Non Flush Niacin VS Flush Niacin >Someone with experience using Non flush Niacin Please?

Question

I recently did a Yahoo answers question asking if anyone knew if Non flush niacin worked for lowering Cholesterol as well as the flush niacin. I still have questions. I have read some articles on the net that say that there havent been enough studies on the non flush niacin to know how well it works. And then other articles say that it works as well. I am totally confused now. I am looking into the non flush kind for my 81 year old mother. I don't think that she would tolerate the kind that flushes. I am looking for someone with experience in taking non flush niacin that knows for a fact that it has lowered their cholesterol. If you are reading this and you are that person, can you please explain how long it took to acheive results taking non flush niacin, and how many miligrams that you are useing per day to acheive and maintain results. . Also a reference to the brand that you are useing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Answer 1

B-vitamins aren't typically used for lowering cholesterol.  They are fantastic for the body in many ways, but in order to treat cholesterol naturally, without statins, a combination of supplements can be used.

If you are looking to lower cholesterol, I would recommend something high and rich in antioxidants, like Resveratrol or Picnogenol.  Look for brands like Jarrow Formulas and Enzymatic Therapy, which can be found in health food stores like Whole Foods Market.  Also, high doses of fish oils (or any omega-3 fatty acid) will work wonders in reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant protection for the heart and the surrounding muscles.  

No flush niacin (or niacinamide) is a very good form of niacin, but is not as easily recognized by the body as free form niacin, thus the absorbtion is a little less.  Believe it or not, a niacin flush is VERY good for you.  It opens up your capillaries and assists in delivering essential oxygen and vitamins to your cells.  Its uncomfortable, but flushes should diminish after consistent B-dosing for about a week or so.

Answer 2

I do not have personal experience taking niacin, but working in a family practice office, high cholesterol is one of the most common conditions that we manage. I'm thankful that the practitioners I work for do not jump directly on the "statin" wagon for every patient. We usually start with the diet/exercise route and then move into niacin and omega 3s.

I have had patients who use both flush free and regular formula niacin. The steps I recommend if they choose to take the regular formula niacin is that it be taken at night, just before bedtime (all cholesterol lowering agents work best at night). Also taking it at night allows ther person to sleep through the uncomfortable flush sensation. Another thing to help minimize the flush is to take it with an 81 mg asprin, as long as that is not contraindicated due to other medications.

Each person is different, but in my experience, I have seen just as good cholesterol management with both flush free and regular formula niacin.

In the end, it all comes down to what the person themselves tolerates best. If the regular formula works a little better but she wont take it, then it's not helping her at all.

Answer 3

as far as i know they both work, but it's better to have the flush kind from what i was told but for your moms maybe you should look into just getting her the non-flush kind because it is a bit much going through the short span of time that you're being flushed. I had to stop taking them before i knew they were safe, it scared me silly!