Niacin and its forms
From the scientific literature about Niacin, our featured product:
Niacin, in larger (pharmacological) doses than needed for simple B vitamin replacement and recommendations, has a powerful effect on fats in the blood, largely because it affects processing of fats and cholesterol in the liver. Numerous studies have established that niacin lowers triglyceride (TG), very low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Niacin is also one of the best agents to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. In amounts between 1500 and 2000 mg two to three times daily, niacin blocks the breakdown of fats in adipose tissue, more specifically the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), precursors of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Because niacin blocks breakdown of fats, it causes a decrease in free fatty acids in the blood and, as a consequence, decreased secretion of VLDL and cholesterol by the liver.
By lowering VLDL levels, niacin also increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol in blood, and therefore it is sometimes prescribed for patients with low HDL, who are also at high risk of a heart attack. Raising HDL levels lowers risk for atherosclerosis as much as, if not more than, equivalent lowering of bad cholesterol, LDL.
A clinical study, results of which were presented at the Nov, 2009 annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association and published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that in combination with statins, Niaspan®, a sustained release prescription form of niacin, is more effective than Zetia® at reducing fat deposits in arteries.
You should not attempt to take niacin yourself for this purpose; you need to have professional guidance, since there are contraindications, interactions, and need for monitoring, especially liver function tests. That said, here are three forms which are of high quality, pure, reliable, free from contaminants, with substantial potential health benefits. All the products are available from this office by calling 713.790.9191 or emailing healthreception@att.com.
Live Extension product 00372 contains 500 mg of niacin in each capsule. Life Extension comments that niacin is the only B vitamin that can be synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. In its coenzyme forms, niacin is crucial to energy transfer reactions, particularly the metabolism of glucose, fat, and alcohol. Niacin’s beneficial effects on blood lipids is well-documented.
The product contains gelatin and magnesium stearate, but is absolutely devoid of milk, egg, fish, peanuts, shellfish traces, soybean, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn or rice, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavoring, colors or preservatives.
Life Extension’s product 00096 contains 1000 mg niacin per capsule. They advise beginning with one capsule per day, but great individual variation in the flushing, a transient side effect of niacin that usually disappears with use in a few days, is well known.
About.com states that nicotinic acid benefits your lipid profile by lowering LDL cholesterol by 15 to 25 percent, lowering triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent, and raising HDL cholesterol by 15 to 30 percent. The LDL-lowering effect may not be evident at doses less than 2,500 mg/day, however.
The Arbiter-6 HALT, November, 2009 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, was accompanied by two editorials. One discussed niacin vs a cholesterol drug, the other using add-0ns to statin treatments.
Niacin is also available in a second form, extended release niacin in a dietary variety. One that we recommend is made by Prothera. The prescription drug in extended release form are the most popular ones used (Niacor®, Niaspan®, Slo-Niacin®).
Prothera states that slow release of niacin over several hours helps avoid the uncomfortable flushing action of this B-vitamin, so that its full benefits on cholesterol metabolism can be obtained.
The product contains niacin (as niacin USP) 500mg 2500% DV, and vegetarian stearine, cellulose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium.
The extended release form is true nicotinamide, the variety that was used in the clinical investigations proving efficacy in favorable lipid reductions.
The third form of niacin is usually called “no-flush” because the facial flushing and associated problems are diminished. However, there is some question whether this form is as effective as the native, original niacinamide
described above. In people who cannot tolerate the above, no-flush may be a good choice.
Life Extension says that No-Flush Niacin contains a special form of niacin, inositol hexanicotinate, consisting of six molecules of niacin chemically linked to an inositol molecule. It is hydrolyzed in the body to free niacin and inositol, which is a very slow process. Its unique properties allow for niacin activity without the characteristic niacin flush that is unacceptable to many people. A video is viewable at http://www.lef.org/images/products/btn_featured_video.gif
For people interested in niacin in these ways, we strongly recommend calling us for a visit to discuss the supplements, their effects, scientific basis for use, and ways to ensure best results. There are caveats, and many tips for use we have found to guide you over time. Niacin is a wonderful adjunct and tool, and most people are able to tolerate and benefit from its effects. You just have to know how.
