Niacin (B3)

Most Recent Posts

Mixing Niacin and Vitamin C

AnnaM (Tx) on 02/03/2023

I was just wondering if it is OK to mix vitamin C (ascorbic acid), baking soda and niacin, the flush kind. I was mixing the vitamin C and baking soda with water until it stopped fizzing and then adding the niacin but one time while traveling, I mixed the vitamin C, baking soda and added water, then added the niacin and it started fizzing again for longer than the vitamin C/BS. It would be so much more convenient to just mix all the powders and then add water while traveling but wanted to make sure it wasn't degrading the niacin in some way.
REPLY   5      

Pellagra and Niacin Deficiencies

Ilana (Atlanta, GA) on 01/18/2022
5 out of 5 stars

Pellagra:

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.

REPLY   5      

Niacin Side Effects

Echosyn (Dallas, Texas) on 06/20/2021
0 out of 5 stars

Warning! Do Not Confuse Niacin with Niacinamide

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.

REPLY   7      



Niacinamide for Better Sleep, Mental Clarity, Smooth Skin

storycharms (Turkey ) on 06/14/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I ordered some no-flush niacinamide B3 (500mg capsule) from a reputable source after reading about its benefits for dry skin, which had recently become a problem for me. But I quickly noticed the hugely positive impact on my dreadful and seemingly entrenched insomnia, which is far more important. I confirmed the connection after researching a little more and reading some posts here on EC, and switched to taking it in the evening after dinner.

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!

REPLY   17      

Tiny Amount of Niacin Helps Fibromyalgia and Insomnia

Root Lady (New Orleans, LA) on 06/13/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I take a scant amount of niacin most nights for fibromyalgia pain and insomnia. It’s proven so effective that I anticipate taking it for the remainder of my life.

One pro tip: mix in OJ to mask the taste.

REPLY   9      

Niacin Rush for Hives

Penny (Fresno, CA) on 06/13/2021
5 out of 5 stars

Your article on niacin is timely. In 2013, I had hives so badly for months that I could barely function. Back then, my cure ended by just one good niacin rush [300ml]. Recently, I presumed it was fleas, so attacked that idea for weeks, when I then realized, NO, it's hives! I then took 300 ml. niacin, got an itchy rush, did it again a few days later, started to slowly recover. Then, a week later, BY ACCIDENT, I took 1000milligrams!! I survived it better than I thought, & now days later, I believe my full-body hives are seriously on their way OUT! True that I had to bear with rather uncontrollable itching for 1.5 hrs. via the niacin, but that's it. I'm SO relieved this idea occurred to me as a possible way to flush my skin. I was in hell. I hope this helps someone else!
REPLY   16      

Got Niacin Flush Only After Adding Diatomaceous Earth!

Cindy (illinois, USA) on 04/27/2021
5 out of 5 stars

I got a HUGE effect from using a quarter teaspoon of diatomaceous earth in some water with 500 mg of "flushing" niacin. I wasn't getting a flush and discovered the body requires silica to process niacin...and it WORKED! And I realized that most of my food cravings are for niacin rich stuff but, apparently, it wasn't due to a niacin deficiency but, rather a SILICA deficiency - so...now, I could walk right past a bowl of almonds or a pile of broccoli, LOL!
REPLY   10      

Niacin for ED, Arthritis, High Cholesterol and More

Paracelsus (Orlando, Fl) on 01/15/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Niacin eliminates ED, arthritis and improves cholesterol and much much more.

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.

REPLY   32      

Re: Help Dealing With Niacin Flush

Michael (Ballina) on 09/22/2017
5 out of 5 stars

Lower the dose to 100mg and work up from there until you get a mild flush.
REPLY   3      

Re: Niacin and Plavix

Denise (Houston, TX) on 04/01/2015

Can you take Niacin and Plavix at the same time?
REPLY   1      

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) Boosts Immune System

Jon (Australia) on 03/17/2015
5 out of 5 stars

Vitamin B3 boosts Immune system by 1,000 times! & boosts white blood cell count (healing cells).

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

REPLY   10      

Improving B Vitamin Absorption - Questions for Bill

Cindy (Usa) on 06/10/2014

Question for Bill from San Fernando:

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

REPLY   5      

Re: Help Dealing With Niacin Flush

Andrea C (Wales) on 05/06/2014
5 out of 5 stars

Hi Niacinamide has been found to cause Liver problems in some people and Nicotinic Acid ( Flush Niacin B3) should never be taken by people who are 'undermethylator.'

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

REPLY   4      

Re: Niacin Flush

Bee (New York, US) on 04/08/2014

I took some B3 and had that flush. it was aweful.. Is there anyway to take B3 or get something without getting that flush. Is that flush okay to get anyway.. any effects from it.. Not sure I could get used to that. I do have B vit. but only amt. of Niacin in there is 50mgs.. I took 500 which was recommended for healthy bp...thank You
REPLY         

Re: Help Dealing With Niacin Flush

Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 02/09/2014
5 out of 5 stars

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.

REPLY   4      

Re: Help Dealing With Niacin Flush

Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 02/09/2014
5 out of 5 stars

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.

 

REPLY   5      

Help Dealing With Niacin Flush

Healthseeker (Usa) on 02/09/2014
0 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   1      

Niacin Side Effects

Noelle1000 (Elkhorn, Nebraska, Usa) on 11/09/2012
0 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   6      

B-3 and Hep- C

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?
REPLY   4