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RISK FACTORS:
CholesterolTriglycerides Homocysteine C Reactive Protein LEARN MORE:
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Niacin and CholesterolThe relationship between niacin and cholesterol levels has been the topic of much research over the past few decades. The niacin cholesterol link has been clearly established, and studies show that it may help reduce your chances of developing heart disease, as well as help treat an existing heart condition.What is niacin and what heart benefits does it offer? Niacin is a member of the B Family of Vitamins. It is also known as Vitamin B3 or nicotonic acid. The main function of niacin is to metabolize fats. Niacin has a three prong effect in regards to reducing your risk of heart disease: 1) Niacin has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. 2) Niacin has been shown to lower triglyceride (fat) levels. 3) Niacin has been shown to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Niacin has been widely used to help reduce the risks of heart attacks as well as to treat diabetes and prevent cataracts. According to the Coronary Drug Project, 1,119 men who had survived a heart attack were given niacin and compared with a larger control group. After six years, total cholesterol was 10 percent lower. Nine years after the study, total mortality in the group that had received the drug was still 11 percent lower than that of the control group. (Canner, et. al. 1986) |
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Where do you get niacin from? Niacin is found in meat, beans and dairy products. Although you can get a full supply of B Vitamins from your diet, if you have poor eating habits or are a strict vegetarian you may be vitamin deficient. Unfortunately with today's processing methods, most of the important nutrients in the foods we eat are depleted or removed altogether. So in many cases it makes sense to supplement niacin and other important vitamins and minerals to be sure our body's get what they need. Are there any side effects or precautions? Niacin side effects are generally mild. The most common reaction is itching and flushing of the skin. However, niacin can increase blood sugar levels and elevate liver enzymes, so diabetics and patients with liver or kidney problems should take extra precaution. As with all supplementation, make sure you consult your physician or qualified medical professional before you take niacin or any other nutrient to lower cholesterol. |