If you’ve ever heard about niacin supplements, chances are you’ve also heard about the “flush.”
It’s that sudden warmth, redness, and sometimes itching that can catch you off guard.
For many, it’s uncomfortable enough to avoid altogether.
But what if this flush reaction is actually the only reason so many people misunderstand and unfairly criticize one of the safest and most well-studied supplements out there?
That’s exactly what I explored in a recent Love Your Liver Livestream with Kelsey Kenny, my resident niacin expert.
Together, we dive deep into the myths surrounding nicotinic acid — also known as flush niacin — and reveal why the negative headlines about its safety are often based on shaky science and misunderstandings.
Chances are, you might have seen recent articles claiming nicotinic acid is risky, especially concerning liver toxicity or harmful metabolites…
But as Kelsey shares, based on her own experience of doing a deep dive into the research, in over 60 years, only eight case reports have even hinted at liver issues.
Even more interesting, every single one involved people who were taking multiple other medications at the same time.
I would hardly call this a smoking gun as some like to “ass”-sume.
At the same time, there’s a mountain of evidence showing niacin’s benefits for…
>> Liver health
>> Heart health
>> Skin health
…and much more!
I also share my own research that, despite the flush, nicotinic acid is incredibly safe — even at higher doses often used therapeutically!
Here’s the thing: the problem is less about safety and more about people’s dislike of that flushing sensation.
Now something else that needs to be pointed out is that we are only talking about flush niacin (nicotinic acid)...
Not about niacinamide, NMN, NR, or intravenous NAD therapies.
These forms of vitamin B3 are quite different and don’t behave the same way in your body. So, when you hear “niacin” being criticized, it’s important to know which form they mean.
So, what exactly is driving all the fear?
Simple, in-vitro tests, or cell studies.
These kinds of tests don’t translate well to real human experiences…
At the same time, they are “conveniently” ignoring similar flawed studies that show other supplements in a good light.
The real gold standard, I say, is long-term in vivo studies in humans and animals, particularly with higher doses. Because as we lay out, that’s exactly where nicotinic acid shines for safety!
Here’s what you can expect from the latest Love Your Liver Livestream:
>> Kidney Health Benefits of Niacin
>> Niacin vs. Cleveland Clinic’s Misinterpretation
>> Long-Term Clinical Evidence for Niacin
>> Misuse of Extended and Sustained Release Niacin
>> Niacin and Kidney Disease Reversal
>> Niacin’s Role in Mitochondrial Myopathy and Methylation
>> Debunking Misinformation and Pharmaceutical Spin
…And we even tackle a recent critical article raising concerns about metabolites called 2PY and 4PY and their potential effects on heart and kidney health, breaking down what the science really says!
Ready to cut through the confusion and discover the truth about niacin’s safety and benefits?
Then give this Love Your Liver Livestream episode a listen by clicking here!
Don’t let myths and misinformation keep you from unlocking a supplement that could support your health in ways you never imagined!
To the pursuit of better health,
Garrett Smith, NMD
P.S. Want to grab a bottle of niacin for yourself? Check out our shop page here for our 25 mg and 500 mg bottles!
P.S.S If you’re a Love Your Liver Member, don’t forget that you get a discount on Nutrition Detective Flush Niacin. Choose your amount below:
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