A. Inositol hexaniacinate is slowly metabolized in the body, and, therefore, has fewer side effects than nicotinic acid. The reduction in side effects (including flushing and gastrointestinal complaints) make inositol hexaniacinate a better choice for those wishing to support healthy cholesterol levels already within normal limits.&dagger It is believed that inositol hexaniacinate works by the same mechanism as nicotinic acid. A study comparing inositol hexaniacinate and nicotinic acid showed similar cholesterol support, except that inositol hexiniacinate was more effective at supporting triglyceride levels already within normal limits.†1

A. Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is comprised of niacin (nicotinic acid) and its amide, niacinamide (nicotinamide). The terms niacinamide and nicotinamide are synonymous. Niacin supplements are available as niacin (nicotinic acid), as its amide form, niacinamide (nicotinamide), or as inositol hexaniacinate, an ester of niacin and inositol. Inositol hexaniacinate consists of six molecules of nicotinic acid and one molecule of inositol. While nicotinamide is the form of niacin typically used in nutritional supplements and in food fortification, inositol hexaniacinate have the advantage of being a slow-release form associated with less side effects (typically flushing). Preliminary studies show that inositol hexaniacinate has similar beneficial effects to other niacin supplements.

A. Flush-Free Niacin provides 540 mg of niacin, as inositol hexaniacinate, per serving. Unlike other forms of niacin, which may cause side effects such as temporary flushing, itching and skin reddening, Flush-Free Niacin is formulated with a flush-free form of niacin, which slowly releases the niacin over an extended period. While the product is not formulated for rapid release, the capsule dissolves to release the key nutrients in a short time period (the historical range is 3 – 13 minutes with average dissolution < 7 minutes).