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THE EFFECTS OF ACUTE NIACIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON RESTING HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN COLLEGE-AGED MALES

Abstract

Jessica Heinz1, Scott Lester1, Derek A. Crawford2, and Michael J. Carper1. 1Applied Physiology Laboratory and 2Applied Movement Science Laboratory, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, U.S.A.

Niacin is a common ingredient in many sports and energy drinks. Niacin has been shown to have a vasodilation effect when taken orally. As with many supplements that are advertised as increasing athletic performance, student- and recreational-athletes will inevitably try these products in an attempt to gain an edge during performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of acute niacin supplementation on measures of resting heart rate and blood pressure in college-aged males. METHODS: A total of 30 college-aged males participated in this investigation. Subjects reported to the laboratory for pre-test measurements of height, weight, and body composition. Subjects were then instructed to either sit or lay down for 15 min to stabilize heart rate and blood pressure to a resting state. Following the stabilizing period resting heart rate and blood pressure measures were obtained and recorded. Subjects then consumed an oral dose of 1000mg of a commercially available niacin (nicotinic acid) supplement. Subjects were then instructed to remain seated and inactive for 90 min. Heart rate and blood pressure were then recorded every 10 min. If any adverse side effects were noticed, subjects were instructed to go immediately to the student health center or their primary care physician for consultation. RESULTS: The descriptive characteristics of the subjects were as follows (mean ± SD): age (22.1 ± 1.2yrs); height (179.2 ± 10.4cm); weight (89.9 ± 16.6kg); and body fat percentage (20.9 ± 9.5%). Resting systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was significantly decreased from baseline (124.7±11.9) at 30 min (120.6±10.5), 40 min (120.3±12.7), 50 min (120.8±14.9), 60 min (119.3±12.4), 70 min (117.9±12.6), 80 min (118.5±11.9, and 90 min (119.4±8.9) post-consumption. Resting diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) was significantly decreased from baseline (77.8±9.1) at 20 min (75.8±7.4) and at 80 min (74.7±10.8) post-consumption. Resting heart rate (bpm) was significantly decreased from baseline (71.3±11.3) at 20 min (67.5±12.2), 30 min (68.2±13.2), 40 min (66.7±12.5), 50 min (65.7±12.5), 60 min (66.2±11.4), 70 min (67.8±11.6) and 90 min (67.8±12.6) post-consumption. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this investigation we have demonstrated that acute niacin supplementation of 1000mg significantly decreased resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate post-consumption. Follow up experiments are focused on the effects of niacin supplementation on pre-exercise, exercise, and post-exercise blood pressure and heart rate, in a cross-over fashion, in college-aged recreational athletes.

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