★★★★★
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.
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.
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.
Niacin Flush
This health thing is not that difficult. You have to detox, build up your immune system..... get some sleep. No it's not that simple. First you need knowledge. Then you need to act on that knowledge. I have been at this for 14 years and still know just enough to be spooked.
But I have cured my cancer twice, so you can heal while learning. Right now I'm getting old. I don't have a cure for that. I do try to eat right. Sleep best I cans. And stir the pot. I excel at that.
====ORH====
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!
Hives
★★★★★
Contraindications
Contraindications
Food Cravings Diminished
★★★★★
Niacin and Plavix
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~
Fibromyalgia and Insomnia
★★★★★
One pro tip: mix in OJ to mask the taste.
★★★★★
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
Niacin Side Effects
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.
Improving B Vitamin Absorption
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.
Fibromyalgia and Insomnia
Niacin and Plavix
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~
Niacin Contraindications
★★★★★
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 Side Effects
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.
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.
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
Re Niacin/ flush
The "Doctoryourself.com" web site has a great stand alone article on niacin written by Dr. Hoffer (MD;PhD).
You mention you are taking 500mg and that is way too much for someone not used to the effect. I take 250 and only after eating something so the niacin is not too strong too fast. There is timed released niacin that you might be able to tolerate better.
The Hoffer article (google "doctor yourself niacin") and you will find the article is lengthy and talks a lot about psychological issues that B3 can help with.
I HIGHLY recommend that article.
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.
Niacin Side Effects
The capsules would have likely contained at least a quarter teaspoonful which is 1000-1250mg. That could well have given you a HUGE flush!
whilst it may have raised your BP a bit, the feeling of having high BP comes from the blood being forced through the capillaries.
Whilst it feels uncomfortable, it's good because it's like a ‘drain-o-rod' session in your blood vessels & capillaries, helping to open them up & clean them out, & get the blood flow around the body working a lot more efficiently.
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
I started with 500 mg and felt my body on fire. I then started lower dose and helped-I do want some of the Niacin flush but not the scary on fire sensation.
Niacin Tips
★★★★★
I've been taking a higher dose of niacin for quite a while now, wouldn't be without it.
I've found that niacin, when taken at the higher dose, is perhaps the most relaxing vitamin or mineral that I have ever experienced (Magnesium Chloride comes pretty close though). I always sleep like a baby whenever I take 500 mgs in the evening.
If you haven't got high blood pressure or heart problems then niacinamide (no flush form) is fine to use for all its immune boosting and other health benefits.
Niacin Side Effects
https://www.foodmatters.com/article/how-to-take-niacin-vitamin-b3-for-depression-and-anxiety
Contraindications
