Vitamin Side Effects: Beware! Taking this vitamin without medical advice can be dangerous and can even lead to loss of eyesight.

News Topical, Digital Desk : What Happens If You Take Too Much Niacin: Many people take vitamins daily because they believe they are always safe and beneficial. One such vitamin is vitamin B3 (niacin), which is known to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Doctors sometimes recommend it for patients with high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia. However, when this vitamin is taken in excessive amounts without a doctor's advice, it can be harmful.

It affects eyesight

Doctors at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, USA, reported a similar case in which a man's eyesight was affected by excessive niacin intake. The 61-year-old man's vision gradually deteriorated over a month to the point where he lost his clear vision. Tests revealed that his vision had deteriorated to dangerous levels.

Initially, the patient only reported high blood pressure and cholesterol, but later admitted that he had been taking 3 to 6 grams of niacin daily for several months. He had purchased the supplement on his own without consulting a doctor, believing it would improve his heart health.

What is the problem

When doctors examined his eyes in depth, they discovered he had a rare condition called niacin-induced cystoid maculopathy. This condition causes fluid to accumulate in the macula, the retina, causing swelling and blurred or impaired vision. Fortunately, as soon as the patient stopped taking niacin, his condition improved. Within a week, his vision improved, and after about two months, his vision returned to normal.

What the experts say 

According to doctors, the normal medical dose of niacin is 1 to 3 grams per day, and a maximum of 6 grams should be taken under medical supervision. The patient took this amount without medical supervision. During the examination, modern imaging techniques revealed swelling in the macula, a part of the retina that is essential for clear vision. The case report was published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. Dr. Richard Rosen, head of the research team, warned that taking supplements without a doctor's advice could be dangerous.

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