Niacin (nicotinic acid) is also called vitamin B3 and has two other forms: inositol hexanicotinate and niacinamide (nicotinamide) which have diverse effects from niacin.
All B vitamins assist the body in converting food (carbohydrates) into the body’s fuel (glucose), which is used in the production of energy. Therefore, having enough niacin in the body is very important for general good health. There are considerably a good number of niacin benefits which will be detailed below. Regarding treatment, higher amounts of B3 can improve the level of cholesterol and lower cardiovascular risks. Niacin pills are commonly taken to lower triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.
Common minor niacin side effects include a flushing reaction which may result in tingling, itching, burning, headaches, as well as redness of the face, chest, and arms.
Here are 8 benefits of flush free niacin:
 
1. Lowers LDL Cholesterol
Niacin has been used since the 1950s to treat high cholesterol. In fact, it can reduce levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol by 5–20%. However, niacin is not the primary treatment for high cholesterol due to its possible side effects. Instead, it's primarily used as a cholesterol-lowering treatment for people who can't tolerate statins.
 
2. For Arthritis
The flush benefits and its results are significant for patients who have arthritis. But for pure relief, taking niacinamide is recommended for the best results, since it opens blood vessels deep within the skin closer to the joints.
 
3. Aids in Digestion
Since niacin vitamin is a member of B-complex vitamins, it aids in the regular functioning of the body’s digestive coordination, promoting a proper and normal operation of the nerves, while enhancing a healthy appetite and providing a brighter skin.
 
4. Can Help Treat Diabetes
Vitamin B3 niacin may be helpful for treating diabetes because of the role it plays in balancing blood sugar levels. It’s believed that vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide can help improve the efficiency of certain oral drug treatments that are used to control diabetes.
Most diabetic patients can adequately control blood glucose levels better with the help of niacin, and can also lower their risk of high blood cholesterol and heart disease which is commonly seen in patients with diabetes. Reducing “bad” cholesterol LDL levels is one of the priorities in treating diabetic patients, and niacin is a proven method for doing so.
 
5. Boosts Brain Function
Your brain needs niacin, as a part of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, to get energy and function properly. In fact, brain fog and even psychiatric symptoms have been associated with niacin deficiency.
Some types of schizophrenia can be treated with niacin, as it helps undo the damage to brain cells that occurs as a result of deficiency. And preliminary research shows that it could also help keep the brain healthy in cases of Alzheimer's disease. However, results have been mixed.
 
6. For Sexual Function
The benefits of niacin regarding sexual function is the assistance it provides in creating sex hormones for individuals suffering from reproductive disorders such as erectile dysfunction and impotence.
 
7. Maintains Skin Health
Some people use niacin or niacinamide for treating acne, especially severe cases of acne that can be very inflamed and painful (called inflammatory acne vulgaris).
Vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide is prescribed as a natural treatment for healthy skin and clearing acne when applied to the skin topically, and other people choose to take niacin or B vitamin complex supplements to help their symptoms.
Because niacin helps to reduce skin inflammation, flare-ups, irritation, redness, and more, it is also used for treating skin conditions called bullous pemphigoid and granuloma annularea These are two inflammation-caused skin diseases that involve blistering of the skin which can be very painful and cause infection.
 
8. Treats Pellagra
Severe niacin deficiency causes a condition called pellagra. Thus, taking a niacin supplement is the main treatment for pellagra. Niacin deficiency is rare in industrialized countries. However, it may occur along with other diseases, such as alcoholism, anorexia or Hartnup disease.
 
Conclusion
This vital vitamin can be a potent tool for increasing good cholesterol. But aside from that, it is beneficial for the health of a person. In this post, I shared with you 8 benefits of flush free niacin.