NOW Supplements Niacin

Myo-inositol: Depression treatment potential

Based on 4 Researches

Derkaczew M, Martyniuk P, Osowski A, Wojtkiewicz J. Cyclitols: From Basic Understanding to Their Association with Neurodegeneration. Nutrients. 2023;15. doi:10.3390/nu15092029

We explored the potential of inositol, particularly Myo-inositol (MI), as a treatment option for depression, especially in individuals dealing with neurodegenerative disorders. The literature suggests that MI and its derivatives are vital in various cellular functions, including signal transmission and osmoregulation.

While our focus was primarily on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, the interesting twist is how inositol may also help alleviate depressive symptoms. Research indicates that dietary supplementation with MI can have promising effects on mental health, suggesting a connection between inositol levels and mood enhancement.

However, despite the encouraging findings, much remains to be discovered. The relationship between inositol treatment and its effectiveness in treating depression is still being closely examined. Overall, it appears that while inositol shows potential, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand its benefits and mechanisms related specifically to depression.

7.5

Improved sleep quality

Most Useful Review

6 people found this helpful

It's working! I'm taking one after dinner. I previously had terrible flushing with niacin, which is why I opted for this one. I'm sleeping better than before, and I'm less depressed. I've been on medication for over 20 years due to recurrent depression, yet I'm told I'm fine. Since megavitamin therapy is a lengthy process and encompasses various supplements aside from niacin, I plan to stick with this for the time being.

Leg Cramps details

6 people found this helpful

I use this product for blood circulation, and now I experience fewer leg cramps, with my feet feeling warm.

Cardiovascular Disease details

Moderately Effective

Inositol protects against cardiac damage

L'Abbate S, Nicolini G, Forini F, Lepore E, Marchetti S, et al. Oral supplementation of inositols effectively recovered lithium-induced cardiac dysfunctions in mice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2024;178:117287. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117287

We investigated how inositol supplementation could counteract heart issues caused by lithium in mice. Our study involved four groups of mice to explore the varying effects of inositol. One group received lithium alone, another received lithium followed by inositol, a third group had both lithium and inositol from the start, and a control group had no treatment at all.

The results were promising. We found that inositol had a protective effect against the heart damage typically associated with lithium. Specifically, it helped improve heart function and reduced susceptibility to arrhythmias—irregular heartbeats. We also noted that inositol seemed to restore healthy levels of certain proteins crucial for heart health, helping to reduce cell enlargement and stress associated with hypertrophy.

Interestingly, the benefits of inositol were evident regardless of whether it was given alongside lithium or afterward as a treatment. These findings suggest that inositol could be a valuable addition to therapy for those facing lithium-induced cardiac issues, offering a potential pathway to better heart health.

Cholesterol maintenance

Most Useful Review

No flushing is essential! Flushing-free MP3 is particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health and cholesterol management.

Heart Attack details

ITPP enhances heart attack recovery

Likely Very Effective

Oknińska M, El-Hafny-Rahbi B, Paterek A, Mackiewicz U, Crola-Da Silva C, et al. Treatment of hypoxia-dependent cardiovascular diseases by myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP)-enhancement of oxygen delivery by red blood cells. J Cell Mol Med. 2020;24:2272. doi:10.1111/jcmm.14909

We explored the potential of myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP) as a treatment for heart attacks and its effect on heart tissue injured by low oxygen levels. This research indicates ITPP modifies hemoglobin in red blood cells, enhancing the delivery of oxygen throughout the body.

Using an animal model for myocardial infarction, we observed that ITPP administration provided significant protection against heart failure and aided in recovery from left ventricular remodeling following the heart attack.

In our laboratory studies, heart muscle cells exposed to low oxygen levels reacted quickly to ITPP treatment, showing increased activity of a protein known as HIF-1. Interestingly, this overactivity was countered by ITPP when it was in the red blood cells, which suggests a strong connection between shear stress from blood flow and oxygen release facilitated by the modified hemoglobin.

Overall, the findings indicate that ITPP could be a game-changer in treating injuries to heart tissues related to low oxygen or ischemia. This approach may open new avenues for effectively managing damage caused by heart attacks.

7.5

Boosts good cholesterol

Most Useful Review

33 people found this helpful

To fight heart disease, I manage my cholesterol with Crestor, diet, and exercise. Despite achieving weight loss, my HDL levels were still inadequate until my doctor suggested Niacin. After a year of using this brand, my cholesterol profile has improved significantly without any side effects.

High Cholesterol details

Okazaki Y, Katayama T. Dietary inositol hexakisphosphate, but not myo-inositol, clearly improves hypercholesterolemia in rats fed casein-type amino acid mixtures and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) ethane. Nutr Res. 2008;28:714. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2008.07.003

Moderately Effective

Based on 10 Researches

IP6 improves cholesterol levels

We examined the effects of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and myo-inositol on high cholesterol in rats. In our study, we found that dietary IP6 effectively reduced increased cholesterol levels caused by a specific chemical exposure, while myo-inositol did not show significant benefits.

Additionally, IP6 also contributed to body weight gain, regardless of other dietary factors. Overall, while both inositol types helped prevent fatty liver, only IP6 demonstrated a clear advantage in managing hypercholesterolemia.

Cholesterol significantly lowered

Most Useful Review

4 people found this helpful

This product effectively lowered my cholesterol without causing redness. After four months, my total cholesterol dropped from 6.3 to 3.7, and the harmful cholesterol decreased from 4.27 to 2.3. I believe the benefits stem from using it alongside other remedies like silymarin and omega.

Insomnia details

Better sleep experience

Most Useful Review

I have been using NOW brand Niacin for some time and find it beneficial for cognition. As an older individual, I require assistance, incorporating this supplement into my nootropic stack. This form of niacin doesn't cause flushing. I’ve read it can aid sleep, and after taking it at night due to occasional insomnia, I've found that I'm falling asleep more quickly and staying asleep longer. I awaken feeling refreshed, potentially due to the niacin, and am pleased with the product's quality and packaging.

Liver Disease details

Myo-inositol improves insulin resistance

Aghajani T, Arefhosseini S, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Safaralizadeh R. The effect of myo-inositol supplementation on AMPK/PI3K/AKT pathway and insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD. Food Sci Nutr. 2024;12:7177. doi:10.1002/fsn3.4267

We conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore how myo-inositol (MI) influences insulin resistance (IR) among obese individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our study involved 48 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either 4 grams of MI or a placebo daily for eight weeks.

Throughout this period, we measured various parameters such as weight, serum glucose levels, and insulin sensitivity indices before and after the intervention. Notably, we found that MI supplementation led to significant improvements in the expression levels of key genes related to the AMPK/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism.

The results indicated noteworthy enhancements in insulin resistance for those who received MI, measured through multiple indices, reinforcing its potential benefits for liver health management. Thus, we observed that supplementing with myo-inositol not only bolstered the expression of important metabolic genes but also helped improve insulin resistance in our participants with NAFLD.

7.5

Indispensable for head

Most Useful Review

1 people found this helpful

I find this supplement essential for those who work mentally and care for their liver. There's no facial flushing after taking it, and the effects are gentle and long-lasting. It's remarkably good value for money; thank you, NOW Foods!

Migraine details

Liu H, Wang L, Chen C, Dong Z, Yu S. Association between Dietary Niacin Intake and Migraine among American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nutrients. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/nu14153052

Niacin may reduce migraine risk

We examined the link between dietary niacin intake and migraine occurrences by analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This study focused on adults over 20 years old, looking specifically at their reported experiences with severe headaches and the amount of niacin they consume daily.

Among the 10,246 participants, we found that 20.1% reported having migraines. Those who had a higher intake of niacin showed a lower likelihood of experiencing migraines. For instance, compared to individuals with the lowest niacin intake, those in higher intake categories (Q2, Q3, and Q4) had significantly reduced odds of suffering from migraines. The results indicated that increasing dietary niacin had a favorable effect, suggesting an L-shaped curve relationship where the optimal intake appears to be around 21 mg per day.

This study highlighted a possible connection between niacin consumption and migraine prevention, indicating that moderate levels might play a protective role. However, it’s important to approach these findings cautiously, as they don’t establish cause and effect directly. Further research could illuminate how dietary choices might influence migraine frequency and severity.

7.5

Long-term migraine help

Most Useful Review

14 people found this helpful

I have taken this daily for eight years initially to cure and then to prevent migraine cluster headaches. Flush-free niacin was recommended by my M.D. I have also suggested this remedy to my daughter, who has experienced the same satisfying results. I prefer NOW products for their quality and reasonable prices.

Cancer details

Myo-inositol affects prostate cancer cells

Moderately Effective

Based on 4 Researches

Islam MJ, Muntaha S, Masum MM, Nowshin S, Salam S, et al. Proteomic Analysis of Anticancer Effect of Myo-inositol in Human Prostate Cancer (DU-145) Cell Line. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2024;25:4447. doi:10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.12.4447

We investigated the potential benefits of Myo-inositol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol, on DU-145 prostate cancer cells. By treating these cancer cells with various doses of Myo-inositol, we determined its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) using a simple method that measures cell viability.

Our findings revealed that Myo-inositol significantly decreased the viability of DU-145 cells, showing an IC50 of 0.06 mg/ml. This suggests that Myo-inositol may effectively inhibit cancer cell growth.

Furthermore, we performed a detailed proteomic analysis using advanced techniques to explore how Myo-inositol changes protein expression. We found notable differences in protein levels between treated and untreated cells, particularly in areas linked to key cellular functions like cytoskeletal regulation, apoptosis (cell death), and stress responses. For instance, certain proteins tied to tumor suppression were upregulated in response to Myo-inositol treatment.

Overall, these observations highlight Myo-inositol's potential as a therapeutic option. However, further studies are necessary to unravel the underlying mechanisms and assess its effectiveness in combination with other treatments for managing prostate cancer, especially castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

7.5

Significant effects

Most Useful Review

Flushing-Free Niacin B3 contains quality ingredients that benefit joints, dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, improve skin spots, reduce skin cancer, increase cell energy, and alleviate eczema. The effects are significant.

Food Poisoning details

2 people found this helpful

For many years, I have taken this product to enhance my cholesterol readings. It releases gradually into the system, and I take two daily with food. I prefer this to typical high cholesterol medications and have found it to be a superb alternative.

Hot Flashes details

1 people found this helpful

Flush-free is accurate. I've tried other brands, but this one is genuinely "Flush-free", allowing me to avoid hot flashes at night while assisting my cholesterol.

Menopause details

Cho KA, Kim YH, Woo SY, Ryu KH. Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles (sEVs) Restore Myo-Inositol Production in LPS-Treated Skeletal Muscle. Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2025. doi:10.1007/s13770-025-00709-w

Based on 9 Researches

Myo-Inositol Support in Menopause

We investigated whether small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from human palatine tonsil mesenchymal stem cells could boost myo-inositol levels in the context of menopause. This was particularly interesting given that menopausal women are prone to chronic inflammation due to physiological changes and related issues like metabolic syndrome.

To explore this, we treated mice with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to simulate inflammation and assessed how the inclusion of T-MSC sEVs influenced myo-inositol production. After treatment, we measured levels of proteins involved in inositol synthesis in skeletal muscle and checked the serum for inositol levels.

Our findings are encouraging and suggest that T-MSC sEVs might help mitigate some effects of chronic inflammation linked to menopause. By supporting skeletal muscle mass and maintaining myo-inositol levels, these sEVs could be an effective strategy for improving metabolic health in menopausal women. This study sheds light on a potential new approach to tackle metabolic disturbances during this life stage.

7.5

Increased well-being

Most Useful Review

1 people found this helpful

I take one tablet in the morning and another at night. I used to feel irritated and depressed during menopause, but now I have more good days.

Allergies details

I learned that niacin is beneficial for allergies, but I experienced unbearable itching with regular niacin and ultimately gave up. However, upon discovering flush-free niacin, I tried it and was pleased to find it did not cause itching, while also improving my hay fever.

Autoimmune Disorder details

Myo-inositol enhances vitamin D effects

Questionable

Based on 5 Researches

Krysiak R, Kowalcze K, Okopień B. The impact of vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity in myo-inositol-treated and myo-inositol-naïve women with autoimmune thyroiditis: A pilot study. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2022;47:1759. doi:10.1111/jcpt.13730

Our study aimed to explore the impact of myo-inositol treatment on thyroid autoimmunity in women with autoimmune thyroiditis. We included groups of women who had been on myo-inositol for a while and those who hadn’t. For six months, we observed how vitamin D supplementation interacted with myo-inositol in affecting thyroid health and immune responses.

We found that among participants taking myo-inositol, the addition of vitamin D significantly improved insulin sensitivity and led to better outcomes regarding thyroid antibodies. Specifically, women who were already on myo-inositol showed a greater reduction in thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies when vitamin D was added to their regimen.

Interestingly, the effects of vitamin D were less noticeable in women who weren't on myo-inositol. These individuals did not exhibit the same improvements in thyroid function or antibodies. Overall, the findings suggest that myo-inositol might enhance the benefits of vitamin D, indicating a potential synergistic effect between these two agents in managing autoimmune thyroiditis.

7.5

Mindful progress

Most Useful Review

17 people found this helpful

For the transition to niacin, we are gradually using niacinamide and niacin 100mg. As I increase the dosage, the total will rise, making it challenging to consume large capsules and grains consistently. I perceive this as a transitional period and try not to fret too much. Previously, I became quite impatient, and after beginning with protein and megavitamins, I suddenly became unwell and lost my health. However, it’s been three months without giving up. I view this as a mental practice, adjusting my approach carefully and listening to my body daily. The first two months were tough, but during the third month, I have felt considerable effects. If you struggle, take things slowly and start with a small amount.

Blood Clot details

SCI offers safe anticoagulant potential

Likely Very Effective

Al-Horani RA, Abdelfadiel EI, Afosah DK, Morla S, Sistla JC, et al. A synthetic heparin mimetic that allosterically inhibits factor XIa and reduces thrombosis in vivo without enhanced risk of bleeding. J Thromb Haemost. 2019;17:2110. doi:10.1111/jth.14606

We explored the effects of a synthetic heparin mimetic known as sulfated chiro-inositol (SCI) on blood clotting mechanisms. This innovative treatment aims to inhibit human factor XIa (FXIa), a key player in the clotting process, while minimizing bleeding risks typically associated with anticoagulants.

In our study, we synthesized SCI to engage FXIa specifically by targeting its heparin-binding sites. Through various blood coagulation assays and in vivo models, we observed that SCI effectively inhibited FXIa, leading to reduced clot formation without significant safety concerns. In particular, SCI demonstrated potent anticoagulant properties, matching the performance of existing treatments like enoxaparin but at a much lower dosage.

Importantly, our investigations revealed that SCI's effects could be reversed by common antidotes, which adds an important layer of safety. While we noted no major bleeding risks or toxicity in the studies, further research is needed to ensure SCI's efficacy across broader clinical scenarios. Overall, our findings highlight SCI as a promising candidate for safer anticoagulation therapies.

Increased strength

Most Useful Review

3 people found this helpful

I've been taking this product daily for two months, and I feel great! My blood circulation has improved significantly, and my body feels pleasantly warm. Despite long work hours, I've managed to maintain my stamina. My skin and hair have also become noticeably healthier, especially when taken with vitamin C. Overall, it's been a positive addition to my routine as I’m over 40.

Brain Tumor details

Conduit SE, Ramaswamy V, Remke M, Watkins DN, Wainwright BJ, et al. A compartmentalized phosphoinositide signaling axis at cilia is regulated by INPP5E to maintain cilia and promote Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma. Oncogene. 2017;36:5969. doi:10.1038/onc.2017.208

INPP5E's impact on medulloblastoma

We examined how INPP5E influences Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling in medulloblastoma, a common pediatric brain tumor. By using a murine model, we found that deleting INPP5E reduced tumor growth, cell proliferation, and SHH signaling while causing a loss of cilia on tumor cells.

Our findings suggest that INPP5E is crucial for maintaining primary cilia and promoting tumor progression. Interestingly, we observed that lower levels of INPP5E in human samples correlated with better survival outcomes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in combating SHH medulloblastoma.

Lighter brain feeling

Most Useful Review

This product is flash-free and safe, ideal for physical and mental disorders resulting from dopamine overactivity. My brain felt noticeably lighter after use.

Common Cold details

Effective against stress

Most Useful Review

4 people found this helpful

My husband and I take Niacin daily, as it helps us manage stress and improves circulation, especially in cold weather. Most importantly, it aids us in overcoming allergic reactions if we consume something that upsets our digestion. Our doctor recommended it to us.

Anxiety details