Signs & Symptoms of Niacin Toxicity and Deficiency

Niacin is an essential part of the human body. Also known as Vitamin B3, it works hard in the process of metabolism and even aids in the process of DNA repair. It is also vital in the area of hormone production, aiding the adrenal glands in this process. Because niacin is so vital to normal body function, it is even more harmful when this substance becomes off kilter. Meaning, when you have too much or too little niacin, problems are sure to arise.

Now, some people end up with niacin toxicity due to dietary supplements they need to take for other conditions. For instance, those taking niacin supplements to help lower the bad cholesterol or the LDL cholesterol are at a greater risk for developing the various side effects associated with niacin toxicity. This is why patients taking niacin supplements for high cholesterol are closely monitored, especially in regards to liver function due to this risk.

People who need to take niacin supplements are advised to monitor their bodies closely. Any symptoms that may signal a problem should be noted and your doctor should be informed. Some common side effects of taking niacin supplements include:

Flushed face
Tingling arms and legs
Upset stomach
Itching

More severe symptoms of niacin toxicity include:

Jaundice
Blurry vision
Stomach ulcers
Elevated blood sugar
Worsening of diabetes
Yellow tinge to eyes and skin
Worsening of gout

Niacin in high quantities has been shown to even cause liver damage in some people.

Niacin deficiency on the other hand is also damaging. It can cause something called pellagra, which is a condition that manifests itself with dermatitis, stomach upset and diarrhea and eventually dementia. While treatment is typically effective in most people, this condition can be quite damaging. While rare in developed countries, niacin deficiency is still a very real condition that you should be aware of. Common symptoms include:

Skin lesions
Pain in the mouth
Swollen tongue
Ulcers in the mouth
Distended abdomen
Diarrhea
Nausea
Confusion
Memory loss
Depression
Paranoia
Dementia

If you think you may have a niacin deficiency, you should seek medical help immediately, as the longer the condition persists, the worse the bodily damage will be.

It is important that treatment for both niacin toxicity and niacin deficiency is immediate and proactive. The best treatment is prevention. See your doctor regularly, eat a well balanced diet and listen to your body. If anything just does not seem quite right, your body may be trying to tell you something. Now, this does not mean you should run to the doctor every time you have a stomachache, but it does mean you should take note of patterns in your symptoms and overall feeling of wellness.