Triglycerides are a type of lipid, also called fat, which circulates in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body needs, excess calories convert to triglycerides and are stored in your fat cells. High triglycerides may indicate conditions, such as untreated or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and liver or kidney disease. Elevated triglycerides can also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Changes in lifestyle, such as exercise, weight management and a healthy diet, are the main therapy for triglyceride reduction, but in some cases, the addition of medication is necessary. Nicotinic acid is a B vitamin that can reduce your triglyceride level up to 50 percent. Ask your doctor if this vitamin is a treatment option for you.
Triglyceride Ranges
Your triglyceride level can be determined by performing a simple blood test. General guidelines for triglyceride levels define normal as less than 150 mg/dl. Abnormal results begin with borderline high defined as 150 to 199 mg/dl, and high defined as 200 to 499 mg/dl. Results of 500 mg/dl or higher are classified as very high. Your doctor may adjust these guidelines depending on your health history.
Types of Nicotinic Acid
Forms of nicotinic acid include immediate-release, timed-release and extended-release. Although the immediate-release form is widely used, your doctor will determine what type is appropriate for you. Therapy with nicotinic acid will begin with low doses that your doctor will increase slowly until reaching an adequate daily dose. Average daily doses are 1.5 to 3 g per day for the immediate-release form, and 1.5 to 2 g per day for the timed-release and extended-release forms.
Side Effects
Red or flushed skin is the most common side effect experienced during therapy with nicotinic acid. Depending on your health history, your doctor may prescribe aspirin to help alleviate this symptom. Other side effects include stomach upset, headache, blurred vision and changes in blood sugar. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects and ways to manage them before initiating therapy.
Warnings
Do not take supplemental over-the-counter nicotinic acid without the approval of your doctor. Therapy with nicotinic acid may increase your risk of liver damage and stomach ulcers. It may also interfere with other medications, such as antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering medications. In addition, do not take nicotinic acid if you suffer from gout.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter; June 1, 2011
- American Heart Association: Triglycerides
- Cleveland Clinic; What You Need to Know About Triglycerides; Sept. 15, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B3 (Niacin); Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 18, 2009
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Cholesterol-lowering Medicines -- Nicotinic Acid
