Niacin Useful In Natural Cholesterol Management

Hamden, CT Niacin available as non-prescription supplements can be an effective component of a broader natural nutritional approach to improve cardiovascular health and healthy blood lipids including cholesterol, a White Paper released by Kardea Nutrition reported.

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is vital for good health. Niacin helps convert food into energy, build red blood cell counts, and synthesize hormones. For basic good health, a relatively small amount of niacin, about 20mg/day, is needed. Americans typically obtain this level from a balanced, healthy diet. Our bodies also can manufacture niacin.

At substantially higher levels—1000-2500mg/day--- a specific type of niacin significantly improves cholesterol levels. At these levels, Niacin as nicotinic acid can lower plaque-forming LDL cholesterol by up to 25%. It also has been shown to raise the healthful HDL cholesterol by as much as 35%, and lower triglyceride levels by 20% to 50%. The medical community defines these high dosages as a drug available that should be taken under a physician’s care. Nicotinic acid is available in a prescription form or as supplements.

Between the 20mg of niacin recommended to avoid a deficiency and the 1000+mg that may be prescribed by a physician lies niacin levels that has been shown to be useful in promoting a healthier cardiovascular system. The intake of nicotinic acid at 100-1000mg/day has been shown to significantly improve the levels of both HDLs and triglycerides. At these lower levels, niacin has not been shown to consistently lower LDL cholesterol levels.


Cholesterol Management: Beyond LDL Reduction

LDL cholesterol reduction has been the primary focus of the medical and pharmaceutical community. This focus is supported by the significant and extensive research confirming the positive health effects of lowered LDL, including reduced heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.

Increasingly, medical science now understands that LDL reduction alone is only part of solution in cholesterol management to promote cardiovascular health and wellness.

Researchers are expanding the targets to more broadly address the composition of cholesterol and triglycerides in our blood. For instance, the NIHs’ National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) reports that “strong epidemiological evidence links low levels of serum HDL cholesterol to increased heart disease. High HDL-cholesterol conversely conveys reduced risk.” The NCEP identifies HDLs less than 40mg/dl has a risk factor for heart disease. Levels above 60mg/dl are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Low HDL levels without elevated LDL levels are fairly common. Up to 50% of patients not typically candidates for LDL lowering medications have low levels of HDLs. In patients with premature coronary artery disease, low HDL levels are the most common abnormality in blood lipids.

Many recent studies indicate that small increases in HDLs can significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular-related death. A 1mg/dl increase in HDL has been associated with a 2%-3% reduction in coronary artery disease. Another extensive study showed that increasing HDL by 6% in patients with low HDL cholesterol decreased heart related deaths and non-fatal heart attacks by 22%

Integrated Approach to Natural Cholesterol Management

Coupled with the HDL raising/LDL lowering benefits associated with niacin (nicotinic acid) LDL reductions can be achieved through the restricted intakes of saturated and trans fats, higher intakes of monounsaturated fats, and therapeutic levels of plant sterols and selected types of fibers (including soluble fiber from oats, barley, psyllium, beans and certain fruits) Modest weight loss and increased physical activity can further raise HDLs.

The White Paper is based on studies conducted over the past two decades and published in the various peer reviewed journals. The paper also addresses other issues associated with niacin intake including flushing and consumer confusion associated with the different types of niacin.