- Niacin helps improve blood circulation. It also helps the body covert food to energy.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, niacin can be used to lower cholesterol levels. Studies also indicate that niacin may slow the development of atherosclerosis when used with cholesterol-lowering drugs, exercise and diet.
- Niacin taken in high doses can cause flushing of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other side effects include increased blood sugar, upset stomach, headache, dizziness and liver damage.
- Research from the Mayo Clinic indicates that niacin in high doses can reduce low-density ("bad") cholesterol and trigylcerides and raise high-density ("good") cholesterol.
- The Mayo Clinic warns that niacin in high doses (over 1,000 mg daily) should be considered a drug and not a supplement. Therefore, it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor.
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