Niacin vs. Niacinamide

[Suppertime]

I only take 100mg of Niacin immediately after O and I get a mild headache in the morning. I suppose it's better than having POIS for a few days.

Has anyone consulted their doctor about the precautions of Niacin? I have been reading online and long term usage may lead to Liver damage. I've been using it for about 2 months now and it has been a Godsend. But if this can cause more damage than prevent, then I might have to find another alternative.

[Daveman]

It wouldn't hurt to check our livers a couple of times per year, but generally speaking, liver damage is said to be more prevalent in high doses 2000mg to 3000mg PER DAY. Even then I understand that it happens in 2 to 3% of the users. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/niacin-side-effects.html for instance.  Even so, the majority of high dosage users report few problems.

Niacin is used for POIS in much lower doses and with a frequency way below the danger threshold.

There is always potential for allergic reactions to any drug, which should be watched out for or any preconditions that could be adversely affected by niacin. Check all the internet references and then check with your doctor if you have any doubts.