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Supplements/Vitamin

Niacin (Flush)

Flushing form of B3 — historically used for dyslipidemia at gram doses.

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Overview

Flushing form of B3 — historically used for dyslipidemia at gram doses.

Natural sources
  • Whole-food sources (animal products for fat-soluble and B-complex vitamins; produce for water-soluble vitamins)
  • Fortified foods (cereals, dairy, plant milks, nutritional yeast)
  • Multivitamins or stand-alone supplements in synthetic or food-derived form
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Sublingual tablet or liquid
  • Methylated active form for sensitive individuals
  • Multivitamin matrix

Forms & variants of Niacin (Flush)

Different chemical forms of Niacin (Flush) behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

Mechanism of action

Activates GPR109A on adipocytes → reduces FFA flux → lowers VLDL/triglycerides.

Pathways
  • · Activates GPR109A on adipocytes → reduces FFA flux → lowers VLDL/triglycerides

Effects on the body

Increases
HDL and lowers LDL/TG

Organ system effects

Cardiovascular

Niacin (Flush) supports endothelial function, lipid profile, or blood-pressure regulation in cardiovascular trials.

Evidence-based benefits

Raises HDL and lowers LDL/TG

Strong evidence

Outcome benefit unclear (AIM-HIGH/HPS2-THRIVE).

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Flushing
  • · Itching
  • · Headache
Rare
    Serious
    • · Hepatotoxicity (sustained-release)
    • · Hyperglycemia

    Drug interactions

    Prescription medications (general)
    Always disclose Niacin (Flush) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
    minor

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • Omega-3
      Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
    • CoQ10
      Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    500 mg–2 g divided
    Upper safe limit
    2–3 g/d under MD supervision
    Best form
    Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
    Timing
    Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
    With food?
    With food

    Where to buy

    Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Scientific evidence8Show studies
    RCTN Engl J Med · 2011

    Niacin on lipid profile (AIM-HIGH)

    AIM-HIGH Investigators

    RCT of niacin in patients on statin therapy.

    Key findings

    Raised HDL but no incremental clinical benefit on statin.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — Raises HDL and lowers LDL/TG

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Niacin (Flush) Raises HDL and lowers LDL/TG" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "Raises HDL and lowers LDL/TG". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Niacin (Flush) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Niacin (Flush) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Niacin (Flush) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Niacin (Flush) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Niacin (Flush) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Niacin (Flush) — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Niacin (Flush) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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