Niacin and Folic Acid

[Sheila]

Does anyone take these two supplements? I was curious as to what they do. My mom who is type 2 takes them but could not give me a clear reason as to why. Also, what about cinnamon and chromium picolanate (sp)? What do those do?

Thanks!

Sheila

[lgvincent]

I take niacin because I was told it opens up the blood vessels. I know a short time after taking it my face will start itching and turn red for a while. Years ago, I read that high levels of homocysteine were found in about 40% of the people who have heart attacks and it was suspected that the levels of homocysteine caused the heart attack. I later read that taking a combination of vitamins B-6, B-12 and folic acid reduced homocysteine levels so I started taking them, just in case.

[Lynpenny]

my hubby takes niacin and folic acid. His doctor put him on niacin as he can not take the statins for his cholestoral. he was put on folic acid and iron after surgery cause he was anmemic.

[Peter Lee]

I take chromium picolinate because I found that it reduced the occurence of violent swings of bs level on a day to day basis - in other words it reduces the scatter of readings.