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Niacin 500 mg
NOW
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(8550 ratings)
Niacin 500 mg
Score 75.0
A high-potency nicotinic acid from a trusted brand, effective for heart health but causes a common, uncomfortable flush.
Quantity: 100 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (100 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Heart Health
Skin Health
Energy
Metabolism Boost
leaderboard Score 75.0
A high-potency nicotinic acid from a trusted brand, effective for heart health but causes a common, uncomfortable flush.
NOW Niacin 500 mg provides a high dose of nicotinic acid, a form of Vitamin B3 particularly noted for its powerful effects on lipid profiles, including lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol. This makes it a strong contender for heart health support when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Nonetheless, users must be prepared for the characteristic niacin flush, which can range from mild discomfort to intense itching and redness. While beneficial for metabolic processes and energy production, the flush often leads individuals to seek out non-flushing forms like niacinamide for these more general benefits.
- High potency (500mg) is effective for specific therapeutic uses like cholesterol management.
- Produced by NOW, a widely recognized and trusted brand in the supplement industry.
- High review count suggests popularity and general user satisfaction (despite flush).
- Causes the 'niacin flush' (redness, itching, tingling), which can be uncomfortable and lead to non-compliance.
- Not ideal for individuals seeking general B3 benefits without side effects, or for skin health where niacinamide is preferred.
- Requires careful titration of dosage to minimize flushing for some users.
$6.19($0.06 per serving)
 Daily Vita | $ 6.40 | |
 Vitacost | $ 6.19 | |
 iHerb | $ 6.72 |
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 500 mg |
Categories
Niacin 80.0
As a pure Niacin product, it delivers the intended benefits of Vitamin B3. The choice between this flushing form and non-flushing alternatives depends on individual tolerance and specific health goals, as it represents the classic, most studied form for lipid modification.
Goals
Heart Health 90.0
Nicotinic acid at 500mg is clinically supported for its efficacy in improving lipid profiles, specifically lowering LDL and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol, making it highly beneficial for cardiovascular health when tolerated and used under guidance.
Metabolism Boost 80.0
Niacin plays an indispensable role in over 400 enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This direct involvement makes it effective for supporting and enhancing overall metabolic function within the body.
Energy 75.0
Niacin is crucial for converting food into usable cellular energy by acting as a coenzyme in vital metabolic pathways. This product effectively supports energy production, though the immediate flush can sometimes overshadow its sustained metabolic benefits.
Recommended Alternatives
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Niacinamide 500 mg
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From the same trusted brand, this Niacinamide form offers the same high dosage (500mg) without the flushing, providing excellent value for those prioritizing comfort and general B3 benefits over the specific lipid-modifying effects of nicotinic acid.
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Offers the identical 500mg dose of nicotinic acid at the same competitive price per serving (6), providing a direct, equally potent, and cost-effective alternative for individuals who tolerate the flush or prioritize raw potency.
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Sustained-Release Niacin with niaXtend 500 mg
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Utilizing inositol hexanicotinate, this alternative typically does not cause the 'flush,' making it a much more tolerable option for individuals sensitive to the common side effect while still providing the benefits of Niacin.
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Niacinamide
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Thorne is a premium brand known for exceptional purity and quality. This niacinamide form is non-flushing, making it ideal for those prioritizing comfort and comprehensive B3 metabolic and skin benefits without the side effect.
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Niacin 100 mg
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Offers a significantly lower price per serving (2 vs 6) for a nicotinic acid form, providing a much more budget-friendly entry point for Niacin supplementation, albeit at a lower dosage.
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Niacin 250 mg
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Niacin 100 mg
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A more affordable option per serving (4 vs 6) for 100mg nicotinic acid from a reputable brand, providing a good balance of cost and a common starting dose for B3 supplementation.
90 Value
Niacinamide 500 mg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(8865 ratings)
From the same trusted brand, this Niacinamide form offers the same high dosage (500mg) without the flushing, providing excellent value for those prioritizing comfort and general B3 benefits over the specific lipid-modifying effects of nicotinic acid.
85 Value
Niacin 500 mg
21st Century
4.5
★★★★★
(1747 ratings)
Offers the identical 500mg dose of nicotinic acid at the same competitive price per serving (6), providing a direct, equally potent, and cost-effective alternative for individuals who tolerate the flush or prioritize raw potency.
88 Value
Niacinamide 500 mg
Solaray
4.6
★★★★★
(4628 ratings)
Provides a non-flushing 500mg Niacinamide dose from a well-regarded brand (Solaray), offering a solid balance of potency, user comfort, and quality, making it a strong value choice for general B3 needs.
90 Performance
Sustained-Release Niacin with niaXtend 500 mg
Doctor's Best
4.7
★★★★★
(660 ratings)
This sustained-release form aims to mitigate the intensity of the niacin flush while maintaining efficacy, offering a more comfortable experience for those who need higher doses for heart health benefits.
92 Performance
No-Flush Niacin 500 mg
Source Naturals
4.7
★★★★★
(745 ratings)
Utilizing inositol hexanicotinate, this alternative typically does not cause the 'flush,' making it a much more tolerable option for individuals sensitive to the common side effect while still providing the benefits of Niacin.
95 Performance
Niacinamide
Thorne
4.7
★★★★★
(1868 ratings)
Thorne is a premium brand known for exceptional purity and quality. This niacinamide form is non-flushing, making it ideal for those prioritizing comfort and comprehensive B3 metabolic and skin benefits without the side effect.