What happens if you have too much vitamin B3 niacin?
Niacin in the form of nicotinamide has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid. However, at high doses of 500 mg/day or more, nicotinamide can cause diarrhea, easy bruising, and can increase bleeding from wounds. Even higher doses of 3,000 mg/day or more can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Can you be allergic to vitamin B3?
Niacin flush is a common side effect of taking high doses of niacin supplements. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s harmless. It appears as a flush of red on the skin, which may be accompanied by an itching or burning sensation ( 1 ). Niacin is also known as vitamin B3.
What are reactions to niacin?
Side Effects A common side effect of niacin is a flushing reaction. This might cause burning, tingling, itching, and redness of the face, arms, and chest, as well as headaches. Starting with small doses of niacin and taking 325 mg of aspirin before each dose of niacin will help reduce the flushing reaction.
How do you know if you took too much niacin?
Niacin overdose signs and symptoms include: Severe skin flushing combined with dizziness. Rapid heartbeat. Itching.
Does niacin cause allergic reactions?
What are the side effects of Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can niacin cause allergic reaction?
Niacin side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to niacin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
How much B3 is toxic?
Niacin associated hepatotoxicity is generally related to ingestions of around 3 grams per day. In contrast, the more common symptom of flushing can occur at doses as low as 30 mg per day.
Can vitamin B3 be toxic?
Toxicity when eating foods containing niacin is rare, but can occur from long-term use of high-dose supplements. A reddened skin flush with itchiness or tingling on the face, arms, and chest is a common sign.
Why does niacin cause flushing and itching?
The flush happens when niacin causes the small capillaries in your skin to dilate, which increases the flow of blood to the surface of the skin. Niacin flush is a very common side effect, with almost everyone who takes large doses of niacin experiencing the reddening.
What are the dangers of taking niacin?
However, all of these side effects tend to fade over time. Risks. Niacin does have risks. It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues.
What are the long term side effects of niacin?
Commonly reported side effects of niacin include: pruritus, nausea, and flushing. Other side effects include: skin rash, and vomiting.
Does niacin have any negative side effects?
However, taking high doses of niacin in supplement form can result in a range of negative symptoms. Niacin flush is one of the most common side effects, which is characterized by redness, burning and itching of the skin.
How to prevent the side effects of niacin?
Studies have shown that taking an aspirin first can decrease the flushing and itching associated with niacin. If you are having trouble with these side effects, you may try to take a 325-milligram aspirin dose at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to taking the niacin.