Inositol Hexanicotinate vs Niacin: Benefits & Side Effects

Inositol hexanicotinate is a form of inositol bound to nicotinic acid that is said to eliminate the “niacin flush” associated with traditional niacin supplements.

There are two main forms of Vitamin B3: niacin (aka nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (aka nicotinamide). Inositol hexanicotinate is a form of nicotinic acid that releases over a longer period of time than standard niacin supplements.

Inositol is a pseudovitamin sugar alcohol that is involved in the transportation of fats through the body and helps to supply energy to your cells. It also increases Serotonin activity which can help to improve mood and lessen signs of stress and sleep disorders.

Niacin is very important to the body for ensuring the efficient functioning of over 50 enzymes as well as accommodating the synthesizing of fats from carbohydrates.

Deficiencies of niacin are rare in developed countries as it can be derived from L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid. However, there are some circumstances where taking a niacin supplement may be beneficial to your health.

It is integral to normalizing blood lipid levels by removing LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as increasing levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the bloodstream. Niacin is used to produce certain chemical signaling compounds, including sex hormones.

Niacin

Vitamin B3 Supplement

Heart Health

Blood Lipids

Energy

How It Works:

• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Supports proper metabolic functioning
• Promotes heart & nervous system health

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is the Niacin Flush?

Many people experience the “niacin flush” when they begin increasing their intake of Vitamin B3.

This occurs when blood vessels dilate and create a sensation of warmth along with blushing of the skin.

While not dangerous in most cases, symptoms include heated, sometimes itchy-feeling skin from head to toe. Many times, it is accompanied by headaches.

This flushing effect intimidates a lot of people who would otherwise use niacin supplementation.

What is inositol hexanicotinate (IHN)?

Inositol hexanicotinate is a special form of niacin (scientifically referred to as the exanicotinic acid ester of meso-inositol). This combination allows users to experience the benefits of this vitamin without having to endure the niacin flush.

This supplement compound combines niacin with the pseudovitamin Inositol, which is one of nine isomeric alcohols commonly found in both animal and plant tissues.

The supplement has 70% bioavailability and is absorbed from the stomach intact, where it gets hydrolysed into free nicotinic acid and inositol. The result is a slower release of niacin into the bloodstream which may avoid the skin flushing side effect.

In chemical terms, inositol hexanicotinate is created when 6 molecules of niacin attach to a single molecule of inositol. When IHN is introduced into the bloodstream, it releases niacin.

The inositol acts to slow down the absorption of the niacin, elongating its anticholesterolemic functioning. The following advantages are experienced without the niacin flush, and without overtaxing the liver:

• Enhanced peripheral glucose utilization
• Reduction in by-products of glycolysis found in serum
• Strengthened inhibition of lipolysis

It’s important to note that there are also “timed release” niacin supplements available that are not the same as inositol hexanicotinate. These timed-release pills also help users to avoid the flushing, but they can be quite taxing on the liver.

Clinical testing has shown that these “slow-release” niacin supplements increase fatty acids in the liver and can lead to liver toxicity.

Inositol Hexanicotinate Benefits

Inositol, Niacin and their derivatives have been clinically studied since the 1950s and are very well documented. In fact, vitamin B3 may be the most researched vitamin in history.

There are a host of healthful benefits strongly correlated with niacin and IHN. In addition to their biological, psychological and biochemical roles, niacin and/or Inositol Hexanicotinate have been found to:

• Significantly improve the cholesterol profile, lowering LDL cholesterol, lowering triglycerides and raising HDL cholesterol levels
• Lower lipoprotein levels
• Reduce probability for death due to cardiovascular disease
• Safely treat cholesterol abnormalities in persons with diabetes
• Improve walking ability of personas suffering from intermediate claudication

It’s notable that the National Heart, Blood, And Lung Institute states that niacin is very rare in its anticholesteroletic properties. No other anti-cholesterol treatments have the triple action like vitamin B3: lowering LDL levels, lowering triglyceride levels. and simultaneously elevating HDL levels.

In one German clinical study, inositol hexanicotinate was shown to be even more effective than niacin at reducing free fatty acids during nighttime sleep. This makes IHN a superior supplementation option for generating a long-term reduction in blood lipid levels.

Reasrch on inositol hexanicotinate and inositol in general has been very promising, but is quite limited, and more research is still needed. At this time, inositol hexanicotinate is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved inositol hexanicotinate as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Niacin-Rich Foods

For people who prefer to increase their niacin levels through food instead of supplements, niacin is commonly found in a variety of plant and animal-based dietary choices.

Consider the following foods for ensuring adequate vitamin B3:

• Liver, hearts and kidneys
• Lean cuts of chicken, beef and pork
• Various fish including tuna, halibut and salmon
• Peanuts and almonds
• Beans and legumes
• Avocados, dates, figs and tomatoes
• Asparagus, broccoli, carrots and sweet potatoes
• Mushrooms and yeast

Inositol Hexanicotinate Safety

Inositol hexanicotinate is a relatively safe supplement to take. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as safety information in these groups is limited.

If you are taking any medications, talk with your doctor about possible contraindications before beginning IHN supplementation.

Although flushing is not common with IHN, some who are hypersensitive may still feel flushing effects. Niacin and inositol supplements should not be taken on empty stomachs.

Increasing intake of niacin and/or inositol hexanicotinate offers an array of health necessities and benefits. Always consult with your physician before beginning any vitamin supplementation program.

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