Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, is one of the most important water-soluble B vitamins. Studies on niacin and cholesterol have indicated that niacin might help support existing healthy low total cholesterol levels and healthy low levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while also supporting existing healthy higher levels of good HDL cholesterol. If that can be proven through medical studies, that would be a big help in the quest for healthy cholesterol levels.
Although niacin is readily available as a vitamin and supplement, it doesn't merit as much attention as cholesterol drugs. When used by doctors for support of healthy cholesterol, niacin is given in higher concentrations compared to what is included in most multivitamins. Doctors give this in the form of prescription niacin, such as in the brand names Niaspan, Slo-Niacin and Niacor. Niacin is also available naturally through dietary sources like lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs and nuts, but not in such higher concentrations.
How Niacin May Help Support Healthy Cholesterol
In simple terms, niacin is thought to have the potential to support existing healthy levels of high-density lipoproteins, also called the "good" cholesterol.
Studies (such as that published in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of Lipid Research) have indicated that nicotinic acid may have the potential to help support increased HDL by increasing its natural production in the liver and preventing it from being removed quickly from the body. It is thought to bind to the enzyme called "beta chain" which is responsible for removing HDL from the blood. If so, this action might help reduce beta chains by 27% and increase HDL levels by up to 35%.
Good Cholesterol
HDLs or the "good cholesterol" are thought to be helpful in warding off the effect of bad cholesterol and sweeping them off the system. These bad cholesterol are those that are capable of building-up in the arterial walls, which can lead to arterial blockage.
Increased HDL levels then means there is more good cholesterol available to help the body to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
Research has revealed the potential of niacin at a daily dose of 1 to up to 3 grams a day to possibly help reduce LDL levels by as much as 20% and reduce triglycerides by 20 to 50%. This is currently a theory that is undergoing medical studies and shows great promise. Talk to your doctor to get his or her opinion about niacin.
Potential Side Effects of Taking Niacin
Niacin for cholesterol today comes in two forms of medication - immediate release and slow release. Your doctor should be able to advise you as to which one might suit you best.
There is one side effect of niacin, which many takers seem to dislike. Since niacin seems to cause blood vessels to dilate, intake of this supplement can cause flushing (especially in the neck and face) within an hour or two after taking the medication. Some people develop tolerance to this flushing in time. And there are now "No Flush" formulas available in the market.
Other minor side effects reported include gastrointestinal problems and nausea.
Niacin and cholesterol are linked in a very interesting way. In fact, taking prescription niacin is recommended by many doctors to those with high cholesterol levels. However, care must be taken when taking nicotinic acid. Your physician should monitor your cholesterol, liver enzymes and blood sugar levels on a regular basis to ensure that the supplementation is working as it should be. Make absolutely sure to consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter niacin products.
Also talk to your doctor about how another supplement is helpful for a heart-health diet. This well-researched and often recommended health food is none other than good old fish oil pills. Many doctors take fish oil themselves and recommend it to their patients as part of a heart-health program of diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor about fish oil and see how it could be a missing ingredient in your own individual heart-smart diet.
See an amazing pureconcentratedfishoil.com Free Video and report about fish oil and heart disease. And be sure to choose a pure pureconcentratedfishoil.com concentrated fish oil supplement that will provide you and your heart all the health benefits possible.
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