Inositol hexaniacinate, a compound made up of inositol and nicotinate, is used as a dietary supplement to alter cholesterol levels and has beneficial effects for those with peripheral vascular disorders. Researchers are divided on its effectiveness, with some suggesting it is only effective in high doses, which can cause side effects. Inositol hexaniacinate can cause flushing and gastrointestinal symptoms, and high doses can increase blood uric acid and glucose levels. Niacin, which inhibits the breakdown of tissue fats, is rapidly metabolized and lowers cholesterol.
By combining the six-sided molecule of the carbohydrate inositol and six molecules of nicotinate, a form of niacin, chemists create inositol hexaniacinate, a compound often used as a dietary supplement. While either substance can be found in various foods, the highest-dose combination supplement is often taken to alter cholesterol levels. Research also indicates that the compound has beneficial effects for those suffering from peripheral vascular disorders. The compound generally undergoes a slower metabolism than niacin alone, which inhibits the sudden vasodilation and flushing effects.
Researchers are divided as to the effectiveness of the compound in managing cholesterol. While some believe that inositol hexaniacinate produces satisfactory results, others suggest that the compound is ineffective unless taken in high doses, which can produce side effects similar to taking niacin alone. When combined with inositol, hexaniacinate metabolism can take 10 hours or more, preventing flushing. Researchers believe that once consumed, inositol hexaniacinate breaks down into inositol, or myo-inositol and nicotinic acid. Others argue that this metabolization may or may not occur and suggest that the combination does not allow for free-flowing nicotinic acid to be beneficial.
Health care providers may prescribe inositol hexaniacinate in doses of 1,500 milligrams to 4,000 milligrams per day, taken in two to four divided doses. Researchers believe that the compound produces beneficial effects in people diagnosed with certain peripheral vascular disorders, including intermittent claudication and Raynaud’s syndrome. People with intermittent claudication experience pain when walking due to insufficient circulation in the legs. Raynaud’s produces alternating hot and cold sensations in the hands along with color changes and is also associated with circulation problems.
Flushing occurs when blood vessels dilate rapidly, producing a surge of blood flow, which some experience as a sudden general warm sensation, followed by reddening of the skin, chills, and dizziness. Some people become short of breath, have an increased heart rate, and experience profuse sweating. Inositol hexaniacinate at such high doses can cause redness, rashes, and itching, along with gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. High doses can also increase blood uric acid levels and blood glucose levels. As inositol hexaniacinate is metabolized by the liver, some experience liver toxicity.
Niacin generally lowers cholesterol by inhibiting the breakdown of tissue fats. Fats cannot travel through the bloodstream to the liver to be converted into low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol. As the number of LDL decreases, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) increase. HDL, or good cholesterol, flows through the blood collecting cholesterol and returning it to the liver for removal from the body. Niacin is generally rapidly metabolized, peaking in a relatively short time of 30 minutes to an hour.
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