Is 500mg daily of inositol hexanicotinate dangerous? i took it for four years but stopped after reading it was ineffective for lipids.

Not dangerous at all: Inositol hexanicotinate was widely presumed to help lower cholesterol in a manner similar to Niacin (which works quite well) without the annoying flush, but recent research suggests it is not particularly effective. It appears to be poorly absorbed, resulting in very little Niacin getting into our blood. The good news is that, while not helpful, there is no evidence it is harmful in any way.

No: If it were dangerous, it would've been pulled off the market. However, it's definitely ineffective for lowering triglycerides & raising hdl. That only happens when you take "real" Niacin which is converted in the liver from nicotinic acid into nicotinamide. During this process, some people complain of redness, flushing & intense itching. Because nicotinamide is also "niacin", it is sold as nonflus.

High doses yes: At high doses, and depending on whether or not one has liver disease, or is taking other medications Niacin can cause liver problems. The american heart association does not recommend using non prescription Niacin products for cholesterol /lipid lowering. If you need to take Niacin for lipid issues should be done under the direction of a qualified health care professional www.Lipid.Org.