Niacin, as inositol hexanicotinate, is a water-soluble member of the B-Vitamin Complex that helps convert carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. In addition to being used in oxidation reduction reactions throughout the body it is also essential for the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves and the gastrointestinal tract.
Niacin has been used to treat high cholesterol in an effort to support the body against heart disease. It has been effective in lowering blood levels of triglycerides and the "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while increasing blood levels of the "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
[1][2][3][4]
Some medical professionals even think
Niacin is effective for treating arthritis and migraines.
[5][6] In fact, some headache specialists prescribe
Niacin daily in hopes that its dilating effect will help stabilize the over dilating-constricting cycle of blood vessels in the brain.
It is important to mention the three forms of
Niacin: nicotinate, niacinamide and Inositol Hexaniacinate. Inositol Hexaniacinate is used in nutritional supplements because it is thought to provide the benefits of
Niacin without the side effects (such as flushing) nicotinate and niacinamide are known for.
Ingredient Research
1. Marks, Jay W. (2005). "Niacin Monograph". MedicineNet, Inc..
2. Katzung, Bertram G. (2006). Basic and clinical pharmacology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division.
3. McGovern ME (2005). "Taking aim at HDL-C. Raising levels to reduce cardiovascular risk". Postgrad Med 117 (4):
29–30, 33–5, 39 passim.
4. Canner PL, Berge KG, Wenger NK, et al. (1986). "Fifteen year mortality in Coronary Drug Project patients:
long-term benefit with niacin". J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 8 (6): 1245–55.
5. Jonas WB, Rapoza CP, Blair WF. The Effect of Niacinamide on Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study. Inflamm Res.
Jul1996;45(7):330-34.
6. Prousky J, Sykes E. Two case reports on the treatment of acute migraine with niacin. Its hypothetical mechanism of
action upon calcitonin-gene related peptide and platelets. J Orthomol Med. 2003;18:108–10.
Additional Resources
1.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-niacin.html
2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niacin
