Natrol Niacin Time Release Tablets, 500mg, 100 Count

This review is for using this product for improving cholesterol #'s. This is just one of the products I used.I've had mixed results with cholesterol lowering supplements and I have done a lot of research on them in the hopes of avoiding going on a statin. I've taken cholesterol supplements and had my cholesterol go down. I've not taken them and had my cholesterol go up. I've also taken them and seen no change. That being said it is definitely worth a try if you want to improve your lipids and avoid a statin.I was taking this in conjunction with other supplements, all that have some scientific research proving they work. I did see improvements in my lipid panels when I took various supplements but was never able to tell what was helping the most. When I didn't take the supplements my #'s would go up, but lately despite taking all of these supplements my #'s were high and I'm now on a statin and not taking any of them anymore. If you are concerned about your cholesterol I would strongly suggest talking to your Dr about a Coronary Calcium Scan as taking supplements can get fairly expensive. After my last lipid panel results came back elevated I went for the scan and my Dr and I decided to go on a statin instead of spending $750-$1000/year on supplements. For the record my CC Scan cost $100, most insurance will not cover it, but it was the best $100 I have ever spent on health care.For the record I had the best test results when taking the following supplements each day:Flax Oil 2 x 1000mgKrill Oil 2 x 1000mg (fish worked too but I hated the after taste, none of that with krill)TR Niacin 3 x 500mgSytrinol 2 x 150mgCoQ 10 1 x 100mgPantethine 3 x 450mgPlant Sterols 3 x 800mgGlucomannan 3 x 1150mgThese were all spaced out AM, Lunch, PM.Comparing my worst and best lipid #'s from blood tests from a lab, these supplements did the following:Total - Lowered 60 points - 22%Bad - Lowered 53 points - 27%Good - Increased 15 points - 22%Tri-G's - Lowered 37 points - 25%Good to Tri-G Ratio - Worst was 2.62, while on all these went as low as 1.75 (Harvard Med study lists this as possibly the best predictor of heart attack risk). Ideal is below 2.It should be noted that I rarely eat any meat other than fish/shell fish...rarely eat egg yolks...and have a fairly healthy diet...mainly my lipid issues are genetic.Also, there are some new studies that Niacin does nothing to help with raising good cholesterol. You can google it and see the reports. Personally, this is one of the products that I really believe made a big difference in my good cholesterol #'s.

I had serious side effects from niacin when I tried it before. I am able to take this form without any side effects. The price for Niacin TR, which is the brand name, is much cheaper than other time release forms. The price here, which includes free shipping, beats any I found. I also appreciate that a new supply is shipped every 3 months.

Product is good. Glitch is that it was delivered to wrong address. Thankfully a neighbor brought it to me.

I've tried a number of reputable competitor's products and this is the only one I've found that I haven't had problems with flushes. I've only had that problem with this product if I take it on an empty stomach or taking doses too close together. But with other products, even ones labeled "time release" I still get them. I would recommend this to anyone having a high level of sensitivity to that problem.

I'm sure this product is fine if you simply want the nutritional benefit of a B vitamin. However, if you are looking for a niacin supplement to reduce your cholesterol or improve heart health, this is not what you want.This product is niacin as Inositol Nicotinate, which is the same thing as Inositol Hexaniacinate and neither these niacin variations, nor anything labeled "Flush Free" have any positive effect on cholesterol.Choose something that is pure Niacin if you want heart benefits.

Pros: No flushing in the face whatsoever...Cons: Vitamin Bs are notorious for disturbing sleep if taken too late, which is why I ONLY take them in the morning, no later than 11am. However, forget about any B vitamins with time release! I took this at 9am and I wasn't able to get to bed until 2am - and even worst when I would go to bed at 2am, I would wake up again at 4am! It took me four days after proper research to realize this was the culprit to my sleep disturbance.Conclusion: I think I'll opt for niacin-rich foods. I don't want the flush and I want my sleep! Guess there's no compromise after all.

I like it most because it is not a capsule. No flush is essential too. Helps to control my cholesterol since I can't take statin drugs.

NOT as pictured. Not TIME RELEASED, just says no flush.