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.

So Now I Know What Menopause Feels Like

I was at a reception tonight celebrating the first anniversary of the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I used some of the services of this Center in launching Kardea Nutrition.

As a leading Kardea missionary, I found myself in discussions with a couple in their 60's working to manage their cholesterol levels through natural means. They had some misconceptions, but they had many elements of the program down, including the use of niacin. We got to sharing our experiences of the flushing effect of this essential B vitamin. The wife looked me straight in the eye, and said "you've got to admit, it feels like menopause all over again."

Well, my wife tells me that launching Kardea Nutrition may be my manifestation of male menopause, but I think for the male, menopause is largely an emotional passage. In any event, I am grateful for the insight.

So guys, if you also want to be able to relate better to your spouse during a hot flash, try some niacin. Separately, I have learned not only to tolerate the niacin flush, but also to appreciate the sensation....and the science supporting niacin's role as part of a broader program for natural cholesterol management is impressive and extensive.

For an overview of natural cholesterol management, join us at http://www.kardeanutrition.com/cholesterol/index.aspx. You also can search on this site to find selected information and articles related to niacin.

Natural Cholesterol Management - Numbers are In

In a four month period, I naturally lowered my LDL (bad) cholesterol from 161mg/dl to 131mg/dl (about 19% improvement), increased my HDL (good) cholesterol from 55 to 61 (about a 10% improvement). Total cholesterol was reduced from from 228 (it had been as high as 239) to 201. I am not yet at the "under 200" target, but with my relatively high HDLs and declining LDLs, I was now closing in on some desireable cholesterol levels.

I achieved these goals with a less-than-disciplined, natural approach combining plant sterols, viscous soluble fiber and low levels of immediate release niacin from nicotinic acid.

I always have eaten fairly well. Low in terms of red meat and dairy, low in terms of saturated fats, processed foods and dietary cholesterol. Mediterranean cuisine also has long been a personal preference, and I use olive oil (and occassionally canola oil) in all cooking and food prep. I also eat a fair amount of vegetables and whole grains, and lots of fruit.

My internist had suggested that I might need to consider the use of a medication to achieve better cholesterol levels. As an otherwise healthy 49 male, I was not ready to start a lifetime of medication to create healthier cholesterol levels. I began a search for the alternatives, and found that a number of nutrients ---viscous soluble fibers, plant sterols, niacin and Omega-3 fatty acids --- can collectively enable an individual to substantially improve one's blood lipid profiles.

So, I began developing a personal program that incorporates these nutrients in foods and supplements. More importantly, I was looking to enjoy these foods (food and cooking are my pre-occupation and a source of daily joy). With my somewhat less-than-disciplined approach to consuming soluble fiber, plant sterols and niacin, I achieved the results noted above.

Note on full disclosure: While I weigh about the same amount, I did increase the frequency of exercise from 2 to 4 days per week. My workout intensity also increased.

I am now looking to refine my approach to further improve my blood lipid levels. As someone with year's of experience in the natural and gourmet foods, I also decided to create Kardea Nutrition to develop products that comfortably fit into my daily eating habits (and hopefully yours!). I also do not want these foods to lead to an increase in the total level of calories I take in each day.

My first set of products should be available in early February, but early in Janary, you will be able to log onto my website to see what's coming (http://www.kardeanutrition.com/).

Overall, I am sincerely interested in networking with others that are attempting to manage cholesterol levels naturally. Let's share what is working.....and based in part on these exchanges, I will be developing other foods and supplements that strive to meet the combined goals of delicious, natural, calorie-mindful and effective in terms of natural cholesterol management.