How much niacin should I take a day to flush?

One approach is to start immediate-release niacin at 100 mg twice daily after a meal for the first week, then double the daily dose each week until you are taking what the doctor has prescribed. Aspirin will also help to reduce the flushing.

How long after taking niacin do you flush?

Virtually all niacin users initially experience flushing,19 typically commencing 15 to 30 minutes after ingesting immediate-release niacin, 30 to 120 minutes after ingesting extended-release niacin, or at more variable times after sustained-release niacin ingestion.

Why does niacin make you flush?

The flush happens when niacin causes the small capillaries in your skin to dilate, which increases the flow of blood to the surface of the skin. Niacin flush is a very common side effect, with almost everyone who takes large doses of niacin experiencing the reddening.

What do niacin pills do for your body?

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an important nutrient. In fact, every part of your body needs it to function properly. As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits. However, it can also cause serious side effects if you take large doses.

Is 1000 mg of niacin too much?

Adults and children older than 16 years of age—At first, 500 milligrams (mg) per day, taken at bedtime. After 4 weeks, your doctor will increase your dose to 1000 mg per day, taken at bedtime. However, the dose is usually not more than 2000 mg per day.

What is niacin 500mg good for?

Niacin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to help lower “bad” cholesterol and fats (LDL, triglycerides) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It is generally used after non-drug treatments have not been fully successful at lowering cholesterol.

Does niacin make you poop?

Niacin can cause flushing, especially when you first begin taking it. Your health care provider will probably suggest increasing the dose slowly to reduce this problem. They might also offer a time-release prescription formulation to control flushing. Niacin can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.

Can niacin hurt you?

Niacin overdose is unlikely if you take niacin only in the amount prescribed by your doctor. While it’s not possible to overdose on niacin simply by eating too many niacin-rich foods, taking too much over-the-counter or prescription niacin can be dangerous.

What does 500 mg of niacin do?

Niacin works by lowering both your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and other fatty substances (triglycerides) in your blood and raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. Niacin works with exercise and a healthy diet to improve your cholesterol levels.