Niacin is a B vitamin that doctors sometimes prescribe in high doses to help lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, niacin can also help increase high-density lipoprotein, or good, cholesterol, which decreases your risk of heart disease. Niacin exists in several forms, including niacinamide and nicotinic acid. Nicotinic acid is the form used for cholesterol reduction.
The Numbers
Nicotinic acid can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Nicotinic acid also has a significant effect on triglyceride levels, lowering them by 20 to 50 percent. Nicotinic acid can also help raise your HDL cholesterol levels by 15 to 35 percent.
Types and Dosage
Nicotinic acid is available in three forms: immediate release, timed release and extended-release capsules. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, most doctors recommend starting drug therapy with the immediate release form.
Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dose of nicotinic acid and increase doses gradually as she sees your body's response to the treatment. General doses for immediate release nicotinic acid range from 1.5 to 3 g per day, while doses for the other forms range from 1.5 to 2 g per day.
Side Effects
Niacin has a high potential for side effects. Because of this, it is important to take niacin only under the care of doctor. You should not self-medicate with over-the-counter forms of niacin.
One of the most common side effects of niacin is flushing. Flushing, which occurs as a result of blood vessel dilation, is characterized by redness and increased temperature in the face, neck and chest. Other possible side effects of niacin include headache, dizziness, increased blood sugar, upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, gas and diarrhea. Some serious side effects of niacin use include liver damage and gout, a type of arthritis.
Considerations
If your doctor prescribes niacin to help reduce your cholesterol, it is also important to make lifestyle changes. Following a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, beginning an exercise routine and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking are important to cholesterol reduction and seeing results from niacin use.
Niacin seems to be more effective when used in combination with another class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins. According to MayoClinic.com, the combination of statins and niacin can help increase HDL cholesterol by 50 percent.
