Plus, IHN is significantly less effective than nicotinic acid at increasing serum niacin. IHN usually takes between 6-12 hours to raise blood levels of niacin to near the optimal range ( 28). If you are allergic to Niacin Flush Free ( inositol niacinate); any part of Niacin Flush Free (inositol niacinate); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and Stop taking niacin or niacinamide at least two weeks before surgery. It’s possible for niacin to make allergies worse by increasing histamine levels in the body. Risks. Niacin does have risks. It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues. People with any health condition including liver or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular problems need to talk to a doctor before using niacin supplements. Do not treat high cholesterol on your own with over-the-counter niacin supplements. It's better to take flush niacin if you are seeking benefits such as regulating already-healthy HDL and LDL cholesterol levels because no-flush niacin does not reliably have the same effects on lipids and cholesterol. If you really can't tolerate the flush, or your main goal is not to target lipids (fats), flush-free niacin is a good option. Both inositol hexanicotinate and niacinamide (nicotinamide) are flush-free.

Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin, specifically vitamin B3. Your body needs this vitamin to perform hundreds of essential functions!

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Anyone with the following medical concerns should avoid taking niacin: liver conditions, kidney or heart issues, those taking certain medications (see the list above), type 2 diabetes, stomach ulcers, thyroid patients, people with allergies, and drug and alcohol addiction. Does niacin remove plaque from the arteries? If you’re looking to up your niacin intake through your diet, incorporate niacin foods into your meals regularly. Long-acting niacin is associated with significantly reduced flushing, as it’s absorbed over a long time period that typically exceeds 12 hours. Because of this, taking long-acting niacin significantly reduced the chances of flushing ( 11).

Sustained-release niacin tablets deliver the vitamin to the body in a slower fashion over many hours. This reduces the intensity of the flushing but this type of niacin causes liver damage in some people. Niacin. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed March 1, 2022.This may translate to a decrease in heart disease risk, although several studies have found no link between niacin supplementation and a decrease in heart disease risk or deaths ( 4, 5). If you have any of these health concerns, especially diabetes or gallbladder disease, speak with your doctor before taking niacin. In general, always speak to your doctor before conducting a niacin flush. Some doctors recommend combining statins with niacin, which can increase the risk of side effects. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Niacin Flush Free (inositol niacinate). It appears as a flush of red on the skin, which may be accompanied by an itching or burning sensation ( 1).

Anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Taking niacin with them might increase your risk of bleeding. A severe muscle problem (rhabdomyolysis) has happened when Niacin Flush Free (inositol niacinate) was used along with certain drugs for high cholesterol like There are major risks to a niacin flush that should be seriously considered before choosing it as a line of treatment. Premedical care and a view from your doctor are critical for those at risk. Taking niacin can worsen certain conditions. Thus, ensuring it is safe for you to take niacin before consuming the supplements is essential.

Promotes metabolism health with no "flush"

Maki KC, et al. Triglyceride-lowering therapies reduce cardiovascular disease event risk in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2016; doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2016.03.008. A niacin flush as well as niacin supplementation is often not recommended for anyone with the following conditions: ( 17) To attain the health benefits niacin can provide, it is best to maximize your intake through daily supplements. If a person is vegetarian or vegan, they may find it challenging to obtain niacin through natural food sources. Most food sources include meat and dairy produce. Thus, supplements can help increase daily intake.

Take aspirin. Taking 325 mg of aspirin 30 minutes before the niacin can help reduce the risk of flush. Antihistamines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also minimize the risk ( 5, 10, 25, 26). Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes. WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your Q: I recently started taking niacin for high cholesterol. The first time I took it I experienced a hot flushing sensation on my skin that took an hour to go away. I thought I was having an allergic reaction. Can you tell me what happened?Interestingly, although the flush isn’t harmful, people often cite it as the reason they want to discontinue their treatment ( 1). Type 2 diabetes with uncontrolled blood sugar levels (since niacin can increase blood sugar levels) So, the next time you feel the warmth of your skin and you look as if you've run a marathon after you take your nicotinic acid, remember all the good it is doing for your body and try to embrace the discomfort—it's only temporary!