Quote:be sure to use non-flush
Quote:if you try it, just be sure to use the non-flushing variety, niacinamide.
Niacin supplements are available in regular and “timed-release” forms. Timed-release versions of niacin have been made available to avoid this "flush" effect. The problem with most TIMED-RELEASED niacin is that they are associated with a high degree of liver problems.
The timed-release forms of nicotinic acid are intended for a prolonged release of niacin during its 6-8 hour transit time in the intestines, but timed-release niacin is also associated with greater toxicity and safe doses are only about half of normal-release forms of niacin.
In the high doses used for controlling cholesterol levels (anything above 100mg/day), nicotinic acid can cause skin flushing and skin itching as well as headaches, lightheadedness and low blood pressure. The niacinamide form of niacin does not cause these side effects, but it is not effective in reducing cholesterol levels, so it is seldom taken in such high doses. The slow-release versions of niacin supplements have the potential for causing liver damage (even at “lower” doses of 500mg/day) - so blood tests to monitor for liver damage are recommended and high-dose niacin supplementation should only be undertaken under the guidance of a natural physician. Anyone with liver disease, including those who consume more than 2 drinks of alcohol daily, should not take high-dose niacin.
http://www.healingdaily....fication-diet/niacin.htmLastly, there are several different "no-flush" niacin products that contain inositol nicotinate, a compound which consists of six molecules of nicotinic acid attached to a molecule of inositol. The idea behind this compound is that the body slowly breaks it down into niacin (and inositol) slowly, helping to reduce flushing. Inositol nicotinate products are usually sold as "flush-free" or "no-flush" niacin. While it is true that these products theoretically create little or no flushing, it is not clear if they have the same properties as nicotinic acid for improving cholesterol. Critics claim that these products do not increase the level of niacin in the blood enough to have an effect on cholesterol.
http://cholesterol.emedt...cin/niacin-flush-p2.htmlQuote:The niacinamide form of niacin does not cause these side effects,
(this is true for some people. In others it can just delay the flush.)
The niacin flush is actually a very healthy reaction from your body. You shouldn't be alarmed when you get it; actually the very opposite. It means your body is healing itself. You'll notice that after a certain dosage of niacin that eventually you will not receive the niacin flush any longer. You can also start low and work your way up slowly. dosing 3x a day instead of all at once to avoid flushing.