Your cholesterol is broken into two different types. Low-density lipoprotein, called LDL cholesterol, delivers cholesterol to your body and can clog your arteries. High-density lipoprotein, called HDL cholesterol, removes LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream by transporting it back to your liver for disposal. Increased levels of LDL cholesterol in your body can put you at risk for heart disease and stroke and should not go ignored. Vitamin B3, or niacin, in the form of nicotinic acid can help lower your LDL cholesterol. Talk with your doctor about adding this cholesterol-lowering B vitamin to your current treatment regimen.
About Cholesterol Levels
The general guidelines for cholesterol management equal a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL -- consisting of LDL cholesterol of 100 mg/dL or below and HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or greater. Your doctor will establish appropriate cholesterol goals for you, depending on your current state of health and health history. Your doctor may recommend a treatment regimen that involves cholesterol-lowering medications, such as niacin, along with statins and changes in lifestyle, to bring your cholesterol levels into a healthy range.
Types of Vitamin B3
One of eight B vitamins, vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinic acid is a very effective cholesterol-lowering agent. This vitamin has two other forms called niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate, which do not have an effect on cholesterol. Dietary supplements marketed as no-flush niacin and available over the counter are also not effective in lowering cholesterol.
Therapy With B3
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of niacin and slowly increase the dose until you reach an appropriate therapeutic range. This will help your doctor monitor for side effects and treat them appropriately if they occur. Although statin drugs are very effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, combining them with niacin is even more effective in many cases. In addition, niacin can increase your HDL cholesterol by up to 35 percent as opposed to only five to 10 percent with statin drugs and lifestyle changes alone.
Side Effects and Warnings
Do not take niacin in any form without the approval of your doctor. Unpleasant and even toxic side effects can occur with niacin therapy, especially in high doses of 50 mg or more. Side effects include headache, dizziness, blurred vision and increased risks of liver damage and stomach ulcers. Niacin can interact with other medications, so be sure to discuss your current medications with your doctor.
