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Inositol Hexaniacinate: Overview
Alternative Names: Inositol Nicotinate or Hexanicit.
Inositol Hexaniacinate (also known as inositol hexanicotinate) is a newer form of vitamin B-3 (niacin), which does not cause flushing.
Inositol hexaniacinate is used primarily as flush-free niacin, having the same cholesterol-lowering abilities as niacin without the flushing common to high-dose niacin therapy. Inositol hexaniacinate is safely substituted for niacin in conditions such as hypercholesterolemia and intermittent claudication.
Inositol Hexaniacinate (also known as inositol hexanicotinate) is a newer form of vitamin B-3 (niacin), which does not cause flushing.
Function; Why it is Recommended
When six niacin molecules are bound to a large molecule of inositol, inositol hexaniacinate is the result. Inositol hexaniacinate delivers niacin in a natural slow-release manner, allowing for all the cholesterol-modulating benefits of niacin with little potential for side-effects such as flushing (itching, heat and redness in the skin) or liver damage. Preliminary research has shown that inositol hexaniacinate has similar actions to niacin.Inositol hexaniacinate is used primarily as flush-free niacin, having the same cholesterol-lowering abilities as niacin without the flushing common to high-dose niacin therapy. Inositol hexaniacinate is safely substituted for niacin in conditions such as hypercholesterolemia and intermittent claudication.
Instructions
Effective inositol hexanicotinate doses are similar to those of niacin, about 600 to 3,000mg daily. However, the amount of research studying the safety of inositol hexaniacinate remains limited. Therefore, if you are considering taking this supplement in amounts over several grams per day you should be under a doctor's care.Inositol Hexaniacinate can help with the following:
Addictions
Circulation
Intermittent Claudication
| Inositol hexaniacinate, a special form of vitamin B3, has been used successfully to treat intermittent claudication. A double-blind trial explored the effect of 2gm bid for 3 months. In non-smokers and in people with unchanged smoking habits, the increase in walking distance was significantly greater than in the placebo group. [Br J Clin Pract 1988;42: pp.141-5, 377-83] |
Raynaud's Phenomenon
| Inositol hexaniacinate, a variation on the B-vitamin niacin, has been used with some success for relieving symptoms of Raynaud's disease. 30 people in one study with Raynaud's disease took 4gm of inositol hexaniacinate each day for 3 months and showed less arterial spasm. [J Int Med Res 1979;7: pp.473-83] |
Digestion
Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency
| Inositol hexaniacinate might play a role in both the reduction of achlorhydria-related symptoms and in augmenting gastric acid secretion. It may enhance the production of hydrochloric acid in a manner that cannot be explained by it simply being an acid. Its benefits may be due, in part, to its stress-moderating properties upon the central nervous system. |
Lab Values
Reproductive
Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea)
| There is evidence that niacin may be beneficial for the treatment of dysmennorhea. Hudgins reported on a group of 80 women suffering from painful menstrual cramps who were supplemented with 100mg niacin twice daily, beginning 7 to 10 days before the onset of menses and then every 2 to 3 hours during heavy cramps. 90% of participants experienced significant relief. It should be noted that the dosage required during heavy cramping is high enough to cause unpleasant side effects and that it would seem that the use of flush-free niacin (inositol hexaniacinate) might be indicated. In addition, the inositol would provide lipotropic effects. Lipotropic agents help in the metabolism of hormones by the liver, important for the prevention of PMS. |
Skin-Hair-Nails
KEY
May be useful:
may help with
Moderately useful:
often helps with
Last updated: Apr 25, 2013