Niacin Cholesterol

Niacin Cholesterol is a very hot topic these days but before I go into details let’s start with a couple of definitions:

Niacin or nicotinic acid is a Vitamin B used by the body to convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also responsible for good skin, hair, eyes and a healthy digestive and nervous system. So, it is often part of a multivitamin complex. Many foods like meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs and cereals are a natural source of niacin.

Important Update: Read this Doctor’s Special report on Side effects of Niacin.Click Here or Visit http://TheCholesterolBlog.info/week1/NiacinCholesterol

Cholesterol is produced by the body in the liver to help as building blocks for the cell membrane and for the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It is transported using lipoproteins. Low density lipoproteins or LDL are called bad cholesterol because high levels of LDL deposit cholesterol on artery walls leading to the formation of cholesterol plaque and constricting the arteries. An advanced condition of this type leads to coronary diseases and heart failure. High density lipoproteins or HDL are good cholesterol because they break down the plaque and carry the cholesterol away to the liver from where they are disposed of. People who have high cholesterol focus more on reducing the amount of LDL and do not pay much attention to raising the HDL.

Niacin works by raising the level of HDL by 15 – 35%. HDL is responsible for picking up the excess LDL and transporting it back to the liver for disposal. The higher the level of HDL, the lesser will be the bad cholesterol in the blood. Values for HDL more than 60mg/dL are best for both men and women.

Not only does niacin increase the level of HDL, it is also known to reduce the amount of LDL and triglycerides in the blood. This helps in preventing heart disease.

There are two forms of niacin – the immediate release and the timed release versions. Patients are usually started on small doses and then gradually brought up to 1.5 to 3 g per day. High levels of nicotinic acid are required to substantially build up HDL levels. Hence, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor before medicating oneself.

Niacin is generally combined with a statin to boost the action of the statin in reducing cholesterol levels. Heart attack risk can be reduced 90% when niacin is given in combination with a statin. The statin drug reduces LDL cholesterol particles irrespective of their size; whereas niacin lowers the small LDL particles which are more damaging.

Niacin can have very severe side effects including but not restricted to acute(flushing, headache, stomach ache) and chronic(liver damage, diabetes, gastritis, eye damage, and possibly gout) toxicity can alsooccur. Further if it’s taken with a statin then it forms a lethal combination and can be dangerous to one’s health.

For more information on Niacin, its side effects and why taking it is Not Recommended, please read this Doctor’s Report at http://TheCholesterolBlog.info/week1/NiacinCholesterol