Benefits of Niacin

Cholesterol levels of LDL, low density lipoprotetein levels may be lowered by taking niacin. Niacin opens blood vessels wider. Niacin detoxifies. The niacin flush is actually caused when the small blood vessels, the capillaries are opened so that more flood flows through them. Many toxins are stored in fatty tissues These blood vessels reach those fatty tissues and the toxins in the fatty tissues can be removed into the bloodstream and processed out of the body. Some people are concerned about the niacin flush when actually it is a good thing since it is a sign of improved blood flow. The “flush” is an indication that niacin is causing small blood vessels in your body to widen. Capillaries is the name for the many small blood vessels that are so small that blood cells go through only one at a time. Sometimes due to clogging the blood cannot pass through at all.

Dosages are typically from 500 mg up 2000 mg. A prescription is required for the high doses which are for individuals who have high levels of cholesterol. Dosage strength seems to correlate with side effects. Side effects include but are not limited to: flushing (redness, itching, warmth, redness), night sweats, palpitations, cardiac fibrillations or other arhymias, decreased glucose tolerance, migraines, and skin hyper pigmentation.

To avoid side effects Niacin doses can be started at the low end of 100mg/day and the doses can be increased to 250mg each week until the blood lipid levels start to normalize (or side effects develop).

Most importantly, as with any other type of medication, consult your health care practitioner to make sure niacin will not interfere with any other conditions you may have or other medications you are taking.