The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Niacin Tips
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 02/09/2014
★★★★★
The best way to take larger dose niacin is with a meal, which extends the release of niacin into the blood over a longer period of time due to digestion, thus helping to reduce the flush effect. The other thing you can do is just take an aspirin 20 mins before you take the niacin. Aspirin helps to open up the capillaries but in a different way(no flush) and this will also help to reduce the niacin flush.
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.
Migraine Prevention
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 02/09/2014
★★★★★
I've been taking niacin (B 3 flush kind) for decades. I've taken it mainly for migraine headaches...not after the migraine begins but as a preventative; can take 250 mg four or five a week. I also take the herb feverfew as an herbal dilator.
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
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.
Niacin Side Effects
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.
Contraindications
Posted by Faith (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 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.
Contraindications
Posted by Danny (Uxbridge, England) on 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...
Contraindications
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 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.
Source:http://www.doctoryourself.com/Hoffer2009int.pdf
Contraindications
Posted by Danny (Uxbridge, England) on 09/10/2012
Bill from the Phillipines, . Are you sure taking vitamin B-3 at 500 mgs is OK... I took one pill (niacinamide)and currently feel sick to my stomach... I also have hepatitis -C... Maybe is contraindicated for B-3?
