Anxiety, Cystic Acne, Acne Scars
★★★★★
Anyway, as I was increasing my dose, I discovered that my cystic acne was going away. Up til then I had horribly painful deep cysts that would persist longer than regular acne. I also noticed that the cysts I had once developed on my upper thighs and even sometimes my armpits were COMPLETELY gone. I have not had them since. And like I said, that was 8 years ago when I started.
Now, PLEASE do your research about niacin first. While I have never had any issues with it (aside from accidentally taking time release niacin which raised my liver enzymes and caused my ankles to swell - very scary. Once I stopped it, all went back to normal), it does cause a flush. This flush can be anywhere from a slight warmth to feeling like a bad sunburn. It can take 15 minutes to an hour to pass. That is why I started at a VERY low dose and very gradually worked up.
I took the 25mg 3x a day and increased by 25mg per dose every 2-3weeks. I only started flushing when I started taking 50-100mg each dose. I believe it detours the liver and that may have something to do with it getting rid of the acne. I RARELY even have a pimple now when prior to starting it, I had a horrible pizza face with redness and discoloration from the scarring.
My scarring is 95% gone too. I'm sorry for the long post but felt this was a good one to share. Again, I ONLY use pure niacin (flush niacin), not niacinamide and definitely not time release niacin. Those two are dangerous to the liver from what I've read.
(Usa)
08/09/2022
★★★★★
Niacin seems to work for me. Thank you. Once off birth control pills and in menopause I started getting cysts on arms face back of thighs that refused to heal. Used steristrips for healing, calamine seemed to help some. Careful with contamination calamine.
Also tried spirolactone for1 year no help. No acne topical, no oral or topical antibiotics worked, gluten free 1 year no worked. Dermatologist two visits in 5 years only shame you. So I have used oral niacin 2x 500mg per day and it has prevented cysts. it did not help healing the existing one sore I had but did prevent new ones.
As a scientist, I am trying to figure out how niacin works for my skin. I am in great health otherwise_ athletic and real food. Are the sores a result of pellagra? Any thoughts?
Better Sleep, Mental Clarity, Smooth Skin
★★★★★
I also use a sublingual B12 spray in the mornings, which energises me. As a lacto-vegetarian with gluten intolerance, I think it's necessary to supplement with B vitamins normally supplied in diets that include meat, fish and wheat.
After 2 months I can report no negative side effects and improvement in my overall health and wellness, including better sleep, mental clarity and yes, smoother skin from head to toe!
Contraindications
(San Fernando, Philippines)
09/11/2012
Hi Danny... My feeling is that if you believe and feel that niacin or niacinamide is causing your nausea problems then you should cut back or stop using it.
There is some research evidence that suggests that niacin is not beneficial to the liver in larger amounts but this directly conflicts with Abram Hoffer's view that larger amounts of niacin are protective to the body. I myself am evidence of this and Abram Hoffer took between 500 mgs and 6 grams of niacin for decades and he was an expert on this vitamin. He also said:
Niacin is not liver toxic. Niacin therapy increases liver function tests. But this elevation means that the liver is active. It does not indicate an underlying liver pathology. Dr. Bill Parsons discussed this extremely well in his book on niacin and cholesterol (Cholesterol Control Without Diet, Lilac Press, 2000). I personally have been on, 500 to 6, 000 mg daily since 1955. The biggest danger of taking niacin is that you live longer. One of my patients is 112. She does cross country skiing and has been on niacin for 42 years. The fear doctors have of niacin is not based on data or facts and, like any myth, is very hard to eradicate. So many patients are on niacin that by chance some will also have liver damage from other conditions such as alcoholism, hepatitis and so on. Niacin does not make it any better nor worse.
(Uxbridge, England)
09/11/2012
Bill, Thanks for the quick reply... I will give it another try and see what happens... Possibly take 1/2 of a 500 mgs capsule for a few days before I up it to 500 mgs... How far should I take this increase of dosage to see some results? I weigh 180 pounds and am 6'0". 62 yrs old. Thanks again...
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
11/04/2012
Niacin kills candida OR FUNGAL YEAST.... There are no contraindications because it is killing off the virus making you ill.... Step back and get a 100 mg supplement and start there. Take one every day... Each week increase by one... Take it with a meal... If the flush gets too bad, decrease the dose and keep going. Also take a good B complex that contains niacinamide as well... This will also help a great deal. Try to find an organic one for the best absorption, a powder... dump the powder in a drink, stir, and drink.
(Barrie, Canada)
06/14/2021
Yes, it can make you feel sick. This website is great for all drugs and supplements, uses, side-effects, drug interactions... https://www.rxlist.com/niacin/supplements.htm
(Wales)
07/30/2021
Apparently, it seems that the no-flush forms of niacin, such as Niacinamide, may trigger liver issues, but the flushing niacin doesn't. Having said that, one of niacin's roles is in detoxification. That in itself may temporarily put a greater burden on the liver as it eliminates toxins. It is better to start low & slow & gradually build up the dose. The flushing action can be unpleasant, so it may be better to acclimatise gradually, starting with just 50mg or even 25mg. The flushing effect is stronger if taken with water on an empty stomach, but may not be experienced at all if taken with food. The flushing effect is beneficial though, as it opens the capillaries & not only allows more oxygen to the cells, but also helps flush out toxins, parasites & pathogenic microbe colonies.
ED, Arthritis, High Cholesterol
★★★★★
Niacin is probably the most underappreciated vitamin. I read a book on Niacin (Drs Hoffer and Saul) and put the vitamin to test on myself. Read the article on Niacin on doctoryourself dot com. I eliminated arthritis from my fingers, increased libido, erections and quality of intercourse. Niacin is supposed to have great effects on mental conditions as well. It is used to help people break addictions to alcohol. Side effects include longer life (around 3 years added life expectancy) and flushing. I only use the flush niacin not the flush free niacin. The flush free niacin helps for some conditions but not for all. Especially it does not improve cholesterol (niacin lowers LDL or bad cholesterol and increases HDL).
I take around 500mg per day which is pretty low. Dr. Hoffer and others usually prescribed 1000 mg to 3000 mg daily. I believe in adjusting the dose to where you see results. I see results at 500mg, so I haven't gone much beyond that (some days I'll take 1000mg). Also, if you want to minimize or eliminate the flush, only take Niacin on a full stomach. On an empty stomach, the flush will be intense. Also, work yourself up to higher doses. Start with 50mg 3x per day and work up to 1000 mg per day.
If I could only take one supplement, it would definitely be Niacin. It is king in my opinion.
Fibromyalgia and Insomnia
★★★★★
One pro tip: mix in OJ to mask the taste.
(the beaches)
06/14/2021
How much is a scant?
I have the micro measuring spoons and a scale that measure mgs. My smidgen spoon runs anywhere from 155mg - 172mg. I don't know what he calls a pinch but if you buy the micro spoons, pinch is a little larger than a smidgen. I'm up to 300mg 3 times a day and 150mg at night. Trying to work up to at least 3,000 mg a day.
Food Cravings Diminished
★★★★★
Hives
★★★★★
Immune System Booster
★★★★★
I found the below information on Dr. Mercola's site here.
Vitamin B3 a Potential Weapon Against Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs
In related news, a new study suggests vitamin B3 may be able to combat superbugs that modern medicine is finding it harder and harder to fight, including antibiotic-resistance staph infections. The research showed that high doses of the vitamin boosted the immune system by 1,000 times, giving the researchers hope that they may have found a new - and possibly better - way to fight infection.
According to BBC News:
"B3 increases the numbers and efficacy of neutrophils, white blood cells that can kill and eat harmful bugs. The study, in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could lead to a "major change in treatment", a UK expert said."
One of the researchers is quoted as saying:
"This could give us a new way to treat Staph infections that can be deadly, and might be used in combination with current antibiotics. It's a way to tap into the power of the innate immune system and stimulate it to provide a more powerful and natural immune response."
Jon
Improving B Vitamin Absorption
I am taking the niacin and other b vitamins several times a day. not real sure they are doing me good, reason asking is when I urinate it is so very yellow! Can the supplements just be passing through with no benefit? does one need to take magnesium at the same time? any thought on this is appreciated as always. thanks in advance
(San Fernando, Philippines)
06/11/2014
Hi Cindy...Urine normally varies in color anyway throughout the day depending on things like what you eat and drink, whether you alkalize or not etc. But generally it is the case that B vitamins do tend to initially turn urine yellow. But alkalizing properly should change the color back to pale yellow.
There are perhaps alot of unseen benefits from niacin/niacinamide. Together with magnesium, I find niacin to be a most relaxing vitamin. Perhaps many of the benefits of niacin/niacinamide are never really noticed, but here is a round-up of the many benefits from the research:
http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/niacin-benefits/#axzz34Izr8VnS
http://doctorvolpe.com/add-adhd/vitamin-b3/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/10/21/pellagra-causes-violent-crimes.aspx.
Migraine Prevention
★★★★★
To the people who got a bad flush at 500 - too much...won't hurt you though. Just chop the tabs in half and take AFTER eating...less intense flush and more a mild one if taken after eating. I think more effective also.
Mixing Niacin and Vitamin C
Niacin and Plavix
(Tennessee)
04/01/2015
Dear Denise,
My father has been on Plavix for 8 years. In the last year, I was able to get Niacin as part of his care. He was on it for at least six months. His Primary care doctor has changed. I do not know for sure if he is still taking it.
Anyway, I do not know for sure if it is safe across the board, but my dad only had positive effects from it. He was taking the slow release type.
~Mama to Many~
(Ten Mile , Tn)
04/02/2015
HI U MAMA, , , , , , , , , I do not understand your post at all. Niacin is a supplement and has nothing to do with Doctors or prescription drugs. Please explain.
========ORH==========
(Tennessee)
04/03/2015
Dear Robert Henry,
I am sorry my post did not make sense.
It seemed that Denise was concerned about taking Niacin and Plavix, wanting to make sure that was safe to do, so I was trying to communicate that it worked safely for my Dad. I clarified that I didn't know if this would work across the board since I really don't know for sure if there is any chemical interaction between the two. I REALLY wish I had paid attention in chemistry!
I know that some supplements taken together can change what they will do in the body (as in, Lugol's iodine, taken with Vitamin C, will change the form of iodine and thus its affect on the body.) And some supplements cannot be taken with prescription drugs (charcoal taken at the same time as many prescriptions will adsorb them and render them ineffective. Someone taking diuretics would not want to take herbal diuretics. A friend of mine, when taking coumadin, was not allowed to eat more than a certain amount of greens because the amount greens you eat affects the amount of coumadin you need.)
So, I tend to err on the side of caution when combining things, unless someone smarter than me has given me the okay or I have researched it and figured it out myself.
If I am not answering your question, let me know.
Thanks! Have a great day!
~Mama~
Niacin Contraindications
★★★★★
This has many symptoms and can be quite drastic if used by the wrong people. I suggest if you are, or thinking of using Niacin for any reason read up on being an 'undermethylator. ' before or if your having problems and already using it.
Love Andrea C xxxxx
(NJ)
07/23/2018
★★★★★
Great advice, Andrea.
Some people might be sensitive to even the smallest dosages, especially if not taken with food.
I have found that the benefits of niacin, when taken with avocados, seem to be many times greater than taken alone.
Niacin Deficiencies
★★★★★
I am confused between niacin and niacinamide. Many posts here are saying that niacin is the only form that will not damage the liver, but Ted's post below says the opposite:
https://ted.earthclinic.com/supplements/niacin.html
Please advise what to do as I need to use it for my 18 years old finger skin inflammation.
(CA)
01/18/2022
The way it was explained to me by ND is Niacinamide is a precursor to Niacin.
I take Niacinamide in the AM then straight up Niacin in afternoon and before bed.
Niacinamide does not make you flush like Niacin does.
It was also rec'd that I do not take any time release form of anything. The time release ingredient fights with the liver to do its job of slowly releasing the supplement while the liver's job is to process and get things where they need to go in liver's time.
Niacin Flush
★★★★★
