Niacin, also known as B3 and nicotinic acid, is one of the eight B vitamins. Niacin is naturally found in plant and animal foods. Niacin helps the body convert food into energy. It also helps the body make sex and stress hormones. Niacin supplements are used mainly to treat and prevent niacin deficiency, but they are also used to lower cholesterol and improve blood circulation, according to Drugs.com.
Flushing of the Skin
Some patients use high doses of niacin to decrease LDL, or "bad cholesterol," levels. However, doses of niacin higher than 50 mg are toxic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. High doses of niacin can cause niacin flush, which is a burning and tingling sensation in the face and chest. Niacin causes flushing by dilating the blood vessels on the surface of the skin. Niacin flush may be accompanied by symptoms such as chills, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating and fainting. Niacin flush can be reduced by taking aspirin 30 minutes before the niacin.
Stomach Ulcers
High levels of niacin may cause stomach ulcers, according to UMMC. Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach and upper part o the small intestine. Patients with active stomach ulcers should avoid taking niacin. Patients with prior history of stomach ulcers should consult the doctor before taking niacin. Signs and symptoms of stomach ulcers include heartburn, indigestion, gnawing or dull pain in the stomach, vomiting blood, black colored stool, anemia, appetite loss and weight loss.
Liver Damage
High doses of niacin may also cause liver damage, UMMC reports. Niacin is metabolized in the liver and exposure of the liver to excess levels of niacin causes damage and inflammation. Chronic exposure to high levels of niacin leads to scar formation on the liver, which leads to liver failure because the scars prevent the liver from performing its functions. Patients with liver failure require liver transplant.
Signs of Vitamins and Minerals Overdose
Multiple vitamins and minerals overdose occurs when patients accidentally or intentionally take more than the recommended dosage of vitamins and mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals are toxic to the body when ingested in large amounts, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms of excess vitamins and minerals include irregular heartbeat, fast heart rate, dry cracked lips, eye irritation, increased sensitivity to light, cloudy urine, increased urination, joint pain, muscle pain and weakness, bone pain, seizures, mental changes, headache, itching, yellowing of the skin, hair loss, constipation, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
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