I was told to take Niacin for part of my heart condition. I get bad flushing when I take it. I was told the non-flushing kind of Niacin is not as good for you. My doctor told me the flushing doesn’t have anything to do with the way it works and to go ahead and use the non flushing kind. What is your take on the use of Niacin, and is Niacinamide the same thing?
Niacin, or vitamin B3, lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. It also dilates blood vessels, which is the cause of flushing. This is a nuisance but it is of no medical significance. Its dilatory effect on blood vessels makes it useful to decrease blood pressure and improve circulation. This means it has a positive effect on migraines and Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Niacinamide is another form of vitamin B3, which does not cause flushing, but neither does it have any effect on cholesterol levels. As you know, I am not a proponent of lowering cholesterol levels, so I see no need for its use for that purpose, but that is probably the reason your doctor is using it. Niacin is best for you, and not Niacinamide.
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
2 responses so far ↓
1 Susan Cropper // Jul 23, 2010 at 12:06 pm
After figuring out with the Dr’s help why “niacin flush” was happening to me, I started taking mine right before bed - no problem as I take everything at that time - shower, vitamins, pills, etc. By the time the flush hits, I am asleep and never notice it. I only do if I stay up, or awake to read, after the “ritual”.
2 Susan Cropper // Jul 23, 2010 at 12:06 pm
After figuring out with the Dr’s help why “niacin flush” was happening to me, I started taking mine right before bed - no problem as I take everything at that time - shower, vitamins, pills, etc. By the time the flush hits, I am asleep and never notice it. I only do if I stay up, or awake to read, after the “ritual”.
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