A high blood-cholesterol level can lead to the formation of artery-clogging plaques, which increase your chances of having a major heart attack or stroke. There two basic types of cholesterol are naturally produced by your liver; you also consume cholesterol when you eat foods, such as animal meats and some dairy products, that are loaded with saturated fats. A healthy cholesterol level can be maintained through a combination of lifestyle modifications and the use of medications, including niacin. Do not self-medicate or add supplements to your diet without first consulting a physician.
HDL
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as "good" cholesterol because it does not contribute to the formation of the artery-damaging plaques; that damage is caused by low-density lipoprotein, or LDL -- "bad" cholesterol. An elevated level of HDL in your blood is desirable because of its protective characteristics. In the bloodstream, HDL scavenges free and damaged fatty acids and returns them to the liver for disposal. According to the American Heart Association, people with HDL levels less than 40 to 50 mg/dL are considered to have an increased risk for heart attack. HDL levels higher than 60 mg/dL are considered to be healthy for both men and women.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin or nicotinamide, is an essential B vitamin that is important for cellular metabolism and energy production. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, niacin is essential for healthy vision, skin, hair, liver function and hormone production. Niacin deficiencies may result in chronic health complications including diarrhea, flaky and itchy skin, mouth irritation and even dementia.
Niacin and HDL
There is increasing evidence that niacin promotes healthy cholesterol levels. According to MayoClinic.com, niacin has long been used to elevate HDL levels. Niacin can be found as an unregulated, over-the-counter dietary supplement, or your physician can prescribe it. Although niacin may help to improve your cholesterol level, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, to reduce potentially harmful adverse reactions.
Niacin and Statins
A Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Alert shows that there may be an added benefit form combining prescription niacin with statins, such as the brand product Lipitor. In the reported study, niacin administered with statins increased HDL levels an average of 18 percent in test subjects. While this prescriptive combination did not appear to be beneficial at lowering LDL cholesterol, it was clearly effective at improving good cholesterol levels and, thus, beneficial at improving overall arterial health. Note that these studies utilized a prescription form of niacin, not an unregulated, over-the-counter niacin product.
References
- American Heart Association; About Cholesterol; January 20, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- MayoClinic.com; Niacin to Boost Your HDL, "Good," Cholesterol; June 6, 2009
- Johns Hopkins Medicine; Health Alert; Should You Try Prescription Niacin for High Cholesterol?; September 10, 2010
