NOW FoodsSupplements, Niacin (Vitamin B-3) 500 mg, Sustained Release, Nutritional Health, 250 Tablets

I have been taking this product (niacin 500mg sustained release tablets, Now brand) for over 20 years. I started it when my cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL became abnormal, increasing my risk for coronary and other artery disease. I had been told about niacin by another physician (I am a physician) a few years earlier because that's what he was doing and it was working for him. He is still alive at about the age of 90. I am now 63. The pharmacology texts describe this vitamin's beneficial effects on lipid profiles and reducing the development of atherosclerosis, and I initially learned about it in medical school.Please read this whole review to see how to minimize the flushing that nearly everyone gets from niacin.I had learned that I would need to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to 2 to 3 gms per day. Even with that, there were some episodes of mild flushing when I started and with each increase of dosage, which is not surprising. The flushing wasn't noticeable by others, just me. I actually found it kind of interesting and stimulating. So, if you want to want to normalize your lipid profile at a low cost and avoid the potential side effects of the much more expensive presciption medications, please follow these directions.1. Start at 250 or 500 mg per day. You may take 5gr (325mg) of aspirin 30 minutes before your niacin dose to reduce flushing.2. Once you are no longer experiencing flushing at your current dose, usually after a few days to a week or two, increase your dose by 250 or 500 mg, and stay at that level until you are no longer experiencing flushing, eventually reaching 2000mg (four tablet of 500mg)per day.3. Have your lipid profile checked again after you have been on 2000 per day for a few weeks, and if it is not yet normal, continue the above procedure to increase to 3000mg (six tablets of 500mg) per day. Check your lipid profile again after a few weeks at that dose. It should now be normal or close to normal. If it is not, you are not going to respond to niacin, and should try the prescription meds.My results (granted, this is anecdotal, but not atypical):My lipid profile normalized at 2000mg per day, and has stayed that way ever since, with greatly reduced total and LDL cholesterol, greatly reduced triglycerides, and significantly increased HDL. My personal physician has been amazed, considering that my levels were so abnormal before I started, the fact that my father had severe lipid abnormalities and died at age 66 of coronary disease, and that I have a great liking for all the wrong foods.To cap this off, I underwent a pre-operative cardiac catheterization a few years ago, and my coronary arteries were COMPLETELY CLEAR, without any signs of atherosclerosis. I have no reason to doubt that they have remained that way, and my peripheral pulses are full and bounding, like they were when I was in my 20s.On another note, I believe that niacin has actually been shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaques in those persons who have already developed them.So, please do your own research from reliable medical and pharmacological texts and articles, don't believe the bum raps from people who didn't use the above procedure, and give it a try. It just may extend your life.By the way, don't use the "flush-free" capsules, because they don't seem to improve the lipid profile the way that the sustained release tablets do.

This was my 2nd order of this excellent Niacin. I'm now taking 2,600mg per day. This quality Niacin does provide a LITE FLUSH but it is manageable. There are 2 SECRETS to using Niacin without being hammered by a heavy flush. 1) I take 325mg of Enteric (coated) Aspirin per day because I had open heart surgery 5 years ago. However taking 81mg of Coated aspirin like my wife does is the first secret to avoiding the heavy flush from Niacin. Take COATED (aka Enteric) aspirin per day which will help with your heart problems or avoid heart problems. A few hours later take your Niacin in STAGES. For example, I take 1,000mg of Niacin in the morning and later in the afternoon with food I'll take 1,500mg. 2) Start taking Niacin by taking only 100mg or 200mg WITH FOOD. Next, step up to 500mg after a week or so. Then higher as necessary in stages. DON'T JUST JUMP IN WITH 500MG OR HIGHER. You may get a flush and results that will make you feel bad. Your body has to get use to Niacin in stages just like any other medicine.I've used this brand of Niacin for over a year and my blood test results have been highly rewarding. Shipping was fast and the price is reasonable.

This product worked well

Ok so I did not realize how great these were until I got my prescription Niacin from the pharmacy. Now I'm thanking goddess that the pharma was out when I first went, and that I found these NOW supplements on the shelf. After trying one of the prescription ones, OH MY GOD I wanted to rip my skin off, I got flushed so bad it was pure misery!! By comparison, with these I often skip the flushing (knowing what to eat with it helps a lot so do your research) and when I do get the flushing it's really mild and short-lived in comparison to the prescription product.In summary, I will skip the free prescriptions and just buy these from now on, because it's worth the price to not be tortured with horrible flushing.

I should have done more research before I took this high of a dose. My error not Now Foods!!! I did have the side effect of flushing. What I didn't know was exactly what that meant besides turning red. My side effect at this high of a dose was very extreme. Again NOT the error of Now Foods!!! They put warnings on the bottle. The first thing I felt within about 30 to 60 minutes after I took it was a burning sensation on my face that grew to be painful. That sensation spread down my neck to my entire body. I could not see myself but my husband became very alarmed at the severe "red" I became. When I went into the bathroom (we were at a restaurant) I looked like I had a severe sunburn and it very much felt like it too. The pain and burning sensation remained on the surface of my skin. Anyone who has had a really bad sunburn will know the pain is constant and uncomfortable to say the least. I felt swollen and my husband said I looked a little swollen. The sensation finally reached a plateau and I thought it was over and decreasing but about and hour later I had about 5-10 minutes of it building again then it stopped. It took several hours (3-5) before it finally calmed down and then I was exhausted. My concern then was wondering if I did something to my liver. I slept for 12 hrs that night and awoke the next day feeling a lot better. 48 hours later I felt completely back to normal. This "mistake" was completely my own!!! I should have done my research better. My current research showed doses at 16-18 mgs for adult and ALL Niacin supplements need to be approved by a doctor. For people who need a higher dose they take other meds to help with the side effects. Please learn form me and consult your doctor before taking this supplement!