Tag: Flush niacin

According to a 2018 study, niacin is the oldest known lipid-lowering drug, but its effectiveness depends heavily on its specific form. When comparing flush versus no-flush niacin, the choice is not simply about tolerating a side effect; it's about the fundamental purpose of the supplement.

Over 50 years of clinical use have established that flush niacin, or nicotinic acid, can significantly alter lipid profiles by raising HDL cholesterol, but its use is often limited by uncomfortable flushing side effects. Choosing between flush and flush-free niacin depends entirely on your therapeutic goal, with the latter offering no significant cholesterol benefits despite being easier to tolerate.