Practitioner Information
· Inositol hexanicotinate consists of six molecules of nicotinic acid bound to one inositol molecule.[1]
· Due to the molecular structure of inositol hexanicotinate, it is slowly hydrolysed in the body to release high strength niacin and inositol.[2] This unique compound allows for true niacin activity without the characteristic flush.
· Inositol hexanicotinate is a broad acting, flush-free niacin. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that inositol hexanicotinate is metabolised over time, providing an extended release of free niacin.[2]
· Inositol hexanicotinate is a well tolerated high strength niacin with minimal side effects generally associated with conventional niacin therapy.[2]
· Niacin is an established approach to manage healthy cholesterol ratios.[3] It is now generally accepted that niacin is a powerful pharmacologic agent to help maintain optimal high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations.[3]
· Niacin may assist in maintaining an optimal ratio of HDL cholesterol to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.[3]
· Niacin may assist favourable improvements in lipoprotein (a) concentrations, a major biomarker of cardiovascular disorders.[4]
· Niacin therapy supports long-term cardiovascular health.[2],[3],[5],[6],[7],[8]
· Inositol hexanicotinate may assist the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome and other peripheral vascular disorders.[9],[10]
Combination therapy of niacin plus a ‘statin’ medication is well tolerated.[11],[12],[13],[14]
Each Tablet Contains
Inositol hexanicotinate 1000mg
Directions For Use
Adults: Take 1-3 tablets a day.
Warnings
Precautions & Considerations
-
Unlike standard niacin therapy that raises liver enzymes, inositol hexanicotinate has a reduced potential. While there are no reports of liver toxicity associated with inositol hexanicotinate, it is recommended that regular liver enzyme tests be performed.
-
Inositol hexanicotinate may add to the effects of herbs or natural compounds that lower blood cholesterol levels.
References
[1] Inositol Hexanicotinate Monograph. Alt Med Rev. 1998;3(3):222-223.
[2] Head, KA. Inositol Hexanicotinate: A Safer Alternative to Niacin. Alt Med Rev. 1996;1(3):176-184.
[3] Carlson, LA. Nicotinic Acid: the broad spectrum lipid drug. A 50th anniversary review. J Intern Med. 2005 Aug;258(2):94-114.
[4] Heller FR, Parfonry A, Hondekijn JC. The Lipoprotein(a). Significance and Relation to Atherosclerosis. Acta Clin Belg. 1991;46(6):371-83.
[5] Elam MB, Hunninghake DB, Davis KB, et al. Effect of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: the Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial (ADMIT) study: A randomized trial.. JAMA 2000;284(10):1263-1270.
[6] Shepherd J, Betteridge J, Van Gaal L: European Consensus Panel. Nicotinic acid in the management of dyslipidaemia associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome: a position paper developed by a European Consensus Panel. Curr Med Res Opin. 2005 May;21(5):665-82.
[7] Whitney EJ, Krasuski RA, Personius BE, et al. A randomized trial of a strategy for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels: effects on progression of coronary heart disease and clinical events. Ann Intern Med. 2005 Jan 18;142(2):95-104.
[8] McKenney J. New perspectives on the use of niacin in the treatment of lipid disorders. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Apr 12;164(7):697-705.
[9] Holti G. An experimentally controlled evaluation of the effect of inositol nicotinate upon the digital blood flow in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. J Int Med Res. 1979;7(6):473-83.
[10] Philipp CS, Cisar LA, Saidi P, et al. Effect of niacin supplementation on fibrinogen levels in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 1998 Sep 1;82(5):697-9, A9.
[11] Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med. 2001 Nov 29;345(22):1583–92.
[12] Ito MK. Niacin-based therapy for dyslipidemia: past evidence and future advances. Am J Manag Care. 2002 Sep;8(12 Suppl):S315-22.
[13] Chrysant SG, Ibrahim M. Niacin-ER/statin combination for the treatment of dyslipidemia: focus on low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2006 Jul;8(7):493-501.
[14] Lee JM, Robson MD, Yu LM, et al. Effects of high-dose modified-release nicotinic acid on atherosclerosis and vascular function: a randomized, placebo-controlled, magnetic resonance imaging study. J Am Coll Cariol. 2009 Nov 3;54(19):1787-94.