Vitamin B3 (B-3, no-flush niacin) - Side-Effects, Benefits, Vitamins, Deficiency - Twin Lab / Dose
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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 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 the niacin after eating or by starting with a low dose of 50 to100 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. Its most frequent “adverse effect” is a harmless flushing of the skin, accompanied by itching. This effect usually resolves over a few days or weeks of use. Taking an aspirin 30 minutes or so before the niacin also helps to reduce this effect. Another way to minimize the flushing is to start with low doses (50-100 mg) and gradually increase the dose as tolerated. Finally, inositol hexanicotinate (this kind, Twin Lab)—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, thereby remaining cost effective. Stand alone inositol can be purchased as a separate item.
Another 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. 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) 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 problems, usually causing their triglycerides to skyrocket. Alternatively, niacinamide (see no-flush niacin) in doses up to three grams daily can be used for insulin dependent diabetics. Although 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, the 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 one’s supplement program to protect the liver. In addition, Anti-Alcohol Antioxidants should be considered.
Order: Vitamin B3 (B-3,
no-flush niacin) | Vitamin
B12 methylcobalamin |
Vitamin K1, K2 |
Vitamin C | TMG
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