If you have high cholesterol or are at risk of heart disease, your doctor may recommend treatment with a natural, timed-release supplement called no-flush niacin. Niacin is a form of vitamin B-3 that works by dilating your blood vessels to allow blood to flow more efficiently through your body. This supplement can also help increase levels of "good," or HDL, cholesterol and decrease levels of "bad," or LDL, cholesterol in your blood. Discuss the side effects of no-flush niacin with your health provider before beginning treatment with this supplement.
Flushing
Despite the name of this time-release vitamin B-3 supplement, no-flush niacin may still cause mild flushing side effects in certain people, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports. Flushing side effects may include tingling, itching or burning of the skin. Additionally, you may notice that the skin across your face or upper body appears unusually red or warm to the touch. Flushing side effects are temporary and typically diminish within a few hours following treatment with no-flush niacin.
Stomach Irritation
After taking a 1000 mg dose of no-flush niacin, you may experience stomach irritation. Side effects associated with stomach discomfort may include nausea, vomiting or heartburn, Drugs.com reports. You may also not feel like eating during your usual mealtimes due to loss of appetite. Eating a small snack before taking a dose of this vitamin B-3 supplement may reduce the severity of upset stomach side effects. If you experience severe or persistent stomach pain while taking no-flush niacin, seek additional care from your physician.
Dizziness
You may experience episodes of dizziness while you are taking no-flush niacin. If such sensations arise, remain seated until dizziness subsides. Attempting to move about while you are dizzy may lead to injury from tripping or falling down.
Liver Damage
If you take no-flush niacin for an extended period of time, you may be at risk of sustaining damage to your liver, MayoClinic.com warns. Liver damage is a serious side effect and may cause jaundice, severe stomach pain or swelling of the skin. Seek immediate care from your medical provider if you exhibit any signs of liver damage while receiving treatment with this supplement.
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