I am freaked out about niacin. I have been taking a slow release (trader joes) niacin and after getting a flush anyway, switched to half a tablet. Well today, four hours after I took it, I had a huge flush effect. I mean super red, itchy, hot and totally uncomfortable and embarrassing ( I was with a client) Is this stuff dangerous? I want to take it since my cholesterol is high but it scares me.

Hi Snaggle:
First, I would only take niacin if your MD recommends it. Now, some info.
First, try to take the niacin at bedtime, and take it with an aspirin. That is supposed to stop the flush. There is a type of niacin that is prescription, Niaspan, that is also supposed to reduce flushing.
I tried the Niaspan, and stopped because the flushes were so bad for me.
I do take Pravachol and Zetia, as well as flax.
I am NOT an MD, so please talk to a professional too.
E

Niacin is not the only solution.
Policosanol will lower total cholesterol and
it has no side effects.

No-flush niacin is often inositol hexanicotinate. Each molecule of it breaks down slowly into six molecules of niacin. Niacin is Vitamin B3. It's hard to imagine a vitamin could be dangerous but I suppose anything taken in excess can be toxic. Using no-flush suggests you might need a lower dose to achieve its cholesterol-lowering effect. I'm taking it now, along with pantothenic acid. Eventually I'll have the cholesterol rechecked. If the levels have come down, I'll lower to amount of both medications.

I take 1500 mg of unaltered red face niacin a day.
Other than the burning discomfort,which is minimal
with me,Niacin can,on rare occasions,cause liver problems.
Timed release niacin has been shown to be the worst culprit
for causing liver problems.Niacin has jacked up my HDL and
lowered my triglycerides but has had minimal effect on my LDL.
Policosinal,Pantethine and Beta Sitosterol are all supposed to
be pretty good at knocking down LDL.