Vitamin B3 (B-3, no-flush niacin) - Side-Effects, Benefits, Vitamins, Deficiency

Vitamin B3 (B-3, no-flush niacin) - Side-Effects, Benefits, Vitamins, Deficiency - Twin Lab / Dose

Vitamin B3 (B-3, no-flush niacin) is the only B vitamin that can be synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. In its coenzyme forms, niacin is crucial to energy transfer reactions, particularly the metabolism of glucose, fat, and alcohol. Also, niacin's beneficial effects on lipids (fats) is well documented. Straight niacin (the kind that can cause flushing of the skin) releases histamine and causes capillary dilation. This effect can be lessened by taking niacin after eating or by starting with a low dose of 50 to 100 mg. Then, as tolerance develops, you may begin increasing it progressively.

Side Effects and Contraindications of High-Dose Niacin
High dose niacin is very safe. The most frequent side effect is a harmless flushing of the skin, accompanied by itching and lasts for 30-45 minutes and usually resolves over a few days or weeks of use. Taking an aspirin 30 minutes or so before niacin also helps to reduce this effect. Another way to minimize flushing is to start with low doses (50-100 mg) and gradually increase the dose as tolerated. Finally, inositol hexanicotinate (buffered), another non-flushing form of niacin can also be used. Inositol hexanicotinate, while a bit more costly than niacin, is effective in somewhat lower doses. Stand alone inositol can be purchased as a separate item.

Another possible side effect is the potential for elevation of liver enzymes or liver toxicity. Liver toxicity is rare and occurs most frequently with timed release preparations (ours are not time release). Anyone contemplating high dose niacin therapy probably should have their liver enzymes checked within several months of achieving therapeutic levels (1,500-3,000 mg/day) and consider avoiding the time-released form.

The only absolute contraindication to niacin therapy is insulin-dependent diabetes. Niacin aggravates blood sugar problems in insulin dependent diabetics further worsening their lipid (fat) problems. This usually causes their triglycerides (blood fats) to skyrocket. Alternatively, niacinamide (no-flush niacin) in doses up to three grams daily can be used for insulin dependent diabetics. Niacinamide does not normally effect lipid levels in non-diabetics because of its glucose-stabilizing effect in diabetics. It tends to normalize their blood lipids, especially triglycerides.

Pure niacin is acidic and may require a buffering agent to be co-ingested if its acidity is unacceptable. When taking niacin, methylating factors such as silymarin (milk thistle extract), folic acid, vitamin B12, choline and TMG (all collectively contained in Life Extension Mix) should also be part of ones supplement program to protect the liver. In addition, Anti-Alcohol Antioxidants should be considered.

Warnings Information:

For dietary supplement use only,
Keep Vitamin B3 (B-3, niacin) vitamins, supplements out of reach of children,
Do not exceed recommended dosage,
If you have a bad reaction or side effects, discontinue use immediately,
When using, please inform your physician,
If you are pregnant, lactating or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using this or any other nutritional supplement,
If the effects of allergic reaction occurs, discontinue Vitamin B3 (B-3, niacin) vitamins, supplements immediately.

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