Niacin...

Niacin is referred to as Vitamin B3 because it was the third of the B vitamins to be discovered. Niacin is suspected to decrease the possibility of introduction of certain types of cancer such like leukemia, as a result of increase levels of DNA-repairing coenzymes (NAD). Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s an important component of the Vitamin B complex.

Do you want to be able to do something to decrease the chance that you or a loved one will ever die of cardiovascular disease?

Consider a B vitamin called niacin.

According to a University of Washington study, when niacin is taken with a statin, the combination reduces heart attack risk by up to 90%. Medical research supports this treatment, yet few people know about it and many primary care providers don’t prescribe it. I am strongly against “statins.” (For more on why, you can read Dr. Cohen’s revealing article here.

There is a better way to get the benefit naturally though. Take niacin with red yeast rice. The drug companies actually put red yeast rice in their statins for greater efficacy.

The benefits are as follows:

*It raises “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides.

*It enlarges the smallest, densest, most dangerous particles so they are less likely to damage arteries, although it doesn’t lower “bad” cholesterol quite as much as statins do.

*It brings down levels of another harmful component of blood called lipoprotein (a), which is resistant to the benefits of statins, diet, and exercise.

We cannot get enough of this vitamin naturally in our diet to achieve these results. The RDA for niacin is 14 mg for women and 16 mg for men, (that’s almost like telling you that you should probably eat at least every two weeks) but to gain a cardiovascular benefit, you need 500 to 2,000 mg. At this dosage, flushing (skin reddens, warms, and sometimes slight itches) occurs. Although these side effects subside within an hour, it’s mildly unpleasant and because it is, doctors hesitate to prescribe it. (It’s strange at first, but it’s not that big a deal to me… I take it and endure the minor “flushing” experience.)

Flushing is a sign that the blood vessels are dilating in response to the niacin. Patients who flush ultimately raise their HDLs and lower their triglycerides more than those who don’t flush.

You can minimize those symptoms if the niacin is taken with aspirin, antihistamines, or a meal. (I recommend the meal)

Before taking niacin, consider the following:

Make sure you need it. You’re a good candidate for niacin therapy if you’re already taking a statin but your triglycerides are above 150 mg/dl and your HDLs are below 45 for men and 50 for women.

Niacin alone really has little benefit. It’s effective only when paired with a statin or (red yeast rice.) It generally isn’t prescribed on its own.

Be careful if you have prediabetes or diabetes. Niacin can raise levels of blood glucose. This effect is generally mild and doesn’t outweigh its heart-protecting benefits.

Consult with your health care professional if you have a question about niacin for you.