Niacin750IR

Niacin 750IR

It has been studied and proven that therapeutic Niacin supplementation does not only lower serum cholesterol levels it also reduces LDL (the bad cholesterol), raises the HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers Triglyceride levels as well or better than the commonly prescribed Statin drugs.

There are three types of Niacin preparations sold on the market. 1) Plain Niacin or immediate release Niacin, 2) Niacin products that are delayed release commonly called either timed release, sustained release or prolonged release, and 3) a type of Niacin that isn't effective in lowering cholesterol at all called flush free Niacin or non flushing Niacin, which will be discussed further in a moment.

While Niacin is generally considered safe and effective for most people only the immediate release and timed release types are effective in cholesterol reduction. Both timed release Niacin and immediate release Niacin are Nicotinic Acid, but the timed release type has been shown to sometimes raise liver enzymes making it necessary to discontinue. Immediate release Niacin has been proven to be a safer choice and easier on the liver.

Anyone who has taken Niacin can tell you that it doesn't come without one common side effect called a Niacin flush. A Niacin flush can be described as a warm to hot sensation on a person's skin with temporary redness and tingle. This sensation is harmless and goes away in approximately 15 to 30 minutes. With continued use this side effect usually disappears in a few days as the body adjusts to it. Flushing can be reduced by taking it right after meals and on a daily basis without missing doses.

Please note: Because of the flush, most doctors suggest that you build up to the higher amounts by starting with just 100mgs twice a day at breakfast and dinner (or as directed by your physician), then, as the flushing goes away, increase it gradually up to theraputic amounts. Niacin therapy should always be supervised by a physician.

Now, about the flush free type of Niacin. As you might guess flush free Niacin comes without the side effect of flushing described above. Unfortunately this type of Niacin, which is not Nicotinic Acid at all, is ineffective in lowering cholesterol levels. The story goes something like this. Some supplement manufacturing companies claim that substituting a substance called Inosital Hexanicotinate (INH), a totally different substance than Nicotinic Acid, eliminates the flushing feeling and still has all the benefits as Nicotinic Acid on cholesterol levels. While this shortcut has sales appeal and the companies are correct in their claim on the fact that it won't flush you, the truth is, it is ineffective on cholesterol reduction. Only Nicotinic Acid is effective.