I am unable to take statins, and started Niaspan about one month ago, taking it at bedtime. I experienced no flushing until last night, which also coincided with my first full day on the Medifast Diet, a soy protein-based meal replacement program. The flushing was quite uncomfortable. Is there any known relationship between the soy and niacin flushing? I will try aspirin before my dose tonight, but am worried that this may be a serious problem.
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Q: Is Niaspan flushing associated with soy protein intake?
Answers (2)
5/31/10 2:36pm
Hi V Cruz,
I am not aware of a link between soy and niaspan that results in increased flushing. Discuss with your physician and pay attention to your symptoms when you combine niaspan with the soy based program you are following. You may need to alter or discontinue your program if you determine soy to be the culprit.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
6/ 2/10 11:42am
Dear V Cruz, anything with high amounts of niacin can cause flushing, but should be effective at lowering cholesterol and possibly triglyceride numbers. I learned this from my doctor who is also a naturopathic and MD. My husband went through this. To learn more, you can type in "naturopathy - niacin" and find the details for this. It is a normal thing that happens while the medicine is working. You can get niacinamide and other natural versions of the medicine that are cheaper and are available at health food stores that sell herbs...not GNC, but REAL health food stores or at LuckyVitamin.com or Vitacost.com.
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By V Cruz— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 05/31/10
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Thanks, Lisa. I will talk to my doctor if I can't seem to control the symptoms.