Hey Sanchez,
I am getting Niacin in the mail in a few days so I am going to get a chance to relive the experience of pure Niacin. I used it for a year about 5-6 years ago. I was doing it mainly because of the health benefits being espoused by Dr. Abram and others...not for sure why I stopped actually. Anyway! I was one of the few who truly enjoyed "the flush". Yeah, sometimes it could be itchy and it does make you feel hot when it happens, but it was really enjoyable to me, especially once the flush subsided and a coolness fell over my body. Aaah yes...niacin.
Okay so be aware of the flush. It WILL happen. Your body will look as if a rash has broken out all over your body. You might feel tingling, even itching. Just calm down, don't call the ER (like many people have who didn't know any better, haha!). You are not dying, it's not an allergic reaction, but merely a flush of blood is rushing to the surface of your skin ALL OVER YOUR BODY. If you want to get an idea of what it LOOKS like, just type it into youtube. I am telling you this so you know exactly what to expect since those who don't know assume a severe infection/rash is taking over your body. Aaah yes...the niacin flush.
Those who take pure niacin EVERYDAY often see the flushing significantly reduced within a week. Some claim to barely feel it at all by week 2.
As Ash said, take it with a meal. It's kinda hard an an empty stomach and may make you feel nauseous. Personally, I recommend buying a bottle that offers 100mg tablets. This way you can try 200mg and see how you feel. If the flush is still minimal, take 300mg for lunch. If still not too harsh, then try 500mg for dinner. Know that the flush can hit you instantly...or take upwards of an hour before occurring. Also know the flush can last 15 minutes, or an hour. There are different theories as to why this is. I no longer remember Dr. Abram's theories, but regardless of it's brevity or length, it's all normal and don't worry.
Again...the flush is harmless!
The ONLY side effect from pure niacin is associated with MEGA dosing, which is usually several grams (5g-15g+) and it results in vomiting, which is a natural bodily reaction to overdosing on most things we intake. But the point is that even with mega-dosing, the flush is neither permanent nor harmful.
To give an idea of what I tried in the past, I started with 500mg a day and then eventually did as much as 2grams per day.
Also the flush reactions to different temperatures of food. When I take niacin alongside hot soup, the flush hits me within seconds. If it is with a cold sandwich, it might take a few minutes. Don't remember why this is, but something to be aware of.
Enjoy my friend!
