Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, acts in the body performing functions such as improving blood circulation, relieving migraine and improving diabetes control.
This vitamin can be found in foods such as meats, fish, milk, eggs and green vegetables such as kale and spinach, and their deficiency can cause the following symptoms in the body:
- Indigestion;
- Appearance of canker sores in the mouth;
- Frequent tiredness;
- Vomiting;
- Depression;
- Pellagra, a skin disease that causes skin irritation, diarrhea and dementia.
However, as the body is able to produce niacin, its deficiency is rare, occurring mostly in people who consume too much alcohol, do not eat properly, or have carcinoma-type cancer. See the list of foods rich in this vitamin.
Excess of niacin
The excess of niacin occurs mainly due to the use of supplements with this nutrient, which can cause symptoms such as burning, tingling, intestinal gas, dizziness, headache and itching and redness on the face, arms and chest. These symptoms worsen when alcohol intake occurs while using the vitamin supplement.
One tip to lessen the side effects of this vitamin is to start supplementation with small doses to facilitate the adaptation of the body.
Excessive consumption of niacin can also worsen illnesses such as diabetes, low blood pressure, gout, allergies, ulcers, problems with the gallbladder, liver, heart and kidneys. In addition, people who will do surgeries should stop supplementation with this vitamin 2 weeks before the surgical procedure, to avoid changes in glycaemia and facilitate healing.
See the functions of this vitamin in the body in Pra serving Niacin.
