The only established use of niacin is in the treatment of pellagra. Because nicotinic acid in large doses lowers blood lipids, it has been extensively used in the therapy and prevention of arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Toxicity may occur in the form of liver damage, however, with large doses over a prolonged period. Magnesium is an essential element in human metabolism and functions in the activities of muscles and nerves, protein synthesis, and many other reactions. Magnesium deficiency may occur in alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and renal diseases.
Prolonged deficiency can cause changes in heart and skeletal muscle.
Excessive retention of magnesium can occur in renal disease and results in muscle weakness and hypertension.