Can Vitamins B1 and B3 REALLY Reduce Tinnitus?
Tinnitus, commonly called "ringing in the ears", can be a complex ailment to treat, with more than one cause. The first thing to do is to see your doctor, who will check to see if such common causes of tinnitus such as an excessive build up of ear wax or high blood pressure come into play in your case. He may even refer you to a specialist and have imaging of the inner ear done.
While there have been no full blown clinical studies done, a building body of anecdotal evidence relayed to tinnitus specialists suggests success with various dosages of vitamins B1 and B3 and the decrease of tinnitus symptoms.
It has been shown that Vitamin B deficiencies can result in tinnitus. The B vitamins can stabilize nerves and appear to have a beneficial effect on some tinnitus patients.
Some patients have said that taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) at 100-500 mg a day has provided them with relief from tinnitus symptoms. Similarly, it has been reported by patients on numerous occasions that vitamin B3 (niacin) helps to reduce symptoms.
Vitamin B3 is usually recommended at a starting dosage of 50 mg twice a day, up to a maximum of 500 mg twice a day. Improvements can be gradual, up tothree to fourmonths. If no improvement is seen by then, it is unlikely that additional doses will be beneficial. (Disease Prevention and Treatment 3rd Edition. 2000:314-315).
Niacin contributes to more than 50 vital bodily processes If helps convert food into energy build red blood cells; synthesize hormones, fatty acids, and steroids maintain skin, nerves and blood vessels support the gastrointestinal tract stabilize mental health and detoxify certain drugs and chemicals in the body.In addition, it helps insulin regulate blood sugar levels. Niacin is also a powerful drug capable of lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides dilating blood vessels to improve circulation and alleviating depression, insomnia, and hyperactivity.
Natural SourcesThe bestdietary sourcesof vitamin B3 are found in beets, brewer's yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, pork, turkey, chicken, veal, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, peanuts, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cheese, corn flour, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, milk green vegetables such as broccoli, and whole grains.
If you get enough protein, you are probably receiving adequate amounts of vitamin B3. If adequate vitamin B6 is present, the body can also produce vitamin B3 from the amino acids found in milk, eggs, and cheese. Signs of niacin deficiency include indigestion, diarrhea muscle weakness; loss of an appetite, dermatitis that is worsened by exposure to sunlight; mouth sores; a red in flamed tongue; headaches irritability; anxiety; or depression.
Of course, irritability, irritation and depression could be cause by trying to live with never ending tinnitus also! The elderly, alcoholics and women who are breast feeding or those with thyroid problems are most likely to have vitamin B3 deficiencies.
B3 is toxic in high amounts. So mega doses of vitamin B3 should be taken only under a doctor's supervision because it is toxic in very high dosages. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, the skin on the face or chest becoming red or hot (flushing), continued over exposure may cause skin rashes, itching skin and damage to the liver.
So, correct dosage it important, consult your doctor.
