Niacin, which is also known as nicotinic acid, is simply Vitamin B3. When used as a dietary supplement, only a small dose daily is recommended (about fourteen milligrams). However, it will take a dose ten to twenty times higher for niacin to exhibit its cholesterol lowering capability. Vitamin B3 is made up of two components: nicotinic acid and niacinamide. Only nicotinic acid has cholesterol lowering effects, whereas niacinamide is completely ineffective.
Commercially Available Nicotinic Acid Products
There are a number of effective Niacin products, which are available over the counter. However, there are some problems with the over the counter preparations. Immediate release niacin causes the most flushing, slow release niacin can cause liver damage and a product called no flush niacin is the least effective of all the niacin products. There is a better product available called Niaspan, but it requires a prescription.
What are Niacin’s Effects?
The main effect of niacin is that it increases HDL (good cholesterol) and to a lesser extent lowers LDL (bad cholesterol). In addition to that, niacin also lowers triglycerides (which are another component of total cholesterol)
The Niacin Flush
There is a rather embarrassing side effect of niacin, which is redness of neck and face. However, it is not dangerous. This flushing occurs within about two hours of taking the medication. This happens because Vitamin B3 causes blood vessels to dilate, especially those present in the skin. This in turn causes more blood to flow to the skin, which causes it to flush. This side effect has a tendency to go away after regular use of the medication.
Can Niacin Flush be Prevented?
Niacin flushing can be prevented. Here are some steps a person can take to reduce this uncomfortable side effect:
- Start at very low doses and gradually increase over weeks to months.
- If okay with physician, take one tablet of Aspirin thirty minutes prior to taking niacin.
- Take niacin with food.
- Take niacin at bedtime.
- Avoid hot showers, hot drinks, spicy foods and alcohol shortly after having taking niacin.
Does Niacin Have Additional Side Effects?
Some additional niacin side effects are: stomach upset, heartburn, increased sugar levels, nausea, vomiting, liver problems, increased risk for gout. These side effects mostly occur at higher dosages (above 2000mg per day).
Which Nicotinic Acid Product is best?
Prescription niacin is safest because a physician thoroughly examines a person to see if niacin is appropriate. Furthermore, the physician can monitor liver enzymes, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels on a regular basis. Persons, with diabetes, gout, liver problems, or peptic ulcer should not take niacin, and everyone should first consult a doctor before taking any over the counter niacin product.
Additional Articles:
Taking Melatonin to Treat Lack of Sleep
Echinacea Supplements As Immune System Boosters
Vomiting and Diarrhea from Salmonella Poisoning
References:
Niacin monograph. Lexi-Comp Online™, Lexi-Drugs Online™. Lexi-Comp Inc. Hudson, OH.
Accessed October 3,2009.
Niacin (vitamin B3, nicotinic acid), Niacinamide.Medlineplus. Accessed October 3, 2009
Brenner, George M. Pharmacology. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:W.B. Saunders Company, 2000.
 |
