Guide To B Vitamins

Niacin

Niacin is vitamin B3! Some also refer to it as nicotinic acid. The body makes this vitamin and uses it to convert food consumed into energy! Ideal food sources include passionfruit, potatoes, mushrooms, and peanuts. Women who are nineteen years old and older need fourteen milligrams of niacin daily. Men in the same age group need sixteen milligrams each day! Evidence indicates that this vitamin increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This is the healthy type. High cholesterol patients who cannot take statins are often prescribed niacin supplements. Unfortunately, these supplements do not reduce the risk of strokes or heart attacks. It is also worth noting that pregnant women cannot take niacin supplements. In addition, they are unsafe for patients with severe liver disease or stomach ulcers!

The most common doses of niacin supplements are between one to three thousand milligrams daily. Side effects of prescription niacin include dizziness, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. Other examples are diarrhea and pain in the abdomen! In addition, diabetes patients often find that prescription niacin makes blood glucose control more challenging. There is also an increased risk of gout for individuals on these supplements! The side effects are typically seen at doses between two to six thousand milligrams daily. Of course, these supplements have certain interactions. Examples include zinc and diabetes medications. This is why patients must review their current medications and supplements with their doctor before adding this one!

Learn more about different B vitamins now.