Niacin isn't typically used to lower blood pressure. Its most common use is in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, which denotes high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream. This B-vitamin limits the production of low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins in the liver, which lowers your triglyceride levels. But some research indicates that niacin also has an effect on blood pressure, which could be of benefit in the treatment of hypertension. However, talk to your doctor before taking this or any other supplement to improve blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading is given in two numbers as a fraction. The top number is the systolic reading, which is the measure of your blood pressure when your heart takes a beat. The bottom number is the diastolic reading, which is the pressure of your blood between beats. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. Any number over these two thresholds means you are prehypertensive or hypertensive. Prehypertension is characterized as a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg. As soon as your blood pressure hits 140/90 mm Hg, you have high blood pressure.
Intravenous
A study published in January 2009 in "The International Journal of Clinical Practice" found that the infusion of 2.8 mg of niacin per minute, given over the course of up to 60 minutes, could lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Sixty minutes after the infusion, systolic blood pressure decreased by as much as 7 mm Hg, while diastolic blood pressure decreased by as much as 4 mm Hg.
Oral
A study published in September 2000 in the "Journal of Human Hypertension" tested the effects of orally administered niacin on blood pressure. Participants took 500 mg of niacin each day for one week and then 1 g of niacin each day for a second week. When compared to the placebo group, researchers found that niacin didn't significantly affect systolic or diastolic blood pressure when taken orally. However, this doesn't mean that it can't lower blood pressure, only that improvements are often minimal.
Warning
The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that niacin can enhance the effect of standard blood pressure medications such as alpha-blockers. Taken together, you may develop low blood pressure. When this occurs, your heart, brain and other organs aren't getting enough blood, oxygen and other nutrients to function properly. Talk to your doctor before taking niacin to improve your blood pressure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B3 (Niacin); June 2009
- MayoClinic.com; High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); March 2011
- "International Journal of Clinical Practice"; Does Nicotinic Acid (Niacin) Lower Blood Pressure?; H.E. Bays and D.J. Rader; Jan. 2009
- "Journal of Human Hypertension"; Effects of Nicotinic Acid on Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Pressure in Healthy Subject; J.J. Kelly, et al.; September 2000
