We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Niacin Tablets?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,465
Share

Choosing the right niacin tablets is a task that involves considering three specific issues. One has to do with the type of niacin product needed to produce the desired result. Another important consideration is whether to go with a prescription or over the counter tablet. A last point to ponder is the actual dosage contained in each niacin tablet, and how much you need to take each day in order to reap the benefits of taking vitamin B3.

Many people are not aware that niacin tablets are manufactured in more than one formula. No-flush niacin, also known as niacinamide, is great for a few basic nutritional needs and offers the benefit of not causing any type of flushing in the two- to three-hour period after taking the product. An alternative is nicotinic acid, a form of niacin that does often cause flushing, especially with larger doses. Many healthcare professionals recommend going with the nicotinic acid version if the goal is to reduce bad cholesterol while supporting the increase of good cholesterol in the system. As a bonus, many people find the flush to be somewhat relaxing, a side effect that may be helpful for someone who is feeling slightly nervous or edgy.

It is also important to determine if over the counter niacin tablets are the best choice for your particular state of health. In some cases, this approach works fine, especially for people who don’t mind taking two to three doses per day and are comfortable with the flushing. Others may prefer extended release niacin tablets that slowly release the vitamin into the bloodstream throughout the day. Many prescription forms of niacin use the extended release model. Consulting with a physician will help you decide which approach would be best.

The amount or dosage contained in the niacin tablets is also important. While vitamin B3 is a water-soluble nutrient that must replenished each day, there are minute traces stored in the body. Some research indicates that prolonged use of megadoses, typically over 4 grams per day, could eventually lead to problems with the liver. When used to manage cholesterol and other specific ailments, many physicians urge patients to take anywhere from 500 to 1000 milligrams over the course of the day. Working with your doctor will make it easier to decide how much you need, what time of day to take a niacin tablet, and how long you should continue the therapy. With a little luck, the health issue can be corrected and you can begin to use natural sources of niacin in a balanced diet to maintain your good health.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By bluedolphin — On Feb 15, 2015

I'm looking for the best niacin tablets that don't cause flushing. I've tried several different brands but experienced flushing with each one. I even experienced flushing with one labeled "no-flush." I don't know if I'm just very sensitive to the effects of niacin or whether this is an inevitable side effect. If anyone has found a niacin supplement that doesn't cause flushing, I'd definitely like to know about it.

By SteamLouis — On Feb 14, 2015

@ZipLine-- I've not used the slow release version but my sister has and she told me that she didn't notice any difference. I'm not sure that slow release is necessarily a better option. It's probably best to check with your doctor.

I use regular niacin tablets, but only 500mg. I also take a break from them every now and again. Although this is a water soluble vitamin that we need to get regularly, too much does have negative side effects. I only take it because I don't have a very balanced diet and the doctor diagnosed a deficiency in my last visit. I think it's important to follow doctor's dosage directions very carefully, even with supplements.

By ZipLine — On Feb 13, 2015

Has anyone used slow niacin tablets? Is it true that this type of niacin supplement is harmful? I read something about this but the source wasn't very reliable and I'm not sure if it's true.

I'm using niacin tablets for cholesterol and I thought that instead of taking it several times a day in smaller doses, I could take one slow-release tablet instead.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-niacin-tablets.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.