Water-soluble vitamin B3, or nicotinic acid , is an indispensable nutrient for the normal functioning of the entire human body. The use of nicotinic acid in the treatment of various diseases is used today widely enough due to its unique effect on lipid metabolism, nervous and vegetative-vascular system, skin and joints condition.
Types of nicotinic acid
To date, in medicine, vitamin B3 is used in two forms:
- directly in the form of nicotinic acid, which has the widest spectrum of effects in various diseases;
- in the form of nicotinamide, which is the drug of choice for weakened people, as well as those who have increased sensitivity to artificially synthesized vitamins.
What form of vitamin is preferred in this or that case, the doctor decides after a detailed acquaintance with the history of human disease and, if necessary, additional tests.
Indications for the use of nicotinic acid
Nicotinic acid can be used in such conditions as:
- increasing the level of bad and lowering good cholesterol in the blood;
- atherosclerosis;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- circulatory disorders after injuries and surgeries;
- diabetes;
- osteoarthritis;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- migraine and dizziness of unclear etiology;
- depression and other neuropsychic disorders;
- acute gastrointestinal diseases.
Many doctors advise you to take nicotinic acid during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, because the female body at this time is not enough of the amount of vitamin B3 that comes with food.
Nicotinic acid for the face is applied in a pure form, which allows you to effectively combat juvenile acne and any other inflammatory elements.
Side effects of nicotinic acid
As a rule, nicotinic acid is well tolerated, however, in rare cases, such side effects as:
- hyperemia of the face and entire upper half of the trunk;
- a feeling of heaviness in the head;
- blurred vision;
- numbness of limbs;
- increased blood glucose levels;
- fatty liver damage (with a very long application and a high dosage).
Allergy to nicotinic acid is rare, because vitamin B3 and so constantly enters the human body with various foods. If you experience any allergic reactions, it is recommended to use vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinamide, because it is much better absorbed by the body.
Contraindications to the use of nicotinic acid
Despite the benefits of nicotinic acid,
- the presence of an individual intolerance of vitamin B3;
- age up to two years;
- peptic ulcer disease of the duodenum or stomach during the exacerbation phase;
- severe arterial hypertension;
- serious damage to the liver and kidneys.
The use of nicotinic acid should be justified by a competent doctor, as an independent uncontrolled intake of vitamin B3 can very well lead to the appearance of persistent side effects and strong intoxication of the body.