In-depth research on clinical trials of this form of niacin (IHN) reveals it has NO effect on cholesterol levels, which may be the primary reason folks are buying it. Several medical articles state this, and the studies show this IHN form has the same effect as a placebo, which is "no change". If you're searching for a niacin (B3) supplement that minimizes "flushing", while still giving you the positive aspects on your cholesterol, you need to find a "wax-matrix extended-release" version. NOW makes super products, and I purchase almost all of my supplements from them, but this purchase was my error due to insufficient research before the purchase. Even so, many people are not aware of the inositol hexanicotinate (IHN) vs nicotinic acid (NA) vs wax-matrix extended-release (WMER) situation and the tests concluded, as I was not, and this may help them find the right product and acquire the results they seek. Rated 2-stars only due to ineffectiveness if taken as directed on the label, combined with clinical research data now available. NOW is still my "go-to" supplier of supplements.

I was recently prescribed Niacin supplements by my physician for high cholesterol. I've tried a number of other brands, but Now Food's Flush Free Niacin is so far the only brand I have tried that does not produce the "flush" symptoms resulting from high doses of Niacin. A number of other brands, most of which were far more expensive, that I tried used the wording "flush free" on their labels, but really did not deliver on their promises. Even at the lowest possible dose, most other brands were quite simply intolerable, even after giving myself several weeks to "get used" to them. This is the only Niacin supplement I have tried that caused NO side effects. Thanks to these supplements, my cholesterol levels have dropped back down to normal and I no longer need to take prescription medicines. The pills themselves are in easy to swallow capsules.

What I mean is, this form of niacin doesn't provide the same anti-cholesterol benefits as the regular type of niacin. It's absorbed totally differently. Most people who buy it don't know this. So although it doesn't give you that irritating itching sensation of the regular, it may not work for lowering cholesterol nearly as well because of its very low absorption. Some doctors don't think it works at all. This particular supplement is called, "inositol hexaniacinate." It does have other proven effects, such as perhaps helping prevent a "fatty" liver, among other things. That said, I'm going to try using mega doses of the stuff, along with more exercise and fish oil supplements. I don't want to take potentially dangerous statins if I can help it, the big pharmaceutical companies will do quite well without me. After that, I'm going in for another blood test to see if the stuff actually works for me. As with all supplements, ALWAYS do your own research on any supplement online before you buy, if nothing more than to educate yourself.

This is a good product. I bought these for someone I know who was diagnosed w/ a disorder but the meds they were taking was attacking their system as a nasty side effect.<br /> Shortly after they started taking this Niacin along w/ the Krill Oil capsules we noticed dramatic results! Niacin & Krill Oil are not only good for health, energy, & the heart but they also help to better regulate mood & seratonin levels which often are the root cause of mental disorders such as bipolar, & cronic depression.<br /> I highly recommend this product to anyone for either a more natural remedy for mood & depression or for just general overall health.

Have found this to be a key to remedying my depression! I tell everyone I know about it. It doesn't have to be this one, but I recommend researching. God bless!

I don't recommend this for the use as I intend. It is a good product, all of the NOW line of products that I have tried are excellent quality. I have used Niacin and large doses of Vitamin C (also a NOW product) to replace my Bi-Polar medications (Wellbutrin XL and Topamax) that have some serious side effects. Don't take this a medical advice, I am not a doctor, but these two vitamins have worked just as well, if not better that my former prescription medications, with no side effects to date.