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· Niacin is also important in removing toxic and harmful chemicals from the body. Likewise, it is possible that histamine is also removed from the body as a result of the effects of niacin.
Based on the results of this study, it appears that niacin counteracts the histamine and "flushes" away allergy symptoms.
As noted, several side effects were reported by participants. The most severe side effects experienced by participants were by far the "red, tingling flush" and "other effects", which included mainly itching. Since headaches were a common side effect reported in the literature, it should also be noted that they were reported by participants in the study. Three of the participants stopped experiencing any side effects by the end of the seven day time period, as their bodies grew accustomed to the flush of the niacin.
Niacin could be considered for use by allergy sufferers who experience bothersome side effects from their current antihistamine. Participants who did not experience side effects from their antihistamines reported that they were frustrated with the niacin flush. In contrast, participants who experienced many side effects from their antihistamine were able to put up with the short period of flushing.
To further test the hypothesis of this study, the following could be done:
(i), The experiment could be repeated using two test populations.
(a), One group of participants would take niacin and the other group would be given a placebo; or
(b), One group of participants would take niacin and the other group would take an over-the-counter antihistamine;
(ii), A larger number of participants could be used to increase statistical strength;
(iii), The use of niacinamide (the artificial form of niacin) could be compared with the use of niacin. Niacinamide does not cause a hot red flush of the skin, however, it carries a greater risk of liver damage associated with overuse;
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