Niacin-SR 100 tablets Klaire Labs / SFI Health

Niacin-SR supplies 500 mg of niacin (also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B₃), an essential B vitamin, in a sustained-release matrix that allows the niacin to be slowly released over a period of several hours. Niacin is a water-soluble nutrient, also known as vitamin B₃ or nicotinic acid. Niacin-SR is provided in a scored tablet which allows for easier adjustment of intake if needed.

Through its metabolites, niacin is involved in over 200 biological processes including cholesterol and lipid synthesis, skin health, nervous and digestive system support, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.^† Niacin, in high-potency amounts like Niacin-SR, is most notably involved in regulating cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism.^†

Niacin is readily absorbed in the stomach and small intestine where it is transported first to the liver and then to various tissues throughout the body. It is thought that niacin reduces the entry of free fatty acids into the liver thereby reducing the rate of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol production. A decline in the liver’s production of VLDL reduces the circulating levels of VLDL available for conversion to LDL cholesterol.

Niacin-SR allows the niacin to be released to the body at a slow rate rather than delivering the entire amount at once. Slow release helps maintain serum levels of niacin for a longer period of time. In addition, while high amounts of immediate-release forms of niacin often cause a reaction known as a "niacin flush" experienced as a temporary itching, tingling, or warming of the skin, Niacin-SR’s sustained-release formulation helps minimize this reaction and improves compliance. The nicotinic acid form of niacin, as used in Niacin-SR, is the most effective form for supporting normal cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Other forms of niacin such as nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) and inositol hexaniacinate contain little or no free nicotinic acid and have not demonstrated comparable efficacy.

Depending on the individual situation, 1 to 4 tablets providing 500 to 2,000 mg of niacin daily is usually sufficient. The amounts can be divided and taken several times per day or taken all at once. Higher doses are reserved for patients who are being specifically instructed and monitored by their healthcare professional.

As mentioned before, a possible side effect of niacin supplementation is a "niacin flush." While Niacin-SR’s sustained-release matrix helps to minimize this reaction, some individuals may still be sensitive even to the slow delivery system. This potential side effect is caused by a vasodilatation of cutaneous blood vessels which may produce a temporary tingling and warming sensation on the face, neck, arms, and chest. While the flushing sensation is not desirable, it is completely safe. This side effect usually disappears with continued use and may be reduced or eliminated when high doses of niacin are taken with a baby aspirin.

Use of high daily amounts of niacin, particularly in delayed-release forms, may also produce a temporary elevation in liver enzymes. Make sure your healthcare professional monitors your liver enzymes while taking this product and makes adjustments to your daily intake of niacin as he or she sees prudent.