NIACIN


 Niacin, also known as vitamin B2 was shown in a recent study to lower bad cholesterol. It was more effective than a common statin drug, ezetimibe, sold as Zetia. Statins inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, which then reduces the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood stream. Since high cholesterol has been linked to cardiovascular disease, lowering LDL levels has been widely adopted as good preventive medicine.

The Mayo Clinic seems to think that only the prescription version should be consumed. Guess that is no surprise. A B vitamin, it has long been used to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the “good,” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps sweep up low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the “bad,” cholesterol, in your bloodstream. Although niacin is readily available and effective, it hasn’t gotten much attention compared to cholesterol drugs.

Most discussion about cholesterol focuses on lowering your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol. That’s still an important goal. But boosting your HDL level can be just as important as lowering your LDL cholesterol. Taking niacin — either by itself or along with other cholesterol-lowering medication — may help control your total cholesterol level. Doing so will be helpful towards warding off heart failure and a possible heart attack.

WHAT IS NIACIN?

It (nicotinic acid) is a B vitamin that’s used by your body to turn carbohydrates into energy. It also helps keep your nervous system, digestive system, skin, hair and eyes healthy. That’s why it is often a part of a daily multivitamin, though most people may get enough from the food they eat.

Niacin is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. One should not exceed the amount on the directions. Should you consider higher doses, discuss it with your doctor first as some side effects could occur.

IMPACT ON CHOLESTEROL

It can raise HDL cholesterol — the “good” cholesterol — by 15 to 35 percent. This makes it the most effective treatment available for raising HDL cholesterol. While its effect on HDL is of most interest, it’s worth noting that it also decreases your LDL and triglyceride levels. High levels of LDL and triglycerides are significant risk factors for heart disease.

WHY IS A HIGH HDL LEVEL IMPORTANT?
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​HDL, or “good,” cholesterol picks up excess bad cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver for disposal. The higher your HDL cholesterol, the less bad cholesterol you’ll have in your blood.

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L):

For men, HDL levels under 40 mg/dL or 1 mmol/L increase the risk of heart disease.

For women, HDL levels under 50 mg/dL or 1.3 mmol/L increase the risk of heart disease.

An HDL level above 60 mg/dL or 1.6 mmol/L is considered ideal for men or women.

Having a low HDL level by itself is a risk factor for developing heart disease. That means even if you’re LDL and other risk factors are normal, having a low HDL level still increases your risk of heart disease.
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