Niacin, also referred to as vitamin B-3, is an essential B vitamin the human body requires for proper nerve, skin and digestive functions. Niacin is commonly found in foods such as dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, eggs and fortified grains. Taking niacin in high doses can improve cholesterol levels, specifically, it can increase HDL cholesterol.
HDL Basics
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is considered the "good" cholesterol because it helps reduce total blood cholesterol levels, by eliminating LDL, or "bad," cholesterol from the bloodstream. The higher your HDL levels, the better. According to the American Heart Association, a low HDL level is less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women. Optimal HDL levels are classified as 60 mg/dL or higher. In addition to taking prescription niacin, other ways to help increase your HDL levels include not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising most days of the week.
Niacin Basics
Niacin is available as over-the-counter supplements or as prescription-strength niacin, such as Niaspan or Niacor. MayoClinic.com reports that prescription niacin is the most effective drug for increasing HDL levels; it can increase your HDL levels by up to 15 to 35 percent. Niacin is usually prescribed along with statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications to patients with high LDL levels and low HDL. When used with some statins, niacin can increase your HDL level by 50 percent or more.
Dosage Information
The Institute of Medicine recommends adult men consume at least 16 mg of niacin per day, adult women consume at least 14 mg of niacin per day, and pregnant and nursing women consume 18 mg and 17 mg of niacin per day, respectively. However, doses of niacin used to help increase HDL cholesterol levels are much higher. Medline Plus reports that to help improve HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels, you should take 1 to 3 g of nicotinic acid, or niacin, per day under medical supervision. This amount is equivalent to 1,000 to 3,000 mg of niacin per day. A doctor needs to monitor high-dose niacin to ensure it doesn't cause any harmful side effects.
Considerations
Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking high amounts of any type of vitamin, and for dosage information. Medline Plus reports that when taking nicotinic acid to help increase HDL cholesterol levels, the full daily dosage is typically divided into 3 to 4 doses spaced throughout the day. Some forms of niacin, especially in high doses, cause temporary flushing of the skin. Versions of niacin with reduced flushing effects also are available by prescription. Discuss other possible side effects, which can include dizziness, upset stomach, increased blood sugar and liver damage, with your doctor.
References
- Medline Plus; Niacin; June 2011
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Lowering Your Cholesterol with TLC; December 2005
- American Heart Association; What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Niacin to Boost Your HDL, 'Good,' Cholesterol; June 2011
- Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes for Vitamins and Elements
