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Taking Niacin To Control Cholesterol Level. Does Niacin Cause Any Harmful Effect On Liver?
Question: Hi -- I have been using niacin to control my cholesterol, and it's worked quite well. Used to take a statin, but I understand they're hard on the liver. I also just read that non-flush niacin is not as effective as the normal kind, and is also hard on the liver. what should I take, and how much a day? I've been taking 1500mg of non-flush niacin for several years now.
Hi dear,
There are very few studies with non flush niacin.
Some researchers even call it a fraud.
I will try to explain you the mechanism.
Actually niacin is converted to niacinamide in the body which is important in lowering cholesterol.
This conversion also causes flushing.
To avoid this, companies have come with niacinamide that is non flush niacin.
But researches show that it is not as effective as niacin.
Also it is not good for the liver, although not completely proved.
Well in my view you should take niacin only, its natural vitamin and hence is safer than non flush niacin. Feel free to ask, if you have further queries.
Wishing you a good health.
Thank you
There are very few studies with non flush niacin.
Some researchers even call it a fraud.
I will try to explain you the mechanism.
Actually niacin is converted to niacinamide in the body which is important in lowering cholesterol.
This conversion also causes flushing.
To avoid this, companies have come with niacinamide that is non flush niacin.
But researches show that it is not as effective as niacin.
Also it is not good for the liver, although not completely proved.
Well in my view you should take niacin only, its natural vitamin and hence is safer than non flush niacin. Feel free to ask, if you have further queries.
Wishing you a good health.
Thank you
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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