What Happens If You Take Too Much Niacin: Many people take vitamins daily because they feel that they are always safe and beneficial. One such vitamin is Vitamin B3 (niacin), which is known to reduce cholesterol and improve heart health. Doctors also sometimes advise patients suffering from high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia to take it. But when this same vitamin is taken in large quantities without doctor’s advice, it can also cause harm.
Affects eyesight
Doctors at America’s New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai brought forward a similar case in which taking niacin in excessive amounts affected a person’s eyesight. A 61-year-old man’s eyesight gradually became so weak within a month that he stopped seeing clearly. During investigation, it was found that his eyesight had fallen to dangerous levels.
Initially the patient told only about high blood pressure and cholesterol, but later he admitted that he was taking 3 to 6 grams of niacin daily for several months. He started buying this supplement on his own without consulting a doctor because he thought it would improve heart health.
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what is the problem
When doctors examined his eyes in depth, they discovered that he had a rare problem called niacin-induced cystoid maculopathy. In this, fluid accumulates in the macula part of the retina of the eye, due to which swelling occurs and vision becomes blurred or weak. However, it was a matter of relief that as soon as the patient stopped taking niacin, his condition started improving. Within a week his eyesight started improving and after about two months his eyesight became completely normal.
What do experts say?
According to doctors, the normal medical dose of niacin is 1 to 3 grams per day and a maximum of 6 grams, that too should be taken under the supervision of a doctor. The patient had taken this quantity without any medical supervision. During the examination, using modern imaging techniques, swelling was found in the macula part of the retina, which is necessary for clear vision. The report of this case was published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. Dr. Richard Rosen, head of the research team, warned that taking supplements without doctor’s advice could be dangerous.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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