Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, manufactured by the liver and ingested from foods. It is essential for the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D and some hormones. According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 102.2 million adults have a total blood cholesterol level over 200 mg/dL. These high cholesterol levels place you at increased risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
Sources of Niacin
Niacin is part of the complex of B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B-3 or nicotonic acid. According to MayoClinic.com, niacin rich foods are dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs and enriched bread and cereals. Niacin is also available in over-the-counter supplements and in prescription form. Some brand names of prescription niacin are Niaspan, Niacor and Slo-Niacin. Exact dosing will be dependent upon the medication being used.
Actions on Cholesterol
The main function of niacin is to metabolize fats. According to MayoClinic.com, niacin will increase "good" HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides and "bad" LDL. High levels of LDL and triglycerides significantly increase your risk factors for heart disease. In a study released in October 2010 from the University of Michigan, researchers were able to identify how niacin interacts with cholesterol in the body. They found that niacin works by stopping a protein that controls how fast triglycerides are used by the tissues. This information not only provides clues as to how niacin works but can also help pharmaceutical companies and other researchers develop additional targets for treating high blood lipid levels.
Who Benefits
While niacin has been shown to improve HDL levels and reduce LDL levels, it is important that you consult with your primary care physician prior to including niacin in your daily regimen. According to physicians at the Mayo Clinic, niacin is usually given with statins or other medications to reduce your cholesterol levels. In general, it appears to work better when used in combination with other drugs but can also be used alone.
Precautions
Niacin can cause several side effects that may impact your activities of daily living or may require that you stop taking it. According to Drugs.com, niacin can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when taken with alcohol, in hot weather, during a fever or with exercise. Never take more than the recommended dose without first consulting with your physician to ensure that there are no other side effects due to underlying medical conditions or interactions with other medications you are already taking. Niacin can also reduce the ability of your blood to form clots which can increase the amount of bruising or injury you suffer. Report any black or tarry-looking stools to your physician as these may indicate bleeding in the intestinal tract. A common side effect of niacin is flushing, which may last for several hours and can be bothersome.
