I would like to be able to take large doses of Niacin, as recommended by my (former) LLMD. However, when I take more than 1,000 mg/day, I get very sick -- throw up the next day and have the shakes. I take the Niacin with food and Vitamin C, so that's not the issue. I do have low blood pressure (90/60).
So, my questions are:
Is it possible that if I try to gradually ramp up the dosage the sickness will eventually go away?
If not, is it even worth it for me to take only 1,000 mg/day?
Even the 1,000 mg makes me a little queasy - is this dangerous?
I have been taking the NOW brand, which is inexpensive...am I getting what I pay for?
I'm in between doctors so have no one to call about this.
Thanks so much for your help.
P
Posted by DoctorLuddite (Member # 13853) on :
Is it regular Niacin or the low flush type?
Posted by DoctorLuddite (Member # 13853) on :
I heard a lipidologist last week say to not bother with the no flush type of niacin, I did a little wiki search and it turns out that the flush type is nicotinic acid, the non flush is niacinamide, and they have different effects when initially being absorbed, and perhaps after as well, I think the NOW brand uses niacinamide.
Posted by sweet pea (Member # 6495) on :
The bottle labels the ingredient as Niacin (Vitamin B3), doesn't have more detail than that. I'm pretty sure it's the flush type as I sure do flush.
I just checked and NOW makes two types of Niacin - there is a flush-free type and the type I'm taking, which doesn't have "flush-free" on the label.
Thanks.
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
years ago my llmd gave it to me and i had a reaction and to him that meant a very specific reason why i shouldn't take it---but i'm sorry i can't tell you what the reason was
Posted by lizajane (Member # 16931) on :
I have been prescribed to take Niacin because of super high triglycerides.
My Dr. specifically told me to start at a low dose 25/50 mg 2x a day then when I tolerated that increase again by 50/100mg 2x a day.
Not on an empty stomach and the non flush type is of no value.
If you increase slowly the flushing will be minimal and will decrease as you take it. This was my experience.
Although my stomach could not take over 1000 mg a day no matter what.... I got a sour stomach and some pain. So I never went over 1000/day 500mg am with meal and 500mg pm with a meal
Posted by Cass A (Member # 11134) on :
Niacin opens up the blood vessels and reacts with toxins in the body, including past radiation. Sometimes you get a flush pattern on your body like the outline of a swimsuit worn 10-20 years ago!
The dose you were taking was over the top!!!!
There is a whole detox protocol around niacin, sauna, and vitamins/minerals. Sometimes, even 100 mg is too much! This protocol was successfully used by first responders to 9/11 in NY City when they became ill from the toxins there.
Niacinamide, the no-flush kind, is useless for detoxing. I have seen a report on it being used for heart problems, but haven't read the studies myself. So, I don't know if niacinamide is useful at all.
Hope this helps.
Love,
Cass A
Posted by sweet pea (Member # 6495) on :
quote:Originally posted by lizajane: Although my stomach could not take over 1000 mg a day no matter what.... I got a sour stomach and some pain. So I never went over 1000/day 500mg am with meal and 500mg pm with a meal
Looks like we're in the same boat.
Thanks everyone.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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lizajane - good suggestions.
Cass -
Thank for that great information. Might you have a link particularly to the first responders' protocol? I'd like to learn more about that.
I googled this with no results: "detox protocol" "first responders to 9/11 "
--
I took Niacin years ago (on an empty stomach). I have never felt so sick in my whole life.
It was as though I was about to launch into space I became so bright red all over - steam must have come out of my ears! I was driving at the time and had to pull off the freeway, take off as many clothes as legally possible and pour water all over myself.
I had no direction at that time other than I was told to take it. Oops.