Several cholesterol medications are available to help you regain control over your cholesterol and your health, most focusing on your low-density lipoprotein, LDL, cholesterol. This cholesterol type is the most dangerous, increasing your risk of heart disease when too high. However, niacin is most effective for your high-density lipoprotein, HDL, cholesterol. This type, when too low, increases your health risks. More than one type of niacin is available, but the various forms, including niacinamide, vary in effectiveness and safety.
Niacinamide vs. Niacin
Niacin makes up vitamin B-3, and is also known as nicotinic acid, according to Drugs.com. This vitamin serves many purposes, including the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, and keeping your nervous and digestive systems running healthy. Niacinamide is a form of niacin, and most people get enough niacinamide in the foods they eat, such as green vegetables, grains, eggs and meat. Niacin is the most common medication for low HDL levels. Niacinamide, although a type of niacin, has little or no effect on your cholesterol levels, according to Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D.
No-Flush Medication
One of the most common side effects of niacin is flushing. This causes warmth and reddening of the skin, usually on your upper body. It poses no health risk, but can be uncomfortable enough to make you stop taking niacin. Niacinamide is a no-flush alternative that many people think is just as effective as niacin for increasing your HDL cholesterol. Schoenstadt explains that only a small amount of nicotinic acid is transformed into niacinamide. Both nicotininc acid and niacinamide are beneficial as a nutritional supplement, but at low doses are not intended for treating cholesterol.
Warnings
Niacin may be an option when you have high LDL cholesterol. Harvard Medical says that niacin alone can decrease your LDL levels by 15 percent. Niacin can also increase your HDL as much as 20 percent. There is a small risk of stroke for those taking niacin, though. In addition, another study showed it had little effect when used with statins. If you have high blood pressure, niacin can increase the effects of blood pressure medication. More research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of niacin when combined with other heart disease medications.
Considerations
Niacin may have several benefits for both your HDL and LDL cholesterol, but niacinamide appears to have very little. If taking niacinamide to relieve the flushing side effect, talk to your doctor first. The prescription form of niacin, known as Niaspan, is regulated by the FDA -- unlike niacin, an over-the-counter supplement. Your doctor can monitor the side effects you experience, and help you find ways to relieve the flushing side effect. Speak to him before discontinuing niacin or turning to niacinamide when trying to lower your cholesterol. If you have any concerns about the safety and effectiveness of niacin and its various types, address these concerns with your physician. He will assist you in finding the right medication for your condition.
