When improvements are needed in your lipid levels, doctors often recommend dietary changes. Limiting saturated fat, trans-fatty acid and cholesterol can improve your lipids, and thereby combat high cholesterol. But sometimes it isn't enough to simply change your diet to better your numbers, especially if you're at a higher risk of developing heart disease, explains the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. In this situation, doctors typically prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, such as niacin, in combination with dietary changes.
Niacin
Also known as nicotinic acid, niacin is a B vitamin known to improve lipid levels. It works by inhibiting the production of low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins in your liver. Reducing both lipids lowers the level of triglycerides in your blood, which helps prevent a narrowing and hardening of the arteries.
High-Density Lipoproteins
While lowering triglyceride levels is the main purpose behind the use of niacin, this B vitamin also improves high-density lipoprotein levels, according to the American Heart Association. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, removes "bad" cholesterol from the arteries, preventing fatty deposits from forming within your blood vessels.
HDL Recommendations
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends keeping HDL cholesterol at a minimum of 60 milligrams per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL, to prevent heart disease. But according to the Mayo Clinic, a reading of 50 to 59 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein is still healthy and shouldn't contribute to high cholesterol.
Side Effects
Though niacin is an important component in treating high cholesterol, it isn't without side effects for some people. The American Heart Association cautions that this B vitamin can result in upset stomach, flushing and itching. In higher doses, it may even lead to liver toxicity, which could affect the function of this organ. To avoid these complications, use only niacin prescribed by a health care provider. Over-the-counter versions often produce the most side effects.
Warning
According to the American Heart Association, any version of niacin sold as a dietary supplement isn't regulated the FDA. It may not contain the amount listed on the label, so you could be getting less or more than stated. And when taken with prescription niacin or other cholesterol-lowering medications, you could suffer serious health complications.
