Friday, May 24, 2013

Inositol Hexanicotinate Versus Nicotinic Acidity (Niacin)

Nicotinic acid is effective in boosting "good" cholesterol. An uncomfortable side effect is skin flushing. Inositol hexanicotinate, a form of nicotinic acid, causes less flushing. But clinical evidence does not fully support its therapeutic properties.


Benefits


Nicotinic acid is a common name for vitamin B3, which is also known as niacin. According to the Mayo Clinic, clinical evidence verifies its ability to raise so-called "good" or HDL cholesterol levels.


Side Effect


Skin flushing occurs when taking nicotinic acid, discouraging its therapeutic use. Related forms of the vitamin are promoted for use because they cause little or no flushing.


Potential


One related form is inositol hexanicotinate, a chemical cousin of nicotinic acid. It is marketed as beneficially raising HDL cholesterol the same as nicotinic acid but without the skin flushing side effect.


Inconclusive Research


Research studies exist to support the cholesterol-regulating properties of inositol hexanicotinate. But critics argue that these studies are out of date because they were conducted in the early 1960s. They also argue they were not conclusive.


Caution


Nicotinic acid is a vitamin and so can be purchased without a prescription. High doses are required for therapeutic effects, however, and are usually prescribed for this purpose. Self-administration of nicotinic acid is discouraged because it can cause liver damage in high doses, adversely affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and interact with other medications. The same caution applies to inositol hexanicotinate.









Related posts



    Lowering "bad" cholesterol helps heart health.Good arterial health depends on the proper balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels. Two medications, Niaspan...
    Food sources of nicotinic acid, such as avocadoes and bananas, pose no health dangers.The human body requires vitamin B-3, also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, for optimal wellness. Nicotinic a...
    Nicotinic Acid Vs. Nicotine GumNicotinic acid is a dietary supplement that contains niacin (vitamin B3) and niacinamide. Nicotine gum contains the same active ingredient as tobacco and is used to...
    Nicotinic acid, also known as vitamin B3 or niacin, is water-soluble and can be used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as lower repeat heart attack risk for heart attack victims with...
    Niacin and water in the correct amounts are helpful in removing pollutants from the body.Super high doses of niacin have been used for 15 years as a means of cleansing the bloodstream of THC. THC...