No, it’s not another type of whey protein.
Last updated on September 22nd, 2024
Jay Cutler retired from bodybuilding over a decade ago, but the four-time Mr. Olympia winner still pays as much heed to his health as ever.
- “I use niacin on a daily basis,” said Cutler, 51, during a conversation about his preferred supplements for health and wellness.
Cutler’s endorsement of the B-vitamin caught our ear and may have piqued your interest, too. Let’s have a look at why Cutler says niacin is a go-to supplement for staying healthy after 50 and whether it’s right for you.
Jay Cutler on Niacin
Cutler discussed his favorite supplements during a Sep. 17, 2024 YouTube vlog. Here’s what he had to say about niacin:
- “I used to take it for blood flow,” Cutler remarked of its utility during his bodybuilding career. “Now I take it because it’s great for your HDL … I think it’s good to use supplements during training, and after as well because you’re a sponge.”
Niacin is a vasodilator; it opens blood vessels and improves circulation. However, Cutler noted that he takes it for its cholesterol-related benefits. According to a 2004 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, (1) niacin supplementation has been correlated with lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL levels.
Cutler continued: “It’s kind of funny how you have to build up a tolerance to niacin. If you do the no-flush one, I don’t think it works the same.” Niacin “flush” is a semi-common side effect that can feel like a temporary, mild sunburn. Data show that most people will build up a tolerance to the acidic flush over time. (2)
Jay Cutler & Niacin for Bodybuilding
Cutler’s remarks on timing are certainly interesting, but do they make niacin a viable supplement for bodybuilding? Perhaps — let’s take a look at some more research.
- A recent study from 2023 had some compelling findings on the effectiveness of niacin for adults over 40. (3)
“Niacin is associated with improved body composition … dietary niacin supplementation is a feasible way to alleviate age-related muscular loss,” concluded authors Xiang et al.
Moreover, we know niacin may also improve vascular function. (4) Better blood flow will deliver a better pump during strength training workouts — training for the pump specifically doesn’t build muscle, but it’s a nice byproduct that comes with some of its own benefits.
[Related: Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Bodybuilding]
Niacin is not a prescription medication and does not substitute for supervised medical care if you have a health condition. That said, some of the research on its effects, particularly for the Jay Cutlers of the world (or anyone pushing 50 who still enjoys lifting), seem pretty compelling.
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References
- McKenney J. New perspectives on the use of niacin in the treatment of lipid disorders. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Apr 12;164(7):697-705. doi: 10.1001/archinte.164.7.697. PMID: 15078639.
- Stern RH, Spence JD, Freeman DJ, Parbtani A. Tolerance to nicotinic acid flushing. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1991 Jul;50(1):66-70. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1991.104. PMID: 1855354.
- Xiang S, Li Y, Li Y, Zhang J, Pan W, Lu Y, Liu S. Increased Dietary Niacin Intake Improves Muscle Strength, Quality, and Glucose Homeostasis in Adults over 40 Years of Age. J Nutr Health Aging. 2023;27(9):709-718. doi: 10.1007/s12603-023-1967-0. PMID: 37754210.
- Ruparelia N, Digby JE, Choudhury RP. Effects of niacin on atherosclerosis and vascular function. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2011 Jan;26(1):66-70. doi: 10.1097/HCO.0b013e3283410c16. PMID: 21045681; PMCID: PMC3145140.
Featured Image: @jaycutler / Instagram
