Nicotinic acid and its derivatives form a group of water-soluble vitamins PP. It is used as a medicine. Speaking about why nicotinic acid is needed, it is immediately worth noting that it has a vasodilating effect, prevents the accumulation of cholesterol, and normalizes heart function.
Nicotinic acid preparations are used for neuritis, impaired metabolic processes, and hepatitis. They help reduce the likelihood of developing a heart attack, eliminate headaches, depression, and normalize the digestive system. Niacin has a positive effect on stomach ulcers, diabetes, poorly healing wounds, and chronic vascular diseases.
Why do I need nicotinic acid?
Under the influence of vitamin PP in the human body, many different biochemical processes occur, among which it is necessary to distinguish the following:
- protein metabolism;
- fats;
- amino acids;
- biosynthesis of nutrients;
- the breakdown of glycogen to glucose.
Without the participation of this substance, not a single redox process occurs. It contributes to the normalization of the digestive system, nervous and cardiovascular systems. In addition, nicotinic acid accelerates the movement of food through the intestines, stimulates the production of gastric juice and improves liver function. Vitamin PP is of greater importance in the process of hemoglobin synthesis.
Signs of Nicotinic Acid Shortage
With improper or malnutrition in the body there is a lack of nicotinic acid, which leads to the development of various diseases, worsening well-being. This negatively affects the appearance.
The most dangerous consequence of hypovitaminosis is pellagra disease. During its course, signs of dermatosis are observed, namely: the skin is cracking, peeling, and itchy red spots are formed on it. A person is worried about diarrhea, weakness and insomnia are observed. The last stage in the development of the disease is considered dementia.
In order to prevent hypovitaminosis, you need to learn how to recognize the signs of its course in a timely manner. Symptoms such as indicate nicotinic acid deficiency:
- chronic fatigue;
- dizziness;
- insomnia;
- headache;
- loss of appetite;
- constipation
- dry skin
- frequent colds.
If there are several signs of a lack of nicotinic acid, you need to balance the diet and consult a doctor to determine the cause of the dangerous symptoms.
Why is the agent prescribed
Many are interested in why nicotinic acid is prescribed intramuscularly and orally. Remedies with vitamin PP help in the treatment of so many diseases. Against the background of their use, metabolic processes, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are normalized, and toxins are also excreted much faster. Drugs containing nicotinic acid are prescribed for diseases such as:
- stomach ulcer;
- pellagra;
- enterocolitis;
- diabetes;
- hepatitis;
- gastritis;
- pathology of the heart;
- spasm of the vessels of the brain.
A course of vitamin therapy can also be prescribed for malignant tumors, atherosclerosis, and tinnitus. As a preventive measure, this tool is used to improve memory and vision, as well as accelerate the process of fat breakdown. It can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, as well as taken orally.
What products contain
This water-soluble vitamin is found in many foods, so be sure to make sure that they are present in the usual diet. Sources of nicotinic acid are divided into plant and animal. The latter include:
- turkey, chicken, goose;
- beef;
- a rabbit;
- fish, seafood;
- dairy;
- the eggs.
Most of all, nicotinic acid is found in products of animal origin, in particular, in pork internal organs and beef liver. Plant sources of vitamin include:
- sorrel, parsley;
- wild rice, wheat, buckwheat, oats;
- mushrooms;
- pistachios, peanuts.
Niacin is found in some herbs, such as mint, nettle, chamomile, sage, clover.
What preparations contains
It is necessary not only to know why nicotinic acid is needed, but also to understand how to use it correctly. It is available in the form of tablets and solutions. This medicine should be taken only as prescribed and under the close supervision of a doctor. Self-administration of vitamins or exceeding the maximum permissible dosage can lead to dangerous consequences for the body.
There are many special additives and complexes that allow you to make up for the missing amount of this substance in the body, namely:
- "Astrum-Mammie Complex" - for pregnant and lactating.
- Menofix is a complex for women's health.
- "Diet support" - fat-burning vitamins with natural ingredients.
- "Complex AstrumVit" - compensates for the lack of trace elements and vitamin.
- “Transfer Factor Cardio” - to maintain the activity of the cardiovascular system.
The method of application of nicotinic acid largely depends on the form of release of the drug. Vitamins in the form of tablets are often used for the prevention and long-term treatment of many diseases. In order to strengthen the body, they need to be taken after food intake at 0.015-0.025 g for adults and 0.005-0.02 g for a child. During the treatment of pellagra, patients are prescribed 0.1 g of this vitamin 4 times daily, and children are shown 0.005-0.05 g up to 3 times a day. People with high acidity of the stomach need to drink the drug with mineral water or milk.
Niacin is also prescribed in ampoules for intramuscular administration. In this case, the use of 1 ml of a 1% solution of nicotinic acid 1-2 times a day is indicated. The course of therapy is 10-15 days.
In ampoules, nicotinic acid for intravenous administration is prescribed with insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues of the brain and ischemic stroke. Injections are carried out very slowly, so that there are no complications and poor health. Apply 1 ml of 1% solution daily. The medicine does not irritate the gastric mucosa and is evenly distributed throughout the body in the shortest possible time.
Niacin during pregnancy
What is nicotinic acid used for and how to use it during pregnancy? This question is of interest to so many women. Despite the complex therapeutic effect, vitamins are not recommended for use during the period of gestation, if no pathologies are observed. The main indications for the use of nicotinic acid are:
- pathology of the biliary tract and liver;
- problems with the functioning of the placenta;
- multiple pregnancy;
- fetoplacental insufficiency.
Under the action of this vitamin, vascular spasm can be eliminated, blood viscosity can be reduced, and blood clots can be prevented. In the end, you can eliminate the threat of premature birth and fetal death.
Lack of nicotinic acid during pregnancy can lead to hair loss and mental disturbance. As a result, a woman becomes very irritable and prone to depression. She also has problems with digestion, namely a violation of the stool and absorption of nutrients by the intestines. Knowing the beneficial properties of nicotinic acid and the features of its use, you can achieve very good results in treatment.
Opinion of Dr. Komarovsky
Many mothers ask questions about how nicotinic acid is useful for the baby’s body, when it is necessary to take vitamin supplements and how to do it correctly. The popular pediatrician Komarovsky believes that a lot of vitamins should come along with food. In his opinion, nicotinic acid or other complexes should be taken only if they are deficient.
The doctor considers their preventive intake redundant due to the fact that the lack of nutrients in a child develops only when it gets into extreme conditions, when food is completely absent. There are no other significant reasons if various types of products are present in the diet, for the use of this substance is not. Komarovsky believes that it is better to try to diversify the child’s menu and include everything necessary in it.
Is it possible to lose weight with nicotinic acid?
Many women are interested in how to use nicotinic acid for weight loss and how effective it is. It is known that this substance is involved in the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates. Often, a lack of nicotinic acid leads to excessive consumption of confectionery and flour products. As a result of this, health problems and extra pounds appear. That is why in some cases, taking the supplement helps eliminate unwanted weight and normalize well-being.
The positive effect is due to the fact that vitamins PP contribute to the breakdown of lipids and the regulation of metabolic processes. Niacin helps to stabilize the balance of cholesterol and normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, as well as remove toxins from the body.
Many diets provoke depression and increased cravings for sweets, which is why niacin is required to produce serotonin in the brain, which helps to increase mood, prevent depression and overeating. Indications for the use of this substance may be obesity and impaired lipid metabolism.
Under the influence of nicotinic acid, metabolic processes are enhanced, all fats that come with food are well absorbed, but not deposited on the waist and hips. Pills help to tune the body in the right way and the weight easily leaves. These unique properties of nicotinic acid need to be paid attention to those who want to lose those extra pounds.
However, you first need to consult a doctor, since it is important to choose the right dosage. You can take no more than 2 tablets per day.
Contraindications and side effects
There are certain contraindications for the use of nicotinic acid, among which the following should be highlighted:
- stomach ulcer;
- allergy to the components of the drug;
- pressure drops;
- gout;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- atherosclerosis;
- glaucoma;
- bleeding.
When taking nicotinic acid, side effects are quite rare, but can still be observed. Among them, you need to highlight the following:
- pressure reduction;
- feeling of heat;
- redness of the face and body;
- dizziness;
- stomach problems.
To slightly reduce the side effects of nicotinic acid, you need to add cottage cheese to your usual diet.
Nicotinic acid overdose
Uncontrolled use of nicotinic acid can lead to various consequences. Hypotensive patients may have dizziness, fainting, or even a deep coma. This is due to a sharp drop in pressure. An overdose of this vitamin can lead to itching of the skin, as well as gastrointestinal disorders.
In some cases, an allergy develops, difficulties with swallowing food are observed, and tactile sensations are also reduced. In such signs, a doctor's consultation is required and symptomatic treatment is prescribed to the patient.
special instructions
With caution, you need to take nicotinic acid for gastritis with high acidity, stomach ulcer. In the process of treatment with this vitamin, especially in large doses, you need to carefully monitor liver function.
With the compatibility of nicotinic acid with other drugs, a doctor's consultation is required, since side effects may occur. Do not mix this substance with a solution of thiamine chloride, since its destruction occurs. The combined use of antispasmodics, cardiac glycosides and fibrinolytic drugs enhances their toxic effect.
Particular care must be taken when combining with antihypertensive drugs, as well as anticoagulants, since this is associated with a risk of hemorrhage. The simultaneous use of contraceptives and nicotinic acid can increase the need for niacin. And the use of supplements along with antibiotics increases hyperemia.
Nicotinic acid in cosmetology
Vitamin PP, nicotinic acid in ampoules helps to improve the microcirculation of the blood of the scalp, normalizes the nutrition of hair follicles, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the strands. As a result of this, they stop falling out and grow more intensively, acquiring a natural luster and a more attractive appearance, their dryness and brittleness disappear.
Healing masks are made from this water-soluble vitamin and added to scrubs and shampoos. In addition, ampoules with acid are used. To enhance the healing effect, it is recommended to add other components to this substance, for example, vitamin E, herbal decoctions and aloe juice.
After applying nicotinic acid, the hair becomes more silky, they do not dry out. In people with oily curls, the production of subcutaneous fat decreases and the unwanted shine disappears.
It is necessary to open the ampoule of the vitamin product, apply its contents to the scalp after washing it with massaging movements, evenly distributing the liquid over the entire surface. Do not flush. Nicotinic acid should be used once every 3 days. The recommended course is 14 treatments. It can be repeated 1 time in 3 months.
Nicotinic acid has a pretty good effect on the skin of the face. The tool helps to improve its condition, remove acne and prevent early aging. It contains the components that are required to maintain beauty and health. For cosmetic purposes, ampoules and tablets with the active substance are used. They can be used internally and externally. You can add the solution to lotions, serums and masks. When taking vitamins inside, you need to follow the recommendations of a cosmetologist.
Basically, the course of therapy lasts no more than 2 weeks. These vitamins are also prescribed before and after plastic surgery, as they accelerate the process of tissue repair and help quickly eliminate inflammation. Before applying nicotinic acid, you need to test for the sensitivity of the skin to its components.
Having figured out why nicotinic acid is needed, it must be said that this remedy is used in the treatment of many diseases, including to eliminate acne, as well as restore the skin. To get rid of blackheads and blackheads, you can use various cosmetics with the addition of this therapeutic substance.
Analogs
If there are contraindications to the use of this tool, then it is worth choosing analogues of nicotinic acid, the instructions for use of which need to be studied first. An effective identical supplement is the drug Nikoshpan. It affects the tone of the vessels of the brain. The main active ingredient of the drug is nicotinic acid, as well as other components.
It is used for diseases accompanied by vasospasm. The medicine has a positive effect on the hemodynamic process and helps to eliminate the painful manifestations resulting from acute circulatory failure. It is worth remembering that Nikoshpan can provoke negative changes in organs and systems, which is why you must first study the instructions for use.
Reviews
There are many reviews of this drug, most of which are positive. Many note a beneficial effect on the body, but after some time, side effects may occur.
According to reviews, nicotinic acid helps to quickly normalize well-being. In addition, this tool is able to strengthen the hair and make them more docile, smooth and silky. However, cosmetologists and doctors say that you can’t take it constantly, only with courses.
This drug is effective for circulatory disorders, atherosclerosis, osteochondrosis, obesity, migraines, as well as many other diseases. Some patients complain of the occurrence of side effects in the form of a sensation of heat, as well as redness of the skin, but they pass very quickly.
Nicotinic acid is a good vitamin remedy that helps get rid of various kinds of diseases, improve well-being. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. Nicotinic acid deficiency can lead to the development of unpleasant symptoms and various diseases. The drug can be taken by adults and children, but special care should be taken during pregnancy and lactation. .