One of the vitamins that the body needs is vitamin B3. However, taking excessive amounts of B vitamin supplements or niacin may be harmful to your heart.

Benefits of vitamin B3

The body creates vitamin B3, also known as niacin, which it uses to transform food into energy. It is also known that vitamin B3 controls the nervous and digestive systems. The body can also benefit from vitamin B3 in the following ways:

Maintains cholesterol levels in the body

Vitamin B3 is widely used as a cholesterol treatment. Certain studies reveal that consumption of vitamin B3 can increase good cholesterol levels and reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. To help control cholesterol, doctors typically prescribe vitamin B3 along with statin-type cholesterol medications.

Lower blood pressure

Vitamin B3, or niacin, also plays a role in releasing prostaglandin hormones, which are chemicals that help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. High dosages of vitamin B3 have been shown in a study to help lower right chamber cystic blood pressure.

Aids in the management of type 1 diabetes

An example of an autoimmune disease is type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system targets and destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. According to a study, niacin may help shield these cells and lower the risk of type 1 diabetes progressing.

Dangers of excess vitamin B3

Consuming vitamin B3 has many benefits for the body, but you should always take it as recommended by your doctor. Depending on their age and state of health, each person has a different need for vitamin B3. The following is a list of vitamin B3 needs based on age and gender:

• Children: 2–16 mg per day
• Men: 16 mg per day
• Women: 14 mg per day
• Pregnant and nursing mothers: 17–18 mg per day

Overdosing on vitamin B3 can result in vitamin B3 poisoning, which has negative health effects, one of which is an increased risk of heart disease. According to a study that was published in the journal Nature Medicine, roughly 1 in 4 niacin users experience an excess dose, according to a report from WebMD.

When the body is overloaded with niacin, it will result in the production of 4PY, a by-product that causes inflammation in the circulatory system. This inflammation can damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, which can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious heart problems.

It is important to use caution when administering niacin to patients who have cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol because high vitamin B3 levels in these patients raise their risk of cardiovascular problems. Patients who are prescribed vitamin B3 along with statins should take both medications and supplements exactly as directed by their doctor, without increasing or decreasing the recommended dosage.

Symptoms of vitamin B3 Overdose

If you take niacin or vitamin B3, you should be aware of some of the symptoms of excess vitamin B3, including:

• Reddish skin rash
• Rapid heartbeat
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Pain

If you experience any of the above symptoms of excess vitamin B3, you should temporarily discontinue vitamin B3 intake and consult your doctor.

Vitamin B3 has a number of health benefits, but consuming it in excess can increase the risk of heart disease. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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