Niacin - what it is, effects, dosage, deficiency, excess

Two quarters of an hour. That's about how long it will take you to read my article on niacin and prepare a delicious salad from clinical nutritionist Joanna Serwinska-Jani. Below you'll find a great recipe and, beyond that, lots of valuable information about niacin. Action, dosage, deficiency, excess and supplementation of niacin - you will learn all about it.

See also:

• Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
• B vitamins [properties + where they occur]
.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) [properties + where it occurs]
.
• Vitamin B2 [properties + where it occurs]
.
• Vitamin B3 [properties + where it occurs]
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) [what it is + properties and excess]
• Vitamin B6 [where it occurs + deficiency, excess and properties]
• Biotin [what it is + properties and side effects]
.
• Biotin for hair [what it gives and effects + ranking]
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid) [what it is + properties and excess]
.
• Vitamin B12 [what it helps with + where it occurs]
.
• Vitamin C [properties + dosage]
.
• Magnesium [what it is in + properties]
.
• Best magnesium [ranking + pharmacist's opinion]
.

What is niacin?

.

Niacin is an essential B vitamin for the health of our body. This water-soluble compound is responsible for the structure of DNA, the production of good cholesterol, and the metabolism of nutrients. Niacin can be found in chicken breast, tuna, as well as liverand.

What are the other names for niacin?

.

Niacin is also called vitamin B3 or vitamin PP. Where did it come from? Niacin defines several compounds, which include nicotinamide or nicotinic acidand. Vitamin PP refers to one of the properties of niacin - it is an anti-Pelagra compound. 

Pelagra is a dangerous disease to which niacin deficiency leads. It manifests as diarrhoea or skin problems, and in extreme cases even results in deathand. Why vitamin B3? Niacin is simply the third of the B vitamins.

Niacin - effects

.

It is not to the numerous names but to the numerous properties that niacin owes its fame. How does it work?

.

Care for cholesterol levels

.

Niacin is involved in maintaining adequate cholesterol levels in the body. Studies suggest that it reduces 'bad' cholesterol levels by 5 to as much as 25%. What's more, it also affects the production of 'good cholesterol' - it can increase its concentration in the body by 15 to 35%and.

Reduces risk of hypertension

.

Niacin can increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. In part, it affects blood vessel function. Studies suggest that niacin supplementation, may reduce the risk of hypertension by 2%and.

Promotes treatment of erectile problems

.

The positive effect on blood flow of niacin, translates into supporting the treatment of erectile problems. Studies indicate that a therapeutic dose 1500 mg of niacin per day results in improved sexual function in menand.

You may be interested in: Zinc - properties, occurrence, deficiency, excess

Influences on skin health

.

Sun damage can lead to skin cancer. Niacin protects our cells, preventing cancer. Research suggests that supplementation with 500 mg (nicotine amide) of niacin daily, reduced the risk of skin cancerand.

Collagen also plays an important role in skin health. You can find out more about it in the following articles:

• collagen,

  .

• best collagen,

• facial collagen,

• collagen for drinking,

• fish collagen,

• sea collagen,

  .

Controls the function of the brain

.

Research suggests that niacin may support the treatment of some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Nevertheless, further research is needed to confirm these assumptionsand.

Omega acids, especially omega-3 also have a positive effect on brain function. Would you like to learn more about them? Feel free to do so!

How else does niacin workand?

.

• Plays a key role in nutrient metabolism. 

• Promotes cognitive function.

• Positively influences the function of the nervous and digestive systems.

Provides support for cognitive function.

• Promotes the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Helps the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Prevents coronary heart disease.

EFSA reports that niacin is also responsible for maintaining normal psychological function, conditioning mucous membranes and reducing fatigue.

.

Glow Stories - for skin, hair and nail health

.

Product with high-quality folic acid Quatrefolic®, bamboo shoot extract and ingredients that have a positive effect on skin, hair and nails.

See more

Wish Vitamin B3

4.8

• Active ingredients:
  500 mg niacin (nicotinic acid amide), 240 mg fructooligosaccharides (FOS), 10 mg L-leucine

• For whom and why?
  For adults – supports the nervous system, energy metabolism, psychological functions and skin health. Particularly recommended for stressed, active individuals or those with vitamin B3 deficiencies.

• Form:
  Vegan cellulose capsules (VCAPS), free from chemical additives

• Daily dosage:
  1 capsule daily

• Sufficient for:
  120 days

Check Price

Product Description

Vitamin B3 - dietary supplement. Vitamin B3 (PP) contributes to the maintenance of normal energy metabolism, helps in the proper functioning of the nervous system and psychological functions, and contributes to the reduction of feelings of fatigue and tiredness.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High dose – 500 mg of niacin in one capsule

• FOS addition supports gut flora, and leucine supports metabolism

• Vegan product, free from preservatives, colourings, sugar, and GMOs

• Long supplementation period – one package lasts for 4 months

• Pure composition and good tolerance by most users

Cons:

• High dose of niacin may cause a so-called "flush" (redness and burning of the skin) in some individuals

• Not recommended for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women without medical supervision

• This is a supplement — it does not replace treatment and requires sensible use

• May interact with medications — it is advisable to consult a doctor if there are liver or heart conditions

MyVita Silver

4.8

• Active ingredients:
  500 mg of niacin (nicotinic acid amide) in one capsule

• Who is it for and what is it for?
  For adults – supports energy metabolism, the nervous system, skin condition, and cardiovascular support; recommended for active, stressed individuals or those with B3 deficiencies.

• Form:
  Vegan cellulose capsules (without additives such as gluten, lactose, GMOs)

• Daily serving:
  1 capsule daily

• Sufficient for:
  120 days of supplementation

Check Price

Product Description

The MyVita preparation contains 16mg of vitamin B3 (niacin) in the form of nicotinic acid in one dose. Niacin supports the maintenance of a proper state of the nervous system. It helps to maintain proper psychological functions and contributes to healthy skin and the maintenance of the proper condition of mucous membranes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High dose – 500 mg of niacin in a single capsule

• Long duration of use – the package lasts for 4 months

• Vegan and allergen-free formula

• Supports metabolism, the nervous system, skin, and the cardiovascular system

Cons:

• Risk of "flush" – unpleasant feeling of warmth or redness in sensitive individuals

• High dose of niacin – requires cautious use, especially in individuals with liver or heart diseases

• Supplement – does not replace treatment and requires consultation in chronic diseases or when taking medications

• Not for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical supervision

---

 

Doctor Life B3 Niacin

4.9

• Active ingredients:
  250 mg of nicotinamide + 16 mg of nicotinic acid in one vegan capsule

• Who is it for and what for?
  For adults – supports the nervous system, psychological functions, energy metabolism, skin and mucous membrane health; recommended in cases of B3 deficiencies

• Form:
  Vegan capsules (HPMC), lactose-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO

• Daily portion:
  1 capsule daily, during a meal

• Lasts for:
  100 days of daily use

Check Price

Product Description

Doctor Life B3 Niacin is a dietary supplement with a high content of niacin. The preparation uses two chemical forms of vitamin B3: nicotinic acid, which provides 16 mg of niacin to the body, and niacinamide, which supplements the daily dose of the preparation with 250 mg of niacin. The total niacin content in the recommended daily serving of the preparation, i.e. 1 capsule, covers 1656% of the reference intake values for niacin for an adult.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Complex of two forms of B3 – amide and acid – for versatile action

• High dose covering over 1,600% RDA in one capsule

• Vegan and pure formula – no additives or allergens

• Excellent portion-to-packaging ratio – one package lasts three months

Cons:

• May cause a "flush" effect (skin redness) in sensitive individuals

• High dose – requires caution in individuals with liver or heart diseases or those taking other medications

• Supplement, does not replace treatment – medical consultation required for health conditions

• Not for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without a doctor's approval

ForMeds Bicaps B3

4.9

• Активни съставки:
  500 mg ниацин в една капсула, от които 490 mg е амид на никотиновата киселина (никотинамид), а 10 mg е никотинова киселина

• За кого и за какво?
  За възрастни – поддържа енергийния метаболизъм, нервната система, здравето на кожата и психологичните функции. Препоръчва се при умора, стрес или недостиг на витамин B3

• Форма:
  Веганска капсула (пулулан)

• Дневна доза:
  1 капсула дневно, най-добре по време на хранене

• Достатъчно за:
  60 дни (една опаковка)

Провери цената

Описание на продукта

Formeds® Bicaps® B3 е хранителна добавка под формата на капсули, която в дневната порция доставя 500 mg витамин B3 (ниацин) под формата на амид на никотиновата киселина и никотинова киселина. Капсулите са изработени от растителна обвивка - пулулан, което ги прави подходящи за вегани или хора на вегетарианска диета. 

Плюсове и минуси

Плюсове:

• Комплексна форма – 490 mg амид + 10 mg киселина, намалява риска от "flush" на кожата

• Висока доза – покрива над 3000% от RWS на ниацина

• Веганска капсула без пълнители, оцветители и консерванти

• Висока оценка от потребителите (~4,8–5/5), хвалещи подкрепата за невропсихична енергия и ефективността на употребата

Минуси:

• Въпреки съдържанието на амид – при чувствителни хора е възможен ефект "flush"

• Хранителна добавка – не лекарство; при заболявания на черния дроб, сърцето или употреба на лекарства са необходими консултации

• Не за деца, бременни жени и кърмачки без съгласие на лекар

• Добавка с висока доза – не надвишавайте порцията без консултация

Swanson Niacinamide

4.9

• Active ingredients:
  250 mg of niacinamide (form of vitamin B3) in one capsule

• Who is it for and why?
  For adults – supports energy metabolism, the nervous system, skin health, and joint function, without causing a “flush” effect

• Form:
  Gelatin capsules

• Daily serving:
  1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal

• Lasts for:
  250 days of daily use

Check Price

Product Description

Swanson® Niacinamide is a dietary supplement with a high niacin content designed to supplement the daily diet of adults. Each capsule of the preparation contains as much as 250 mg of niacin derived from nicotinic acid amide, which corresponds to over 1500% of the reference intake values for this important B vitamin.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Niacinamide form – no "flush" effect characteristic of nicotinic acid

• High dose – 250 mg in one capsule

• Long supplementation – the package lasts for over 8 months

• Supports skin, nervous system, and energy levels

• Good value for money

Cons:

• Gelatin capsules – unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians

• Dietary supplement – does not replace a balanced diet or treatment

• Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women without consultation with a doctor

• People with liver diseases or taking medications should use with caution

Skoczylas Niacyna с Нар

4.9

• Активни съставки:
  80 mg ниацин (амид на никотиновата киселина – витамин B3) и 200 mg екстракт от нар в една капсула

• За кого и за какво?
  За възрастни – поддържа нормалния енергиен метаболизъм, нервната система, състоянието на кожата и лигавиците; намалява умората и изтощението; нарът осигурява антиоксиданти и подпомага циркулацията

• Форма:
  Прозрачни, растителни капсули (без консерванти и оцветители, вегански)

• Дневна доза:
  1 капсула дневно, най-добре по време на хранене

• Достатъчно за:
  60 дни употреба при препоръчителна доза

Провери цената

Описание на продукта

Skoczylas Niacyna с Нар е хранителна добавка под формата на капсули, предназначена за употреба от възрастни.

Плюсове и минуси

Плюсове:

• Балансирана комбинация от ниацин и екстракт от нар – метаболитно и антиоксидантно действие в едно

• Избрани, натурални суровини без излишни добавки

• Силно подкрепя метаболизма, нервната система и здравата кожа и лигавици

• Нарът добавя стойност – защитава клетките и подпомага микроциркулацията

• Веганска, чиста форма на капсули – лесна за употреба и добре поносима

Минуси:

• Дозата ниацин (80 mg, 500% RWS) може да предизвика ефект "flush" при чувствителни лица

• Хранителна добавка – не е лекарство; препоръчва се консултация при хронични заболявания и прием на лекарства

• Не е предназначен за деца, бременни жени и кърмачки без консултация с лекар

• Ефектите (например върху кръвообращението и устойчивостта на кожата) изискват редовност в продължение на няколко седмици

Aliness Niacin 500 mg

4.9

• Active ingredients:
  500 mg of niacin in the form of nicotinic acid amide in one vegan capsule.

• Who is it for and why?
  For adults – supports energy metabolism, nervous system functions, skin health and mucous membranes. Helps reduce fatigue, tiredness and improves overall well-being, supports cognitive performance.

• Form:
  Vegan capsules free from gluten, lactose and GMOs (HPMC).

• Daily serving:
  1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal.

• Sufficient for:
  100 days of daily supplementation.

Check Price

Product Description

Niacin 500 mg Aliness is a dietary supplement containing vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinamide. The recommended daily portion of the product is only 1 capsule, which helps to supplement the diet of adults with 500 mg of niacin. The formula is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It does not contain gluten, lactose, soy, or genetically modified ingredients. 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large, effective dose of 500 mg – supports energy, concentration, and the functioning of the nervous system.

• Nicotinamide form – good tolerance, without the “flush” effect.

• Vegan, pure formula – free from allergens, fillers, and artificial additives.

• Packaging for over 3 months – economical and convenient.

• Praised by users – improvement in mood, skin condition, and overall satisfaction.

Cons:

• High dose – individuals with liver or heart problems, or those taking medication should exercise caution.

• This is a dietary supplement – it does not replace a balanced diet or treatment.

• Not recommended for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers without consulting a doctor.

• Effects (e.g. skin, energy) visible only after several weeks of use.

Niacin - dosage

.

The correct dosage of niacin depends on our daily needs. It changes with age. Find out how much niacin you and your loved ones needand.

.

*Nutrition standards for the Polish population

.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need more niacin. When you are expecting a baby, take 18 mg of this vitamin daily. Conversely, during breastfeeding your niacin requirement will be 17 mg. 

Where is niacin found?

.

The main sources of niacin are poultry, red meat, fish or legumes. Looking for specific products that will provide you with a solid dose of niacin? Here's a table with the 10 products richest in niacinand!

.

17 mg

Salad with salmon, a tasty way to get a good dose of niacin

.

Clinical nutritionist Joanna Serwińska-Jania has prepared a niacin-rich recipe especially for you. Salad with salmon, pumpkin seeds and egg will be ready in just 15 minutes. 

.

What are the necessary ingredients?

.

• Smoked salmon: 50 g

• Egg: 50 g (one piece)

• Spinach: 50 g (two handfuls)

• Pumpkin seeds: 20 g (two tablespoons)

• Fresh cucumber: 45 g

• Red peppers: 57.5 g

• Olives: 45 g (one handful)

• Black pepper: 0.3 g (one pinch)

• Sunflower seeds: 10 g (one tablespoon)

• Salt: 0.3 g (one pinch)

• Olive oil: 10 g (one tablespoon)

• Honey: 4 g (half a teaspoon)

When you have stocked up on the above ingredients, it will be time for kitchen adventures. The salad will be ready in seven easy steps.

1. Rinse and chop the spinach.

2. Rinse and chop the spinach.

3. Hard-boil the egg (about 8-10 minutes).

4.  
5. Cook the spinach.

6. Prepare the salmon into small pieces.

7.  
8. Prepare the salmon into small pieces.

9. Cut the cucumber and peppers into cubes.

10. Cut the salmon into small pieces.

11. Stir together all the ingredients. 

12. Prepare the sauce: mix the honey with the oil and season the whole with pepper and salt.

13. Prepare the sauce: mix the honey with the oil and season the whole with pepper and salt.

14. Pour the prepared salad over the dressing and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

15.  
16. .

Niacin deficiency

.

Niacin deficiency is most common in developing countries. In most cases, it is led to by a lack of a balanced diet. In developed countries, other factors lead to it. Which ones?

Causes of niacin deficiency areand:

• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract,

  .

• alcoholic disorder,

.

• long-term intake of certain medications (such as isoniazid),

• .

• Genetic factors,

  .

.

Symptoms

.

Niacin is important for the health of our body, which is why its deficiency is quickly signalled. Which symptoms should cause us to be concerned?"

Symptoms niacin deficiencyand:

• vomiting,

  .

• diarrhoea,

• vomiting,

   

.

• fatigue,

.

• headaches,

.

• apathy,

• headaches,

   

.

• memory problems,

.

What niacin deficiency leads to, or what is pelagra?

.

An untreated niacin deficiency leads to pelagra in the long term. This disease results in the aforementioned symptoms, such as dementia and diarrhoea. Its characteristic symptom is a dark, thick and scaly skin rash. Moreover, pelagra leads to brain or nerve damage and, in extreme cases, even deathand.

.

How to get rid of a deficiency.

Niacin deficiency niacin deficiency is easiest to get rid of by taking supplements. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe people with a niacin deficiency a remedy containing no less than 20 mg of the compoundand. 

Slightly different is the treatment of people who have suffered from long-term niacin deficiency. If there has been damage to the body, independent treatment is required.

If there has been damage to the body, independent treatment is required.

Niacin - excess

.

Eating products rich in niacin will never lead to a niacin overdose. An excess of this vitamin can only be caused by excessive intake of supplements. Taking higher doses than recommended by the manufacturer or your doctor is dangerous and leads to symptoms of niacin overdoseand. 

Symptoms

.

An excess of certain substances can be just as dangerous as a deficiency. This is precisely the case with the valuable niacin. 

Symptoms niacin excessand:

• Reddening of the skin,

  .

• nausea,

.

• diarrhoea,

• diarrhoea.

• vomiting,

.

• accelerated heartbeat,

•  
• vomiting.

• Itchy skin,

•  
• Itchy skin.

Niacin supplementation

.

A healthy and balanced diet is the key to adequate niacin levels in the body. Supplementation should be of interest to people who are at risk of niacin deficiency. These include alcohol addicts, people with malabsorption disorders or people with genetic disorders of absorption of this vitamin. 

Why niacin?

Why is niacin on prescription?

.

Research suggests that niacin can lead to strokes or liver damage. Therefore, specialists recommend its use only in selected cases. Most commonly, doctors prescribe it to people who cannot take statins but need a remedy to stabilise their cholesteroland.

For how long can you take it?

.

More often than not, we are not talking about supplementation, but about niacin treatment. Therefore, it should be taken for exactly the length of time recommended by your specialist. In turn, for any supplements, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Who should not supplement?

.

Before you receive a prescription for niacin, your doctor will take a history with you. Only in this way will he or she be able to be sure that it will be safe for you. 

When it comes to supplements, on the other hand, it is not advisable to take them on your own. People who have had problems with stomach ulcers, liver or kidneysand need to be particularly careful.

Niacin in pregnancy

.

Niacin affects the health of any pregnancy. Studies show that its adequate concentration in the body counteracts birth defects of the heart, spine or kidneys in the baby. The daily requirement for niacin increases during pregnancy and is 18 mgand. 

Niacin and breastfeeding

.

Niacin is also a key compound during breastfeeding. All the compounds needed for the baby's health must be supplied with breast milk. During breastfeeding ladies should provide their bodies with 17 mg of niacinand.

Note: During pregnancy you cannot supplement niacin. It is recommended that the daily requirement for this compound is met during this period through a balanced diet.

Niacin and alcohol

.

Niacin can react with alcoholic beverages. Consumption of alcohol during treatment or niacin supplementation, can lead to liver damage. It doesn't stop there; liquor of all kinds also increases the chance of possible side effects, such as skin rednessand.

Furthermore, in alcohol-dependent people, the risk of niacin deficiency is much higher.

Niacin - drug interactions

.

Niacin can react with numerous medications. Who should be especially vigilant?

Niacin may interact withand:

• statins,

  .

• anti-coagulants,

• statins,

  • .

  • diabetes medications,

  •  
  • thrombolytic drugs,

     

  •  
  • thrombolytic drugs.

  • medicines for hypertension,

  • .

  • zinc,

    .

  • chromium,

  • allopurinol,

  .

  Note! No one should take niacin on their own. Only a doctor can recommend a healthy and safe supplementation of this vitamin.

  See also:

  • BBBCream [ranking + reviews]
  .
  • Cerave face creams [products + expert review]
  .
  • Eye cream [ranking + how to choose]
  • Anti-wrinkle cream [ranking + how to choose]
  .

  Summary

  .
  .

  From this article remember:

  .

  • Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or PP, is a water-soluble B vitamin.
  • Niacin improves brain function, is responsible for metabolism, and controls cholesterol levels.
  • Niacin is a vitamin of the B group.
  • Men should take 16 mg of niacin per day, when women only need 14 mg.
  .
  • The richest source of niacin is rice bran.
  .
  • Genetic disorders or cardiovascular problems, as well as alcoholism, lead to niacin deficiency.
  .
  • A lack of niacin in the body results in headaches, fatigue or diarrhoea.
  .
  • An excess of niacin is rare and manifests as reddening of the skin, nausea or diarrhoea.
  • It is not advisable to take niacin.
  • Niacin should not be taken on its own.
  .
  • Alcohol flushes niacin out of the body.
  .
  • Niacin may interact with some medications.
  • Niacin may interact with some medications.

  FAQ

  .

  .

  What is the flush effect and when does it pass?

  The flush effect is a temporary bodily reaction that can occur after consuming large doses of niacin (vitamin B3, particularly in the form of nicotinic acid). The flush effect manifests as redness of the skin, a feeling of warmth and itching, among other symptoms. These result from the dilatation of blood vessels and increased blood circulation.

  This is a harmless reaction (although it can cause discomfort) and usually passes between 30 minutes and 2 hours after symptoms are observed. If the flush effect persists or worsens, consult your doctor to discuss changes to your supplementation.

  If the flush effect persists or worsens, consult your doctor to discuss changes to your supplementation.

  .

  With what not to combine niacin?

  .

  Niacin may interact in harmful ways with certain drugs and substances. The most important of these are:

  • statins, i.e. antiatherosclerotic drugs,
  .
  • drugs for diabetes,
  .
  • medicines for high blood pressure,
  • medicines for hypertension,
  • alcohol,
  .
  • alcohol,
  .
  • coumarin derivatives and anticoagulants,
  .
  • zinc,
  .
  • chromium,
  .

  .

  Will niacin help with depression?

  .

  Vitamin B3 can be synthesised in the body from tryptophan, an amino acid essential for the production of serotonin, low levels of which are associated with depressive states. Less available tryptophan means less serotonin. Studies show that increased doses of niacin combined with psychotherapy significantly improve the health of patients with depression.

  Other studies suggest that some patients with depression have low levels of, among others, vitamin B6 and vitamin B3. However, further research is needed to understand the causes, as deficiencies of B vitamins due to diet are unlikely, and whether supplementation may have a strictly antidepressant effect.

  .

  Who should take niacin?

  .

  Most people take sufficient niacin through a balanced diet. The most important indications for supplementation are:

  • vitamin B3 deficiency,
  .
  • disorders of the digestive system and malabsorption,
  .
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding,
  .
  • high physical activity,
  .
  • dermatological diseases (e.g. photoallergic dermatitis),
  .
  • diabetes,
  .
  • hyperlipidaemia and other cholesterol problems,
  .

  Depending on your case and needs, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose of niacin and follow these recommendations.

  .

  Are niacin and niacinamide the same thing?

  .

  Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3, which is often found under the name niacin or vitamin PP. From a chemical perspective, it is a combination of two compounds: nicotinic acid and its amide. Niacinamide is commonly used in cosmetology, as an ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams, hand creams or facial treatments, among others.

  .

  Can niacinamide be used with vitamin C?

  .

  If you are using cosmetics with niacinamide you must not combine them with vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid. Both substances react with each other and can cause irritation, burning and redness of the skin. It is best to separate the application of both substances, e.g. niacinamide in the morning and vitamin C in the evening.

  See also: Best vitamin C serums - ranking and effects.

  .

  Does niacin affect heart health?

  .

  Scientific studies have shown that niacin can benefit heart health by lowering levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL). However, the use of niacin for cardiovascular purposes should be monitored by a physician.

  .

  How to take niacin?

  .

  No matter the form (tablets, capsules, extended-release capsules), niacin should be taken with or between meals and with plenty of fluids. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol during treatment. Niacin is best absorbed in the form of nicotinic acid.

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  .

  Sources

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  See all

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