What is the recommended dose of Niacin?

- **Look for:** Nicotinic acid (not niacinamide) for lipid effects; extended-release formulation for better tolerance; physician supervision at >500mg/day - **Avoid:** "No-flush niacin" / inositol ...

Is Niacin safe to take daily?

Niacin is rated "Generally Safe" based on clinical evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Niacin

MODERATE EVIDENCEVitaminLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

Niacin (nicotinic acid) is the most effective supplement for raising HDL cholesterol — increasing it by 20-35% at therapeutic doses of 1-3g/day. However, two landmark trials (AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE) found that adding niacin to statin therapy provided NO cardiovascular outcome benefit while increasing adverse events. The "niacin flush" (flushing, itching, warmth) affects 85% of users and is the primary reason for discontinuation. Our research distinguishes between nicotinic acid (flush-causing, lipid-active), niacinamide (no flush, no lipid effect), and nicotinamide riboside/NMN (NAD+ precursors — completely different mechanism).

WHAT IT DOES

Niacin acts on the GPR109A receptor in adipose tissue, reducing lipolysis (free fatty acid release). With fewer free fatty acids reaching the liver, VLDL production decreases → triglycerides drop 20-50% → and as a consequence, HDL increases 20-35%. The flush is also mediated by GPR109A — it triggers prostaglandin D2 release in skin, causing vasodilation, warmth, and itching. Extended-release formulations slow the peak activation, reducing flush. At RDA doses, niacin serves as a precursor to NAD+/NADH, essential for 400+ enzymatic reactions.

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: Nicotinic acid (not niacinamide) for lipid effects; extended-release formulation for better tolerance; physician supervision at >500mg/day
Avoid: "No-flush niacin" / inositol hexaniacinate (does not raise HDL or lower triglycerides); OTC sustained-release niacin (hepatotoxicity risk); niacinamide if seeking lipid effects (wrong form)
Minimum effective dose: 500mg/day for lipid effects (start 100mg and titrate up); 14-16mg/day for RDA
Third-party tested brands: Slo-Niacin (intermediate release), NOW Foods (immediate release); Niaspan is prescription only

Scan a supplement containing Niacin

SAFETY PROFILE

Critical Interactions (Do Not Combine Without Medical Supervision)

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Theoretical/Low-Risk Interactions

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Niacin

MODERATE EVIDENCEVitaminLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

WHAT IT DOES

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: Nicotinic acid (not niacinamide) for lipid effects; extended-release formulation for better tolerance; physician supervision at >500mg/day
Avoid: "No-flush niacin" / inositol hexaniacinate (does not raise HDL or lower triglycerides); OTC sustained-release niacin (hepatotoxicity risk); niacinamide if seeking lipid effects (wrong form)
Minimum effective dose: 500mg/day for lipid effects (start 100mg and titrate up); 14-16mg/day for RDA
Third-party tested brands: Slo-Niacin (intermediate release), NOW Foods (immediate release); Niaspan is prescription only

Scan a supplement containing Niacin

SAFETY PROFILE

Critical Interactions (Do Not Combine Without Medical Supervision)

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Theoretical/Low-Risk Interactions

RELATED RESEARCH

Acerola Cherry

Amla

BiotinBiotin is a cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes critical to metabolism: pyruva

Amla

Scan Your Niacin Supplement Browse all ingredients

Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

Discover More

Explore

Browse All 834 Ingredients Browse All 20 Conditions