Niacin Flush

Niacin is an important vitamin, which is also referred as Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. This water soluble vitamin plays an important role in various processes of the body, which include, metabolism, digestion and nervous system regulation. One of the major features of niacin is, it dilates the blood vessels and improves the blood circulation. Thus, it is one of the major components in medications used for lowering bad cholesterol, lipids and triglycerides.

Niacin flush is basically a side effect of these medications that contain niacin as their main component. It is actually a healthy sign and is not harmful in any manner. But this condition is quite discomforting and embarrassing. Redness around the neck and the face are some of the side effects of niacin. Before moving on to know about the preventive measures for niacin flush, let us take a look at its causes.

Causes of Niacin Flush

Niacin has certain properties that help to relax the body, and thereby reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another important feature of niacin is, it dilates the blood vessels and creates a warm sensation in the body. This body effect caused due to niacin is called "Niacin Flush". It is basically a sign of saturation of niacin in the body. This symptom is not a cause of medical emergency and it indicates increased blood flow in the body. The intensity of niacin flush, depends up on the amount of niacin taken. When you take small doses of niacin, the symptoms last for very few seconds and causes pale pinkness on the face. But larger doses of niacin can turn your face beet red and the flush can last for more than 30 minutes.

Tingling, warmness, itchiness and redness, are the symptoms that occur on the saturation of niacin in the bloodstream. Niacin flush usually starts from the face, then progresses to the neck, and may extend up to the toes. Sometimes it lasts for very less time and causes least discomfort. But sometimes it can be annoying due to certain symptoms associated with too much niacin, like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness and sweating. Given below is brief information on its prevention and treatment.

Prevention of Niacin Flush

The reddening of the face and neck caused due to niacin flush can be avoided with some easy steps. The first and foremost thing is to avoid high doses of niacin in the initial period of treatment. The safest way to avoid niacin flush is to start with small doses and gradually increase the dose. Studies also suggest that aspirin helps to minimize the flushing caused due to niacin. Thus, it is recommended that one should take an aspirin at least 30 minutes before taking the niacin dose. One should strictly avoid drinking hot beverages or alcohol before taking niacin, since these are some of the triggering factors. Many health experts suggest to take niacin doses immediately after the meals. It is observed that niacin doses taken on an empty stomach causes flushing within 20 minutes, while those taken after having meals show flushing symptoms after a longer period of time. The effect of niacin doses is different for every person and so is the symptom of niacin flush. Thus, some people may show severe symptoms, while others may not.

Niacin is not a drug, but a useful vitamin. Niacin flush benefits the circulatory system and hence, one should not worry about this symptom. Though it can be irritating, one can take proper measures to avoid this discomfort and enjoy the health benefits of niacin. So, if you are taking niacin medications for cholesterol or lipid treatment, and are experiencing niacin flush; then do not stop taking niacin. Instead, consult your physician and get the proper amount of niacin dose and learn the methods to avoid the condition.