Niacin

Niacin: a Classic for Cardiovascular Health

Posted on January 27, 2012 by seanw

Niacin—also known as nicotinic acid, or sometimes vitamin B3—is used by the body to turn carbohydrates into energy, while also helping to maintain the healthy function of the nervous system, digestive system, skin and eyes. As a key component in basic nutrition, niacin is often included as part of a daily multivitamin.

When taken in higher amounts, however, niacin has been shown to deliver much more specific health benefits by working to both increase the levels of HDL (or “good” cholesterol) in the bloodstream while also decreasing LDL (or “bad” cholesterol). In fact, niacin will raise HDL cholesterol levels by 15 to 35 percent on average, making niacin the most effective natural substance available for raising HDL cholesterol. Increased levels of HDL result in decreased levels of LDL, because one of the primary functions of HDL is to pick up excess LDL in the bloodstream and return it to the liver for disposal.

This deliberate mega-dosing of niacin—sometimes up to 2,000 or more milligrams daily—has been shown to lower triglyceride levels as well, thus positively affecting all major blood measurements in regard to cardiovascular health. As a result, this practice has come to be known as niacin therapy, and it is considered one of the better options available forcholesterol management under medical supervision.

Niacin therapy, however, isn’t as common a practice as many might think. Health professionals and patients can be hesitant to adopt high-dose niacin therapy due to some uncomfortable side effects. These symptoms, collectively known as a Niacin Flush, include reddening of the skin, itching, tingling, sweating and even shortness of breath.

Fortunately, advances in manufacturing have provided the option of slow-release niacin. This new technology uses layered tablets which disintegrate slowly, providing an elevated but sustained level of niacin in amounts more tolerable than a single massive dose. With an equal amount of niacin administered to the patient, but less in their bloodstream at any one time, the unappealing symptoms of the Niacin Flush can typically be avoided.

The role of medicine is to address the problem of disease, while the role of the physician is to do so while also providing comfort to those they treat. In the form of slow-release niacin is a therapy that provides for both responsibilities. It represents a significant step forward for both doctor and patient.