight, sex, health and cholesterol levels. It's give in table form ranging in strength from 500 milligrams to 2 grams. Once the prescription level is established, you shouldn't take any more or less within a given day, unless your doctor adjusts the dosage. This is largely due to the potential side effects of this particular vitamin.
Side Effects
Though it isn't common, you may experience some side effects from the prolonged use of niacin. Loss of appetite and abdominal pain are probably two of the more common side effects, but you may also notice a change in the color of your urine and stool as well as a yellowing to the skin and eyes. It's also possible to experience some flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, sneezing, runny nose, congestion and feverish sensations. It may even cause some flushing of the skin or a rash.
Overdose
Though overdose may be a relatively strong word, too much niacin may lead to some fairly serious side effects. You may start to feel dizzy or lightheaded and suffer from more intense abdominal pain or cramping. It may also cause diarrhea and vomiting as well as excessive thirst, swelling, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats and liver damage. If any of these symptoms of an overdose manifest, you should contact a medical professional immediately.
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