Overview
Flushing form of B3 — historically used for dyslipidemia at gram doses.
- 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
- 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.
NAD+ precursor that bypasses the flush — studied for cellular aging.
Direct NAD+ precursor — popular longevity supplement with growing human data.
Non-flushing B3 — used for deficiency, skin health, and at high doses in dermatology.
Mechanism of action
Activates GPR109A on adipocytes → reduces FFA flux → lowers VLDL/triglycerides.
- · Activates GPR109A on adipocytes → reduces FFA flux → lowers VLDL/triglycerides
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Niacin (Flush) supports endothelial function, lipid profile, or blood-pressure regulation in cardiovascular trials.
Evidence-based benefits
Raises HDL and lowers LDL/TG
Strong evidenceOutcome benefit unclear (AIM-HIGH/HPS2-THRIVE).
Potential side effects
- · Flushing
- · Itching
- · Headache
- · Hepatotoxicity (sustained-release)
- · Hyperglycemia
Drug interactions
Supplement interactions
- Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
- CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
No specific avoidances listed.
Dosing & bioavailability
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 studiesHide studies
Niacin on lipid profile (AIM-HIGH)
AIM-HIGH Investigators
RCT of niacin in patients on statin therapy.
Raised HDL but no incremental clinical benefit on statin.
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.
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.
PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — randomized controlled trial
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Niacin (Flush) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — meta-analysis
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Niacin (Flush) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — pharmacokinetics
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Niacin (Flush) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — safety adverse events
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Niacin (Flush) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
PubMed: Niacin (Flush) — dose response
Live PubMed search
Live results for "Niacin (Flush) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.
Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Niacin (Flush) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.
Google Scholar: Niacin (Flush) — clinical evidence
Live Scholar search
Cross-database citation index for Niacin (Flush) as it relates to "clinical evidence".
Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.