Niacin for Cholesterol: Reduce Levels, Lower Risk

Taking niacin for cholesterol management is believed to be of benefit.

Niacin is part of the vitamin B complex, and taking it, in tandem with dietary changes, may help to reduce cholesterol and fatty substances in the blood.

• Using niacin for high cholesterol can make a difference, if you are attempting to lower undesirable cholesterol levels
• If you’ve been instructed to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood, taking niacin for cholesterol may reduce LDL levels, while increasing heart-friendly HDL

Natural Sources for Niacin

• Fish
• Nuts
• Green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Potatoes

Caplet Form of Niacin

Some people choose to take tablets or caplets when trying niacin cholesterol treatment

• The recommended oral dose for treating high cholesterol levels in adults is 1-2 g, two to three times daily. The maximum recommended dose is 6g daily.
• Niacin is available as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, sold under brand names Niacor, Niaspan, and Slo-Niacin

Precautions

• If you have been taking niacin for high cholesterol and you are pregnant, do so only under medical supervision
• If you are a nursing mother, you should know that niacin is secreted in breast milk and your newborn could ingest high amounts

If you are trying niacin for cholesterol and are interested in natural approaches, other substances also offer benefits. Natural treatments are often preferred over cholesterol-lowering drugs because they are usually far safer.

• Policosanol can decrease total cholesterol, while increasing HDL
• Green tea contains beneficial catechins
• Inositol may combat high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and peripheral vascular disease
• Selenium is used in a preventive manner for atherosclerosis and stroke
• Vitamin E inhibits certain processes that are related to the progression of atherosclerosis

Did You Know?

Taking niacin for cholesterol reduction is believed to be safer and can be just as effective as using statin drugs-especially for men.

• One trial followed a group of males for nine years. The results showed that they had an 11% lower rate of all-cause mortality than participants in the placebo group.
• Nicotinic acid has been used safely for more than forty years and can prevent cardiovascular disease and death

Niacin cholesterol treatment has proven to be beneficial for certain individuals and is a viable approach when targeting undesirable cholesterol levels.

Using niacin or any other substance for cholesterol treatment should be approached under direction. Make sure you consult with a practitioner who is trained in the use of niacin for cholesterol.