Niacin-SR provides niacin in a sustained-release matrix that releases slowly over several hours. Slow release of niacin helps minimize the uncomfortable flushing action of this B-vitamin that may occur when high-potency amounts are ingested.
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.
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Amount/Serving
Niacin (as niacin)
500 mg
Other Ingredients: Vegetarian stearine, cellulose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and croscarmellose sodium.
Free of the following common allergens: milk/casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, gluten, soybeans, and corn. Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
1 tablet daily with food or as directed by a healthcare professional. Do not chew or crush tablets.
Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare professional before using this product. Some forms of niacin may cause temporary flushing, tingling, itching, rash, or stomach upset. Consult your physician about periodic liver function testing if using this product long-term, or if you are taking more than 500 mg daily. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
How does Niacin-SR support normal cholesterol 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.
Why is Niacin-SR provided in a sustained-release form?
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.
Are there any side effects?
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.
