What does flush free mean

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Sign Me Up. Print This Page Click to Print. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Sign Up. Close Thanks for visiting. Extended-release nicotinic acid may cause side effects but these are likely to be less severe than those associated with the IR form.

Sustained-release SR nicotinic acid, also known as "timed-release" nicotinic acid, releases nicotinic acid into the body over a period of time rather than all at once. It may still cause side effects, but they're likely to be milder than those brought on by immediate-release supplements. An SR nicotinic acid supplement will take longer to clear the body than either an IR form or an extended-release ER form.

For this reason, SR nicotinic acid comes with the risk of liver toxicity. If you have a liver disease such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C infection , it's best not to take sustained-release niacin and to opt for an immediate- or extended-release formulation instead. Niacin supplements are safe for most people, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of. The most common is flushing—warmth, tingling, itching, and redness of the face, arms, and chest.

The side effects of nicotinic acid can be aggravating and, in some cases, intolerable, but usually subside after a couple of weeks. In the meantime, there are ways to mitigate them. High doses of nicotinic acid more than 3 grams per day may cause severe side effects, including liver damage, gout, gastrointestinal ulcers, vision loss, high blood sugar, irregular heartbeat, and other serious problems.

High-dose niacin also has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. There is not enough scientific data to determine a recommended dose of niacin or nicotinic acid.

If your healthcare provider prescribes nicotinic acid for you, they will base the dose on factors such as your age, gender, and medical history. Before taking over-the-counter niacin, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it makes sense for you to do so. Together you can determine the optimal formulation and dose. Whether you're buying niacin over the counter or will be taking it by prescription, don't think of it as "only a supplement.

Report any significant side effects to your healthcare provider right away. Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. Pikto pietkiewicz I. Niacin in patients with low LDL cholesterol levels receiving intensive statin therapy.

New Engl J Med , Kardiol Pol. Office of Dietary Supplements. Niacin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated July 9, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Washington, D.