Inositol nicotinate is a chemical compound created when Inositol is combined with Niacin (Vitamin B3).
It is used for a variety of health conditions. It is also being researched worldwide for its capacities to treat, cure, and/or reverse many other disorders and diseases.
It is classified primarily as a vasodilator and is also called inositol hexaniacinate. A common term for inositol nicotinate is “no flush niacin”.
Many times, when niacin is introduced into a deficient system, flushing occurs. Flushing is simply the hyperstimulation of blood flow to capillary systems.
Flushing is a blanket term for the reddening of epidermal tissues and can occur because of more than 200 catalysts including emotional stimulation such as anger or embarrassment.
Inositol nicotinate provides a form of niacin that does not cause flushing in most people. It has been primarily used as a treatment for poor circulation due to its strong vasodilation effects.
Niacin, inositol, and inositol nicotinate are all available as dietary supplements only, and the FDA has not approved these compounds as drugs to prevent or treat any conditions.



- Supports brain & liver health
- Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
- Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss
What is Inositol?
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Inositol is a simple carbohydrate alcohol molecule. It has some vitamin-like qualities, and previously was classified as part of the B Vitamin family and called Vitamin B8.
More recent research has shown that it in fact does not meet the qualifications of a vitamin and is more similar in structure to glucose. Inositol is a common substance found in both animals and plants – and it can be manufactured by the human body.
Our kidneys manufacture most of our inositol supplies; about 2 g per day. Human deficiencies of inositol are very rare because of its ready availability from various sources, but are possible under certain circumstances.
Inositol exists in 9 forms, with myo-inositol being the most prevalent form that occurs naturally. It tastes about half as sweet as table sugar (sucrose) and is sometimes used as a sweetener. This nutrient helps in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters.
Along with choline, inositol helps to metabolize lipids (fats) from the liver and it is imperative for efficient digestion. It is also required for the generation of marrow cells and keeps skin and hair health. In inositol nicotinate formulations, there is a 3:10 ratio of inositol to niacin.
What is Niacin?
There are two main forms of Vitamin B3: niacin (aka nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (aka nicotinamide). Niacin is found in plants and animals. Niacin supplementation is used primarily for high cholesterol levels, atherosclerosis, and to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
In research trials, Niacin has also been shown effective as a treatment for insomnia, sensitivity to sunlight, motion sickness, and memory loss. Niacin is a powerful nutrient that is vital for numerous body and brain functions.
One of the main downsides of niacin supplementation is that it can often the “niacin flush.” This is a natural reaction that is caused by increased blood flow, however it can be quite annoying and uncomfortable for some people. It is reported that the flushing can cause an itching sensation all over the skin that is quite unpleasant, as well as widespread warmth, and sometimes headaches.
Inositol nicotinate has been shown to release over a longer period of time than standard niacin supplements because the nicotinic acid molecules slowly dissociate from the inositol. This slower release of the nicotinic acid into the bloodstream eliminates the initial flushing effects that can occur with regular niacin supplements.
Because it has the same effects as regular niacin supplements but not the niacin flush downside, many people who are effected strongly by the flushing effect often switch to inositol nicotinate supplements to get their daily dosage of niacin.
Therapeutic Benefits of Inositol Nicotinate
Inositol nicotinate is a popular supplement choice for various blood circulation issues.
This includes intermittent claudication, pain associated with poor circulation during walking; stasis dermatitis, the pooling of blood because veins are not able to return it to the heart; Raynaud’s disease, which causes cold toes and fingers because of poor circulation; and cerebral vascular disease, which prevents the brain from receiving enough blood flow.
In addition, inositol nicotinate is used for the following purposes:
- Lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
- Elevating HDL cholesterol
- Stabilizing blood pressure
- Regulating sleep disturbances
- Alleviating migraine headaches caused by atherosclerosis
- Relieving exfoliative glossitis (swelling of the tongue)
- Treating acne and psoriasis
- Relieving restless leg syndrome symptoms
- Treating schizophrenia and various other mental challenges
In general, inositol nicotinate has been used for variety of ailments because of its vasodilation capacities. It opens blood vessels, allowing better circulation and enhanced delivery of nutrients. It is also an emulsifier of fats, like cholesterol. Further, it is effective at breaking proteins down when coagulation is required for clotting the blood.
Inositol nicotinate has been used for a variety of conditions, however it is important to remember that it has not been approved as a drug to prevent or treat any of these conditions. It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine if this supplement is best for your needs.
Who should not take inositol nicotinate supplements?
Inositol nicotinate supplementation is known to be very safe overall. Few negative side effects have ever been witnessed or reported. In rare cases, mild side effects like stomach upset, burping, headaches, and nausea occur.
However, there are a few groups of people who should not take inositol nicotinate supplements without first consulting with their doctors. This includes those with:
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Gallbladder disease
- Gout
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Clotting disorders
- Allergies
Additionally, pregnant and/or nursing women are not to use inositol nicotinate without their doctor’s approval due to limited safety information for these groups. Those who are scheduled for any type of surgery should stop supplementation at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure to prevent excess bleeding.
Beginning a supplementation program of inositol nicotinate can support an array of positive health benefits.
With more than 33% of Americans classified as obese and/or overweight, metabolic syndrome is on the rise. This includes risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack and more. Inositol nicotinate is a natural supplement that has been used to improve cardiovascular health by supporting better blood flow and dilating blood vessels.
Always discuss supplementation with your physician prior to taking a new product.
Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
5 Comments
It is good article. I need more information if you have it.
Hello,
Thanks for your comment! Please let me know what sort of additional information you are looking for and I will try to help.
Why does is say to try new mood on the right above for free and when I go to order it says it costs 29.95.
Hi Janet,
What country are you located in? The free trial is only available to US residents unfortunately :/
Hello! Excellent site, with many information! I am trying to reduce my triglycerides and i’d like to know which type of inositol is better for my cause, Inositol Hexanicotinate or NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydrate)?