Inositol
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Inositol hexaniacinate is a safe alternative for niacin, one of the two basic forms of Vitamin B3, the other being niacinamide. Because it has not been linked with any of the usual niacin toxicity in scientific research, inositol hexaniacinate is sometimes prescribed by doctors, for those in need of high doses of niacin.
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| Remedy For |
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High cholesterol.
High triglycerides.
Intermittent claudication.
Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea).
Raynaud’s disease.
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| Usage Directions |
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When used as therapy for a specific disease inositol hexaniacinate is taken in dosages much higher than nutritional needs – about 1 to 4 g daily.
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| Sources |
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The best food sources of Inositol hexaniacinate are peanuts, brewer’s yeast, fish, and meat. Some of the nutrient is also found in whole grains. Other good food sources are seeds, yeast, bran, peanuts (especially with skins), wild rice, brown rice, whole wheat, barley, almonds, and peas. Inositol hexaniacinate is also available as a supplement.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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Although the inositol hexaniacinate form of niacin has not been linked with side effects, the amount of research studying the safety of this form of the vitamin remains quite limited.
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| Overdose |
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Acute overdose: Liver damage, diabetes, gastritis, damage to eyes, and elevated blood levels of uric acid (which can cause gout). Inositol hexaniacinate may cause less flushing than plain niacin
Chronic overdose: None
What To Do: For an acute overdose, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. For symptoms of chronic overdose, contact your doctor.
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| Caution |
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Large amounts of inositol hexaniacinate should never be taken without consulting a nutritionally oriented doctor. Individuals having liver disease, ulcers (presently or in the past), gout, or diabetes, or those who drink too much alcohol, should not take high-dose niacin except on medical advice.
Regular blood tests to evaluate liver function are mandatory when using high-dose inositol hexaniacinate.
Maximum safe dosages for young children and pregnant or nursing women have not been established.
A doctor's supervision is recommended when using high-doses in combination with statin drugs and anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine or primidone.
Individuals taking the antituberculosis drug isoniazid (INH) may need extra inositol hexaniacinate.
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