Rash!!!

[BoxerLoverBaby]

Well I've been on Atkins since the first of the year and I have developed a rash on my face. Just little red bumps all over my face that are somewhat itchy. I don't know if it's because I just finished an anti-biotic (a z-pack to ward off a bad upper respirtory infection which I finished the same day i started my diet) or has something to do with the difference in my diet. Anyone else experience a rash during induction???

Jessie

[rweeks]

Re: Rash!!!

Jessie- Check to see if you are taking in Niacin in the A-Z pack. IF so, I would bet a dollar that's the reason. A lot of people get that reaction. I used to drink an Energy drink that had it and I would break out from time to time. I Found this on the web.

Niacin

What it is
What it does for you
How much you need
Which foods have it
Signs of deficiency
How much is too much?
New research


What is niacin?
In the search to find the cause of pellagra, a common disease in 18th and early 19th century Spain, Italy and America, researchers stumbled upon nicotinamide (or niacin, as it has become generically known).

Niacin, or vitamin B3 as it used to be called, was the solution. The shortage of this vitamin, which can be found in protein-rich foods, was fully recognised as the cause of pellagra by 1937.

More recently, it was found that a precursor of niacin, called tryptophane, is also involved in the prevalence of the disease. Tryptophane is an amino acid (in other words, one of the building blocks of protein).

Tryptophane is called a "precursor", because dietary tryptophane can be converted into niacin in the body.

Niacin is one of the B-complex vitamins, all of which play an essential role in metabolism.

Like all the other B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, niacin is water-soluble. The B-complex vitamins are grouped together because of their similar physical properties and their presence in similar food sources.

Because of the close inter-relationship between the B-complex vitamins, it is important to note that the inadequate intake of one of the vitamins can result in the impaired utilisation of the others.

What does niacin do for you?
Your body needs niacin to produce two crucial enzymes that help release energy in the form of glucose from the food you digest. This happens by means of the Krebs cycle - a complex process that takes place in the cells and generates energy in the form of ATP and carbon dioxide. The cycle is the final step in the oxidation of protein, carbohydrate and fat.

Niacin also plays a role in the growth of healthy skin, helps nerves develop normally and helps your digestive system stay healthy.

Niacin also blocks the production of cholesterol in the body, thus playing an important part in preventing heart disease.


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How much niacin do you need?
The niacin content of food products and supplements are usually expressed in niacin equivalents (NE), or in milligrams.

The current RDA is 16mg per day for adult males and 14mg per day for adult females.

Currently, values are available for recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) of niacin, as well as upper intake limits (Uls), and adequate intakes (AIs – marked with * in table) for infants.

Click here to view a complete list of values.

Which foods have niacin?
Niacin occurs naturally in various types of plant and animal products and is also added to many foods as supplement.

The best sources are protein rich foods, like lean meats, fish, poultry, peanuts and yeasts. Tuna is an excellent source of niacin.

Although milk and eggs contain only small amounts of niacin, it is quite rich in the precursor of the vitamin, trypthophane. For this reason, these foods can also be counted as significant sources.

Unrefined cereals, such as wholewheat bread, are also relatively good sources.

Add more of these foods to you diet on a daily basis if you want to increase your niacin intake.

Signs of niacin deficiency
Pellagra, a disease caused by insufficient intake of niacin, is usually the result of a diet based on cornmeal.

Early signs of deficiency include indigestion, muscular weakness and changes in the texture of the skin.

Full-blown pellagra is characterised by dermatitis (an inflammatory condition of the skin), diarrhoea and changes in the texture and colour of the tongue (known as "beefy tongue"). Confusion and disorientation is usually also experienced by the sick person.

Dermatitis due to niacin deficiency is characterised by cracked, pigmented skin.

People suffering from pellagra usually are severely malnourished in general.

How much niacin is too much?
Generally, niacin is not very toxic as this vitamin is excreted through the urine.

Taking more than 1 000 mg per day will merely cause the face to look flushed for a while.

But a niacin intake of 3 g per day can actually damage the liver – especially if the niacin is taken in the form of slow-releasing supplements.

An overdose of the vitamin may be especially dangerous in people suffering from asthma or peptic ulcers.

Taking large doses of niacin (to lower blood cholesterol levels, for example) should only be done under the guidance of a doctor.

New research on niacin
Alcoholics and problem drinkers have benefited from taking niacin, which appears to reduce the craving for alcohol.

Niacin seems to reduce the release of histamine, so it can help to reduce allergic reactions such as those of hayfever, eczema, urticaria and sinusitis.

Daily supplements of niacin can reduce the appearance of acne rosacea, the reddening of the face that occurs in some menopausal women.

Niacin supplements may help the body to produce more protective “HDL” cholesterol, which in turn helps reduce blocking of the arteries. Its use in diabetics has, however, been controversial. Some scientists feared that it could raise blood sugar levels. But a recent study has suggested that niacin can be safely used to treat cholesterol levels in those with diabetes.

I hope this helps.... Good luck and Happy NEw Year

[Yansa]

Re: Rash!!!

Not only that, but a fine rash the the textbook "allergic reaction" with anti-biotics. Z-pak tends to have a high rate of allergic reactions too.

[blueeyedvirgo]

Re: Rash!!!

I have been doing this since the first as well, and yesterday I noticed that my face looked somewhat flushed. I just blew it off as the cold weather. I interested in what others have to say about this.

[BoxerLoverBaby]

Re: Rash!!!

Thanks for all that info Rob Much appreciated! I was guessing it was the meds since I don't remember this reaction when I had done Atkins a few years back. I did see the doctor today for that and also my ears had been bothering me and said just to wait it out. I was hoping he would have something to magically cure it but no such luck..oh well. Hopefully it's gone soon. I finished the medicine on the first so fingers crossed it won't take much longer...