Niacin: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions
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Niacin
An organic substance and a formiacin, niacin is also referred to as nicotinic acid. The B-complex vitamins include the water-soluble vitamin niacin. It can be obtained from food and is created by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Nicotinic acid is another name for niacin.
What are the benefits of niacin?
Numerous advantages of niacin include:
- Assisting the body in transforming food into energy
- Maintaining healthy skin
- Promoting mental health
- Inflammation reduction
- Decreased levels of cholesterol
What are the risks of taking niacin?
Niacin's negative effects include:
- Flushing (warm, itchy, and red skin)
- Diarrhea
- Migraine
- Vertigo
- Digestion issues
Niacin liver damage can also result from high niacin doses. Before taking niacin supplements, it's important to consult a doctor because they sometimes interact with medications.
An essential vitamin with numerous health advantages is niacin. However, because supplements can interact with some medications, it's crucial to consult a doctor before taking them.
Dosage
Niacin's recommended daily allowance (RDA) is as follows:
- 14–18 mg/day for adults
- Women who are pregnant: 18 mg/day
- Women who are nursing: 17 mg/day
There are many different niacin supplement forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. Before taking niacin supplements, it's important to consult a doctor because they sometimes interact with medications.
Mechanism of action
Niacin works by assisting the body's process of turning food into energy. Additionally, it helps support cognitive function and maintain healthy skin. Niacin may also assist in lowering cholesterol and inflammation.
Side effects
Niacin's most prevalent adverse effect is flushing, which is characterized by skin that is red, warm, and itchy. Niacin can also cause stomach upset, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Niacin liver damage can also result from high niacin doses.
Interactions:
Certain medications, such as statins, blood pressure medications, and diabetes medications, can interact with niacin. Before taking niacin supplements, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
Overdosage
Niacin liver damage can be brought on by high niacin doses. Niacin overdose signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and vertigo.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Most experts agree that niacin is safe for expectant mothers and nursing mothers. Niacin has an RDA of 18 mg per day for pregnant women and 17 mg per day for nursing mothers. Before taking any supplements while pregnant or breast-feeding, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
Pharmacokinetics
A water-soluble vitamin called niacin is absorbed through the digestive system. It is broken down in the liver and eliminated through the urine.
Medical uses
Pellagracy, a condition brought on by niacin deficiency, is treated with niacin. Additionally used to lower cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease is niacin. Niacin may also be helpful in the treatment of diabetes and cognitive decline.
History of niacin
The first time niacin was extracted from nicotinic acid, a tobacco byproduct, was in 1873. Niacin is now known to be an important nutrient for people. In 1937, pellagra was first treated with niacin supplementation.
Possible future uses
Other ailments like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease may benefit from niacin treatment. Niacin's safety and effectiveness for these uses, however, require further study.
Is Niacin the same as nicotine?
No, Niacin is not the same as nicotine, to be clear. A component of tobacco called nicotine has an addictive potential. A water-soluble vitamin called niacin is crucial for maintaining good health. Nicotine and niacin differ in their chemical composition and biological activities.
How is it supplied?
There are many different ways to get niacin, including tablets, capsules, and liquids. Before taking niacin supplements, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
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