Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)
TRADE NAMES
Niacinol, NicotinexDESCRIPTION
Niacin belongs to the B-vitamin family. It is sometimes called vitamin B3. Niacin is involved in a wide range of biological processes, like the production of energy, the synthesis of cholesterol and steroids, signaling between inside and outside the cells, gene expression regulation and the maintenance of genomic integrity. Nicotinic acid is used in pharmacology as an antihyperlipidemic agent.Where can you find Niacin?
Niacin and substances that are convertible to niacin are found naturally in red meat, poultry, fish, legumes and yeast. In addition to preformed niacin, some L-tryptophan in this foods is transformed into niacin. Niacin can also be found in cereal grains, like corn and wheat. However, consumption of corn-rich diets has resulted in lack of niacin deficiency in some groups.What causes niacin deficiency?
The well-known disorder of niacin deficiency is called pellagra, comming from trr Italian word pela en agra, meaning rough skin.Pellagra is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia. If not treated, death will be the outcome of the disease. Niacin deficiency can can happen to people with alcoholism, nutrients absorption problems, liver disease and in those receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with inadequate niacin.CONTRAINDICATIONS
Niacin is contraindicated in those who are allergic to any component of a niacin-containing product. High-dose nicotinic acid is contraindicated for those with hepatic dysfunction, active peptic ulcer disease, unexplained elevations of serum aminotransferases (transaminases) and arterial bleeding.PRECAUTIONS
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid supplement doses of niacin greater than 20 milligrams daily, unless they are prescribed a higher doses are by their physicians. The use of nicotinic acid as an antihyperlipidemic agent should only be undertaken with medical supervision. Those with a past history of hepatobiliary disease, jaundice, peptic ulcer disease or gastritis should exercise caution in the use of high-dose nicotinic acid. Those with a history of diabetes, renal dysfunction, cardiovascular disease (especially acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina) and gout should exercise caution in the use of high-dose nicotinic acid. Those who consume substantial amounts of alcohol should also exercise caution in the use of high-dose nicotinic acid. High-dose nicotinic acid may negatively effect glucose tolerance. Diabetics who take nicotinic acid for lipid-lowering, should have their serum glucose levels carefully monitored and the dose of their antidiabetic medications adjusted as necessary.ADVERSE REACTIONS
Nicotinic acid can cause vasodilation of cutaneous blood vessels resulting in increased blood flow, principally in the face, neck and chest. This produces the niacin- or nicotinic acid-flush. Flushing is often accompanied by pruritis and headaches. The flushing effect of nicotinic acid is transient and tolerance to this effect occurs with continued administration of the vitamin. Other adverse reactions of nicotinic acid, include dizziness, palpitations, tachycardia, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and myalgias. Nicotinic acid can cause hepatotoxicity. In the most severe cases, subjects develop liver dysfunction and fulminant hepatitis. High-dose nicotinic acid (approximately 3 grams daily) has caused impaired glucose tolerance in otherwise healthy individuals. High doses of nicotinic acid (1.5 to 5 grams/day) have also caused ocular effects, including blurred vision, macular edema, toxic amblyopia and cystic maculopathy. Nicotinic acid-induced ocular effects do not appear to be common and appear to be reversible. Ethanol-containing beverages: Concomitant intake of nicotinic acid and ethanol-containing beverages may cause an increase in nicotinic acid-induced flushing. Hot beverages and hot foods: Concomitant intake of hot beverages or hot foods and nicotinic acid may cause an increase in nicotinic acid-induced flushing.Air France - Crock Pot Recipes - Health Articles Press Releases - Weight Loss Success - Arizona Real Estate Agents