High cholesterol can negatively affect your health so it is important to work with your doctor to keep you healthy. Although you have two types of cholesterol, only one has a bad reputation. Low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL is your bad cholesterol. It can block arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. High-density lipoprotein or HDL is your good cholesterol. HDL removes bad cholesterol from your bloodstream by transporting it back to your liver for disposal. Niacin is a B vitamin that can reduce your LDL and increase your HDL. Ask your doctor if niacin treatment is appropriate for you.
Types of Niacin
Niacin is a form of vitamin B called B-3. It is a water-soluble vitamin and one of eight B vitamins in your body. Niacin not only helps other B vitamins convert carbohydrates into energy, it also helps the body produce sex and stress-related hormones and improves circulation. Niacin in the form of nicotinic acid is also effective in reducing cholesterol levels. Although there are two other forms of niacin, niacinamide and inositol hexanicotinate, only nicotinic acid has an effect on cholesterol. Niacin is also available in over-the-counter supplements but avoid these unless approved by your doctor. In addition, niacin marketed as no-flush niacin is not effective in cholesterol management.
Administration
High-dose niacin administration, initiated under the careful supervision of your doctor, usually begins with a small dose. Once your doctor determines you are tolerating the starting dose, he will slowly escalate doses until a satisfactory dose with tolerable side effects is determined.
Results
Niacin helps reduce LDL cholesterol but is most notable for increasing HDL levels by as much as 35 percent. Niacin can be even more effective when combined with other cholesterol-lowering medications. Therapy with a combination of niacin and statins can raise your HDL by 50 percent or more and is more effective for reducing LDL cholesterol than the use of statins alone, according to MayoClinic.com.
Side Effects
A common side effect of niacin is niacin flushing. This side effect presents with a tingling sensation in the face and chest, burning, and skin reddening. In some cases, taking aspirin prior to niacin can help reduce flushing. Additional side effects may include upset stomach, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, increased blood sugar and the increased risk of liver damage and stomach ulcers. Report all side effects or symptoms you experience to your doctor while receiving niacin.
Warnings
Avoid the use of niacin if you have gout or a history of liver disease or stomach ulcers. In addition, consult your doctor prior to using niacin if you have gallbladder disease. Niacin may interfere with other medications, including cholesterol-lowering medications, so make your doctor aware of all medications you are taking prior to initiating niacin treatment.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org; Cholesterol; What Your Level Means; FamilyDoctor.org Editorial Staff; November 2010
- Cleveland Clinic: Niacin May Boost Healthy Cholesterol
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3--Niacin
- MayoClinic.com: Niacin to Boost Your HDL "Good" Cholesterol; Mayo Clinic Staff; June 6, 2009
- American Heart Association: About Cholesterol
