Could Niacin Supplements Increase the Risk of Blindness?

Could Niacin Supplements Increase the Risk of Blindness?

Niacin supplements are available over-the-counter. Does this mean they are safe? The most straightforward answer is it depends on the dosage consumed. Low doses of the supplement lower the risk of glaucoma, a condition characterized by the formation of high pressure in the eyes, leading to optic nerve damage. Conversely, overdosing on niacin supplements triggers retinal swelling, a condition we scientifically call cystoid maculopathy. This retinal disease exhibits a range of symptoms, from less serious blurry vision to normal vision loss. If ignored, these symptoms heighten the risk for severe vision loss or blindness.

Could The Damage Caused by The Supplements Be Reversed?

Quitting using niacin or vitamin B3 supplements reverses retinal swelling. From there, the retinal function becomes fully restored, positively affecting the production of electric signals.

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Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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