AnnaM (Tx) on 02/03/2023
Ilana (Atlanta, GA) on 01/18/2022
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.
Echosyn (Dallas, Texas) on 06/20/2021
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.
storycharms (Turkey ) on 06/14/2021
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!
Root Lady (New Orleans, LA) on 06/13/2021
One pro tip: mix in OJ to mask the taste.
Penny (Fresno, CA) on 06/13/2021
Cindy (illinois, USA) on 04/27/2021
Paracelsus (Orlando, Fl) on 01/15/2018
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.
Michael (Ballina) on 09/22/2017
Denise (Houston, TX) on 04/01/2015
Jon (Australia) on 03/17/2015
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
Cindy (Usa) on 06/10/2014
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
Andrea C (Wales) on 05/06/2014
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
Bee (New York, US) on 04/08/2014
Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 02/09/2014
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.
Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 02/09/2014
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.
Healthseeker (Usa) on 02/09/2014
Noelle1000 (Elkhorn, Nebraska, Usa) on 11/09/2012
Danny (Uxbridge, England) on 09/10/2012