Cholesterol problems have various forms of treatments; prescribing high doses of niacin is one. Niacin, alone, as a supplement, even in high doses, is not harmful. It does have certain side effects that can make you uncomfortable, such as, red itchy skin. However, its side effects are mild compared to many prescription drugs and supplements. This irritation of the skin is a symptom of what is called, niacin flush, a common side effect of taking high doses of the niacin supplement.
What is good to know, is that you can reduce your chances of experiencing niacin flush and that if you do experience this common side effect, it may be irritating, but it is actually harmless. You will know that you have niacin flush because your skin will begin to turn red and you may experience itching and a burning sensation. Niacin is the same supplement as Vitamin B3. It is a part of that particular compound of supplements. Vitamin B3 plays a vital role in helping the body turn food into energy. Nicotinic Acid is normally the supplement prescribed for people with high cholesterol. Niacinamide is another form of this supplement compound that does not produce the niacin flush, but is also not as effective in treating cholesterol problems.
There are two versions of nicotinic acid; one is an immediate release, the other is an extended release form. The immediate release form of the supplement, which is the one that is usually prescribed, causes the niacin flush. The extended release form does not. It appears that physicians, knowing that niacin flush is harmless, are choosing to treat the cholesterol issues more aggressively, than to worry about a very common and harmless side effect.
The flush simply occurs due to the capillaries expanding which then increases the blood flow to the surface of the skin. This is what causes the redness and sometimes, itching and burning sensations. Niacin flush is more of a topical side effect due to the fact that there is nothing going wrong inside the body as it occurs. If you are on high doses of niacin for cholesterol issues and are experiencing niacin flush, though it may be uncomfortable while it lasts, it isn’t harmful to your body’s system.