Argine vs. Niacin

mafuglia

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Understand that Arginine is a vaso-dialator, and works best if taken with 1,000 mg or more Vitamin C 30-60 minutes before workouts.

I don't feel anything taking Arginine.

However, taking niacin on an empty stomach will cause a much flushing, and blood vessel dialation that you can actually feel.
The flushing is caused by histamines being created or released in your body.

Why has nothing (that I can find) mention taking niacin 15 minutes before exercising.

Is there a reason NOT to take niacin before exercising - specifically pumping ?

Thanks, and hope all had a good, safe Labor Day.
 

NCGUY1972

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good question I just did some reading and Niacin looks interesting but in doses sufficient enough to really work it looks like there is a potential for liver damage.
 

closeed258

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good question I just did some reading and Niacin looks interesting but in doses sufficient enough to really work it looks like there is a potential for liver damage.

It's only the slow release stuff that has a negative effect on the liver.

I take niacin but I've never taken it before PE or a regular workout. One thing that happens to me when I get the flush is my cock shrivels a bit and I don't think I could get a boner during the flush. The flush is very intense.
 

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closeed258

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Usually when Niacin is prescribed it's slow release, which is supposed to be bad for the liver. The reason they prescribe it is to stop or lessen the flush. Regular nicotinic acid is supposed to have little to no affect on the liver, which is the case with me so far. My liver function tests have not changed in the 3-4 months I've been taking it at 1-2 grams per day. You've been taking it longer than me, have you had any changes in your liver function tests? Are you on slow release or regular?
 

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I have used two different slo-release. They are to prevent the flushing effect.

it's slow release, which is supposed to be bad for the liver

I don't think I have ever heard that one before.

Liver tests are preformed at 6 month intervals, nothing irregular to date.
 

mafuglia

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You can take 50-100 mg. of niacin and get a flush. Trick is to take on EMPTY stomach.
 

mafuglia

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I read that it changes to L-Arginine when taken.

Is there any other benefit other than the conversion ?
 

Padawan787

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I read that it changes to L-Arginine when taken.

Is there any other benefit other than the conversion ?

Due to the higher bio-availabilty and the way that it's metabolised, L-citrulline actually increases arginine plasma levels more than L-Arginine does.

Numerous studies support this.

As odd as it sounds, if you're looking for the benefits of L-arginine, you should take L-citrulline.
 

mafuglia

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Good info - thanks.

Any thoughts on low dose niacin (50-100 mg.) on an empty stomach immediately before workout ?
 

mafuglia

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When you take niacin, especially on an empty stomach, you will experience skin flushing/reddening and itchiness. This is due to the niacin dilating your blood vessels.

It is temporary and harmless.