Customer Reviews

Twinlab Niacin (B-3) 1000mg, 100 Capsules (Pack of 3)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I have been using this product for a year after switching from GNC's niacin (B3). GNC's product was good, but very expensive. I no longer experience the "Niacin Flush" that people are complaining about.

Before taking any megadose supplement/vitamin, you should CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR. Taking large doses of vitamin B3 (niacin) requires you to have good liver function. If your liver function is poor, you could permanently damage it. My doctor specifically told me to STAY AWAY FROM THE "NO-FLUSH" NIACINAMIDE.

Niacin, vitamin B3 has been recommended for raising your HDL and lowering your LDL blood levels. The ratio of HDL to LDL has been linked with heart health. My doctor also recommended having 1-2 alcoholic beverages a day to help bolster the good effect. The doctors don't yet really understand how this all works, but the data is pretty convincing. Having more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day is counterproductive to heart health.

Your doctor should tell you that a "niacin flush" and itching are very common side effects that you may experience. That is why the doctor will tell you to start with a small ~100mg dose and then slowly work your way up to the 1,000mg dose. This gradual buildup will help keep your immune system from launching the very uncomfortable itching and blotchy rash "hives". Some have described it as being similar to a hot flash.

Once you build up to the therapeutic dosage, your body will recognize that the niacin is not going away, and will eventually stop or greatly reduce its response.

I hope this review helps some people to realize that taking megadoses of niacin should be taken with an informed consent, and the green light from your doctor.

Niacin is better than prescription drugs for improving your HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio, and has far fewer serious side effects. This particular brand of niacin is probably no better or worse than any other brand, but the 1000 mg capsules are more convenient than taking numerous smaller capsules.

Yes, flushing can be a very annoying side effect with large doses of niacin but it is not life or health threatening and it can be managed. Here are the steps, in order of importance, to control flushing:

1. Make sure your body is fully hydrated before taking niacin, i.e don't take it while dehydrated.

2. Work up to the desired dose. Start with a small dose, maybe 500 mg, and work up to 2,000 or 3,000 mg.

3. It is best not to take niacin on an empty stomach.

4. Take a baby aspirin 1/2 hour before taking niacin.

**** This is the obligatory consult your doctor warning. At large doses, niacin is more like a drug than a vitamin supplement. As with many drugs, there is a small possibility of liver damage. This should be monitored with periodic blood test.

I agree that Niacin is much better than prescription drugs for improving your HDL/LDL cholesterol and has fewer serious side effects. My MD recommended it for me and cautioned me to build up gradually. Starting at 250 and working my way up slowly to 1500 mg. of Niacin (Not Flush Free or Time Released) brought all of my levels into recommended ranges in only 6 months. This is probably not typical, but it was great. I then changed to another brand I got on sale. It was the Flush Free / Time Released. My next round of blood work found my HDL/LDL creeping back in to the "red zones". So, I tossed the Flush Free when my order of this product arrived. I took two the first night & experienced the 2 hour flush that the one star rater noted. Very, Very uncomfortable. It made me realize that I again needed to build up to my old dose. I am doing that now and I am convinced that in 6 mos. my HDL/LDL levels will be back where they are supposed to be. For me, the Flush Free did not work on my HDL/LDL levels. Build up slowly with the regular Niacin. I had to go back to my 250 mg & I am now @ 400. In a few weeks I'll be at 1000 mg. working back to my 2000 mg. Also, the service was very fast! I'll re-order from them again.

Don purchase 1000mg if you have never taken Niacin. This is the real deal. You WILL get a rush. You will get flushed. You will be hot red and itchy all over. This is not an allergic reaction. This is an expected side effect. Please do NOT TAKE IT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!!!

I don't usually take time to write a review but I'm re-ordering this product and thought I'd take a couple of minutes to review this one. I ordered this product last June (2009) and began taking 1000mg every day. It does cause flushing which is annoying but it also has a profound effect on cholesterol. When I had my blood tested a couple of months into taking this vitamin my doctor was very pleasantly surprised. For the first time ever my HDL was higher than my LDL. So I'm sold. I think I can deal with the flushing more easily than I can deal with clogged arteries.

Used to be on Niaspan till I retired and had to pay out of pocket for my meds. This product does what it is supposed to do and the "hot flash" (produced by all niacin mega-doses) was minimal, and, if taken immediately before going to bed, not at all noticeable.

Two initial points: 1. Many, including myself, have have good experience with Twinlab products and 2. This product works to increase HDL levels.

I have studied the issue, due to my own health concerns. This TwinLab product is just as efficacious as the Niaspan product at increasing HDL. I have used it for 3 to 4 months after stopping Niaspan and my HDL level stayed at about 55. I take 2000 mg day. At 1000 mg, my HDL increases to 45. (Without any niacin supplement, my HDL wanders to about 35.)

This product does have a niacin flush, more than the Niaspan, and it can be disturbing (hot flashes, itching, waking up at night, burning ears). If you eat prior to use and take aspirin 30 minutes to an hour prior to the niacin, the flushing is much less. Niaspan is a friendlier product to take for this reason, but it costs a fortune. Unless you are rich or have very beneficial insurance, this product is a God-send.

Ten years ago my doctor started me on niacin. He said do not buy "no-flush" niacin. I have since read lots of research on the subject and the "no-flush" is not as effective as the natural. It has worked for me and if I quit taking it, my HDL drops and LDL goes up, not a good thing.

Take it twice a day: 1000 morning and night. Better to take it after you eat or at bedtime. If you take it regularly the flush will be minimal.

1000mg cap after both breakfast and dinner along with low fat whole grain diet and my cholesterol dropped over 100 point to 144 (88 ldl, 42 hdl). It took 9 months to work up to this dose without flush. I tried statins 1st but I could not get used to the side effects and it also did not raise hdl which used to be very low (28). I do not know if twinlabs is any better than any other brand but their niacin worked great for me.

I've been taking high dosages (3 grams) of Niacin for ten years. I have found that Twinlab is the very best.

DO NOT TAKE THIS PRODUCT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR AND BUILDING UP TO THIS LEVEL VERY, VERY GRADUALLY!

I don't recommend the sustained release. It is more likely to lead to liver toxicity. It can also "release" inconsistently and cause random flushing throughout the day. I take all 3 grams at night with one baby aspirin and I'm fine.

PROS: Reasonable price, very effective, Twinlab is the MOST CONSISTENT brand out there.
CONS: You can't find it at many stores. But Amazon has it, so who cares? I've got it on a subscription; I save money and don't have to think about it. Perfect!