The most remarkable niacin side effect is flushing which is a condition of dilation of blood vessels that results in ‘niacin flushing’. Occasionally, flushing is coupled with rashes and itching. However, these are normal niacin side effects and generally last about 20-30 minutes. Fortunately, there are non-flushing niacin formulations available to minimize or eliminate flushing.

Some of the adverse niacin side effects include symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and decrease in blood pressure. There are some rare side effects of this Vitamin that may range from scaliness and dryness of the skin, excessive pigmentation, jaundice to liver disorder, blurred vision. Niacin side effects can also cause irregular heartbeats. There are some rarely reported side effects such as headache, tooth or gum pain, panic attacks, dizziness, increased anxiety, breathing difficulty, and thyroid problems.

Though the niacin side effects are not fatal, they can lead to some kind of health hazards. If niacin is taken from natural resources there is less risk of toxic overdoes. For a better result, niacin should be taken with other vitamins and minerals together to reduce its side effects. It has optimal health benefits than taking the vitamin on its own. It is better to avoid the synthetic version of the medicine, rather switch to natural versions for better effects. With proper attention you can minimize the potential side effects of niacin.