Posted by Echosyn (Dallas, Texas) on 06/20/2021
Warning! Do Not Confuse Niacin with Niacinamide
Two years ago, I was in the process of building my home medicine and supplement collection while being supposedly diligent and cautious. I ordered bulk Niacin powder from Amazon and filled about 30 #3 dry gelatin capsules. I took a capsule with some refried beans and chips plus some coconut milk. 30 minutes later my blood pressure and pulse went off the chart and scared me. Monitoring the pulse and pressure showed a peak of 210/90 and pulse 118. I prayed and laid still hoping that the reaction would subside. It did after an hour and the numbers returned to normal.
As soon as I felt able to safely navigate I went online and researched both Niacin and Niacinamide. The two are vastly different in their effects on metabolism. Niacinamide does not cause wild blood pressure and pulse. Please NEVER assume anything about things for health use and ALWAYS check varied and conflicting information sources before putting anything in your body.
Posted by Healthseeker (Usa) on 02/09/2014
i would appreciate any information on the "niacin flush"" I picked up a bottle of niacin and inadvertently didn't get the no-flush one. I only realized this after I opened the new bottle and took a 500 mg. capsule. OMG I looked like I had a sunburn only blotchy and had to go out in public. Thankfully it is cold where I live and only had to show my face and hands.Tthe flush lasted for several hours, tho it didn't seem to bother in any way except for the redness. actually I felt very clear in my head and that I have not noticed with no-flush niacin. ut I don't think I can do this again as I wonder if repeatedly taking the supplement would be harmful. I did take it with magnesium, vit c, milk thistle, selenium and ALA. thanks for your help.
Posted by Noelle1000 (Elkhorn, Nebraska, Usa) on 11/09/2012
I was anxious to try Niacin and from what I have read about it, I definitely wanted the flush. The 'flush' dosage that was recommended was 1000mg. I started with that. Flush and itch is an understatement! It was like an allergic itch, but I felt that it was just triggered by histamines that were being released due to clogged capillaries opening up again. Anyway, this dosage was ok for a couple of days. But on the third day, it really affected me adversely. Zero energy. Kidneys hurt. Eyes were yellow. Tired. I felt like I had the flu. I was also very concerned that I had overtaxed my liver. I stopped taking it for a while. Then I tried a 500mg dose. It did fine for a few days (and I did flush on that dose, too), but I also experienced a really bad day where I felt flu-like symptoms and yellow eyes. FYI - taking it on an empty stomach creates a much stronger flush that happens much more quickly. Taking it right before or after a meal will still cause a flush, but it may take much longer to appear (over an hour). I am now comfortably taking a 250mg dose and I'll probably stay on that. I dont flush on that dosage. These are just my personal experiences (and watching my husband's experience on it. ) I am 46, 5'10", 145lbs. My husband is 51, 6'3", 230lbs.
