Niacin question

[j_the_p]

So does anyone take Niacin?

I'm wondering if it stalls weight loss.

Niacin, when taken in large doses, blocks the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue, thus altering blood lipid levels. Niacin is used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia because it reduces very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), a precursor of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Because niacin blocks breakdown of fats, it causes a decrease in free fatty acids in the blood and, as a consequence, decreased secretion of VLDL and cholesterol by the liver.

By lowering VLDL levels, niacin also increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol in blood, and therefore it is sometimes prescribed for patients with low HDL, who are also at high risk of a heart attack.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin

[Citruskiss]

My husband takes niacin - and no, it doesn't seem to interfere with his weight loss efforts.

That said, in terms of trying to get the cholesterol improving benefits - it's very important to take the regular 'flushing' kind of niacin. The 'no-flush' variety doesn't seem to have any benefit.

The 'flushing' is a bit of a pain at first - really kind of uncomfortable. My husband started out with 100mg of regular niacin twice per day, and would immediately experience a strong 'flushing' (hot tender skin, red faced etc) reaction for about the first 20-30 minutes after taking it. He was taking one in the morning and one in the evening. He increased his niacin dosage 100mg every week until he reached the the therapeutic dosage of 500mg twice per day.

Since starting the niacin, my husband's HDL has improved quite a bit (I don't have the actual numbers handy).

Speaking of the overall lipid profile - another thing that really, really helps is fish oil, especially if you get at least 4 fish oil capsules per day. This goes a long way towards improving (ie. lowering) triglyceride levels.

Hope this helps.

Sara

[Citruskiss]

And here's some more really interesting reading on niacin - courtesy of the "Heart Scan Blog" - something I learned about from NancyLC on these forums:

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/search?q=niacin

That link will provide you with a whole bunch of excellent articles on niacin. Definitely worth reading.

[j_the_p]

Thanks for the link. I actually had read everything the Heart Scan Blog had to say about Niacin (again, thanks to NancyLC). :)

I'm just not sure what to make of the statement: "blocks the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue, thus altering blood lipid levels."

I took some pure niacin last night and I loved the flush. I've read that people hate it and it's really annoying, and I guess if I had somewhere to go it wouldn't be good, but at home it was very pleasurable and relaxing.

[Nancy LC]

You liked it? Heh! I think I suffered through it once or twice. I wanted to crawl out of my skin.

[j_the_p]

Yeah, I really liked it. Especially as it started to wane; I just felt so relaxed!

[Nancy LC]

I don't know the answer to your question though.

[Gostrydr]

Niacin is one of the best things one can take..it truly works and you can feel it.. One should seek the flush it is invigorating and very healthy.

Over time it does diminish..I know of people who take 3,000 mgs a day(more for brain function) and never flush anymore.

In fact it can actually help remove toxins from the brain..good stuff and as Citruskiss so eloquently stated you must take the flush form of it to reap any real benefits..Niacinamide doesn't even come close.

If you want to learn more about Niacin and brain function read all that you can on Abram Hoffer

[Citruskiss]

My husband found out about how a 'niacin vacation' every once in awhile can improve the effectiveness of niacin once again, after you've been taking it for awhile.

From that same 'Heart Scan Blog', here's the post on 'Niacin Vaction':

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/search?q=niacin+vacation

Apparently, you *want* the flushing, and if over time, it goes away and you've been taking niacin for awhile, it's been suggested to take a niacin break for two or three weeks every now and again.

[camaromom]

I take Niacin. I can't say that it stalled my weight loss. I've been stuck about 10 pounds from goal for a LOT longer than I've taken the Niacin. I didn't gain when I started it though.