While there are some known niacin side effects that could potentially be dangerous, there are also many benefits to consuming plenty of vitamin B3 foods or considering supplementation. Niacin is often used to improve the levels of good cholesterol, which, in turn, reduces the bad cholesterol – ultimately … (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Niacin Flushing: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects. If you’re taking a measured approach to remove potential toxins from drug use and featuring niacin as part of your treatment, do it under a doctor’s guidance with gradual, incremental dosage increases. If you consistently take in too much of any substance, whether alcohol, sugar, protein, or an essential vitamin, it can become toxic and lead to problems in the liver. Here the entire skin flushes and becomes red which may look like a niacin … So, if you want to take the niacin benefits to improve your physical performance at the gym, you should avoid taking non-flushing niacin supplement. So what is a niacin flush exactly? There are also a lot of delicious recipes that are notably high in vitamin B3, including: A niacin flush (the visible symptom) typically occurs from supplemental doses of niacin at 50 milligrams or higher. According to current USDA standards, adults and children over the age of four should consume about 16 milligrams of B3 per day. But are there any potential health benefits of niacin flush? Patients suffering from heart disease who were given niacin reported lower rates of illness and death than those who did not receive it. Regardless of the size of the dose you’re taking, you should divide it up into five or six doses throughout the day, letting your doctor know beforehand. Flushing of the face is the most common, but it can also occur in the neck and upper body. But for true relief, taking niacinamide is recommended for the best results, since it opens blood vessels deep within the skin closer to the joints. How Long does the Niacin Flush lLast? Apparently, some people conduct a niacin flush in an attempt to pass a drug test. When niacin is consumed in foods, it is not likely to experience the visible niacin side effect known as a niacin flush. There are major risks to a niacin flush that should be seriously considered before choosing it as a line of treatment. I don’t believe the niacin flush is dangerous or harmful. Simply put, Niacin releases energy from food. A niacin flush doesn’t happen when you eat foods high in niacin. If you’re suffering from one of these conditions and are interested in looking into treating it with niacin—such treatment is approved by the FDA—consult with a physician. Since it opens blood vessels, niacin flush benefits include improving circulating in diabetics and stimulating the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Niacin flush is a common side effect of taking high doses of supplemental niacin, which can be prescribed to treat cholesterol problems. Keep reading for a complete list of niacin uses, possible side effects, benefits, sources and signs of deficiency. As discussed in one scientific review, niacin has been shown to selectively increase the plasma levels of Lp-AI, a component of HDL that has a cardio-protective effect in patients with low HDL levels. Niacin Flush And The Production Of Growth Hormones. It’s highly unlikely. Like the other B vitamin, niacin or B3 helps our bodies convert the food we eat into usable fuel. For most healthy people, pellagra is extremely unlikely, and the risk generally applies to alcohol abusers or people living with HIV/AIDS. Taking 200 to 300 mg of niacin before flying or driving can also help to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. The niacin flush is usually considered as a side effect and scares those who are not familiarized with the term or how it works. But because niacin is the “flushing” form of vitamin B3, we wanted to include it at a dose where flushing has not been reported to occur. Flush can occur the first few times you take the medication and causes skin redness with a burning, prickly sensation. For more in-depth information on Niacin and other essential supplements please visit us at www.ancientpurity.com Lowers Cholesterol. What about no-flush niacin or niacin flush-free? Most people will experience flushing if doses of 500 mg of niacin are taken. One of the benefits of Niacin is that it expands the blood vessels (known as vasodilation), which improves blood flow. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) A. Patients suffering from heart disease who were given niacin reported lower rates of illness and death than those who did not receive it. Both low HDL levels and oxidative stress are typically indicative of a higher risk for heart problems. Since it opens blood vessels, niacin flush benefits include improving circulating in diabetics and stimulating the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. As mentioned earlier, the niacin flush, its benefits, and its results are said to be great for patients who suffer from arthritis. Niacin Detox: Benefits and side effects What Happens When You Take Niacin? Benefits of Niacin Flush. For all of the above, it may require as little as 100 to 200 mg of niacin a day. If niacin is going to be taken to detox from drugs, it should be done gradually and with the guidance of a medical professional. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. What are some niacin uses? Flush-Free or No-Flush Niacin . We are all being subjected to many dangerous chemicals each day, and if we wish to make it through in this harmful globe it is necessary that we discover the best ways to detox and take out the chemicals that we have actually taken years to consume and gather. Niacin is approved by the FDA as a pellagra treatment. Niacin Detox – Niacin Flush Detox Benefits and Side Effects. (4), So what is a niacin flush? While this flush may feel uncomfortable and even alarming to some people, it is completely safe, and some even find it to be pleasant because of the relief it brings to arthritis symptoms. Precautions to Take when Taking Niacin (Vitamin B3), Hypervitaminosis B: Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin B, Skin around Nails Peeling? Use Niacin Flush Free (inositol niacinate) as ordered by your doctor. High doses of niacin have been associated with liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, glucose intolerance, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes and other health issues. Nicotinic acid is typically used to treat high cholesterol, and is the form that leads to niacin flush. Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and a form of vitamin B 3, an essential human nutrient. For anyone suffering from ear-related ailments such as deafness, vertigo, or tinnitus, niacin flush benefits include opening the blood flow to the ear. The dilation of blood vessels that creates a sensation of warmth is referred as Niacin Flush. The Niacin Flush. But for true relief, taking niacinamide is recommended for the best results, since it opens blood vessels deep within the skin closer to the joints. What is niacin? Like other B vitamins, niacin helps the body break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Niacin has other benefits. (7), Niacin is known to be used for the clinical therapy of atherosclerosis. High doses of vitamin B3 have also been used to treat schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. 2. Symptoms should … Medical and aesthetic practitioners are already realizing some benefits from using niacin in the treatment of skin conditions. Is it typically not recommended to take niacin extended-release tablets if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Niacin has not been conclusively proven to “detox” the body of drugs or flush them from your system, nor “remove toxins” that may be present in the body. For more in-depth information on Niacin and other essential supplements please visit us at www.ancientpurity.com But the truth is that it is harmless and absolutely normal for anyone taking niacin supplementation. While it may not provide the same flush, the benefits you’ll enjoy will become noticeable when your pain begins to ease. So we needed to go with a lower dose than this to avoid … Vitamin B3 is one of eight B vitamins. Studies have shown that niacin flush benefits can include reduced LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels and … Niacin is a vital nutrient for heart … Additional Benefits of Niacin. A lot of people feel alarmed by the niacin flush effects, but they don’t last long. Regular intake of niacin reduces headache and other mental stress. But because niacin is the “flushing” form of vitamin B3, we wanted to include it at a dose where flushing has not been reported to occur. The Niacin flush is a well-documented side effect of Niacin supplementation that is completely harmless (though some people find it annoying). Also, taking niacin with food and starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing the dosage over time are known to reduce the chances of skin flushing. (2) What is niacin used for? Niacin flush symptoms such as itching; burning; and reddening of the face, neck, chest, and shoulders are completely harmless. This usually occurs when a person has been given a dosage of 50 mg. Niacin flush is the effect of vasodilation and it is harmless. Although niacin flush can lead to some immediate discomfort, it may actually provide some useful health benefits. Niacin extended-release supplements are often recommended. Niacin is also described as a vitamin for muscle growth. A striking benefit witnessed is taking niacin for depression and anxiety. Some individuals have applied the term “niacin flush” to mean “flushing the system” with niacin to achieve a desired result. B vitamins aren’t stored in your body, so taking a 1,000 mg today will not necessarily produce long-term benefits (the recommended daily intake is 14 to 16 mg). Unfortunately, if you want the cholesterol health benefits of niacin, a "no-flush" option does not exist. Although niacin is required for optimal health and high doses can provide benefits in certain populations, that doesn’t mean it is always safe or without some risk. It is important to note that niacin combined with chromium can significantly lower blood glucose levels, so you need to monitor levels closely to avoid hypoglycemia. A niacin flush doesn’t happen when you eat foods high in niacin. Detox Your Liver: Try My 6-Step Liver Cleanse, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses (30!). Having enough niacin, or vitamin B3, in the body is important for general good health. However, there are not many broad or well-done scientific studies to back up niacin flush for weight loss. A striking benefit witnessed is taking niacin for depression and anxiety. Instead, opt for meeting daily targets through food—it’s pretty easy to do whether or not you eat meat. This is probably the reason it does not produce any flushing. The way the niacin flush and the purported benefits it provides work is simple; it causes the blood vessels near the skin to open up or dilate so that more blood can rush through, often taking as little as 50 mg. Will taking a megadose provide any noticeable changes? Here’s an example of recommended dosing for a niacin flush with an extended-release niacin supplement: (14). Vitamin B3 Niacin Benefits Benefits of niacin in large doses lowers blood cholesterol levels, and has been widely used in the treatment and prevention of arteriosclerosis. Stop taking niacin or niacinamide at least two weeks before surgery. Just be sure to consult with a doctor or pharmacist familiar with your medical history before adopting any new vitamin regimen. Niacin, or vitamin B3, can naturally be obtained in the diet. Researcher L.A. Carlsen described the use of nicotinic acid to treat extremely high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). It is a typical symptom that occurs 20 – 30 mins after you take it. The health benefits of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, include maintaining good blood circulation, healthy robust skin condition, normal functioning of the brain, boosting memory power, aiding the digestive tract to absorb sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, reducing the effects of arthritis and improving the symptoms of schizophrenia. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home » Health » Niacin Flushing: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects. It’s not hard to find niacin weight loss articles, but can niacin really help you lose weight? (1). Use Niacin Flush Free (inositol niacinate) as … The symptoms of niacin flush, redness and discomfort on the face that may travel down your upper body, usually appear within 15 to 30 minutes after taking it, and subside in about an hour. A niacin flush is caused by a certain form of niacin known as nicotinic acid. However, there is evidence that it does not actually provide the body with much niacin. If you suffer from a niacin deficiency, you may be especially sensitive to the sun. Although the authors of this paper 2 did not mention niacin or the fact that the niacin flush is caused as a result of the release in the skin of PGD2, it is hard not to speculate that there may be a connection between the niacin flush and the very substantial (and not entirely explained) cardiovascular benefits of niacin. A niacin flush is a common visible reaction to high doses of niacin or a niacin overdose. Having a niacin flush, you are getting massive relaxation from the muscles within your bloodstream vessels (vasodilation). The niacin flush basically causes your face, neck and sometimes the rest of your upper body to flush in what feels like a burning or prickling sensation. Niacin Benefits. A niacin flush benefits heart disease patients by opening blood vessels to improve circulation to parts of the body that are otherwise starved for oxygen and nutrition. If you do elect to try and manage cholesterol with niacin, talk to your doctor first. Let’s take a look at what it is, along with the possible benefits and serious risks of a niacin flush. This B vitamin can also be obtained by supplementing with niacin pills. Another study surprisingly found that taking niacin regularly actually reversed the signs of heart disease in patients with genetically related cholesterol issues. Niacin plays a role in converting food to energy to be used by the body. However, one study looking at exercise, growth hormone and Niacin supplementation found that supplementing with Niacin at 1g 60 minutes prior to two sprint exercise and 0.5g … Lowers Cholesterol. For people who are used to high doses of niacin, they have already developed a tolerance for it, and a flush rarely happens. Niacin flush: Nicotinic acid supplements may cause a flush on the face, chest or neck that results from blood vessel dilation. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a nutrient that helps convert food into energy. There are three major forms of niacin available on the market: nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate. You may think that opening blood vessels, one of the niacin flush benefits, would be the last thing you would need if you were having trouble sleeping. Ross described it as a feeling of warmth, itching, redness or a tingly feeling under the skin. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. For people who are used to high doses of niacin, they have already developed a tolerance for it, and a flush rarely happens. A niacin flush can be a temporary side effect of taking niacin (vitamin B3), or it can be the intentional act of taking higher doses of niacin for a particular health concern. Related: Nicotinamide Riboside: Effective Anti-Aging Supplement or Hype? The temporary saturation indicates that a person has taken enough niacin. If you didn’t know, growth hormones are responsible for … (12). Since niacin is the oldest known treatment for high cholesterol levels, many doctors still prescribe mega-doses of niacin to lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Niacin flush is a side effect of taking niacin, a vitamin B3 pill that doctors may prescribe to help you with your cholesterol. Flush-free or no-flush niacin is a form of nicotinic acid also known as inositol hexaniacinate. Overall, niacin appeared to inhibit the progress of atherosclerosis in animal subjects. It helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in poultry, peanuts, mushrooms, liver, tuna, peas, and a variety of other foods. At significantly higher doses it is used to treat hyperlipidemia — or high cholesterol — and lower the risk of cardiovascular health concerns. Niacin doses over 2,000 milligrams daily are usually not recommended. (3). Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Key symptoms of the niacin flush include warmth, itching and redness of the skin. A niacin flush starts about 30 minutes after you take a large dose (30 to 50 milligrams or more).