Taking Niacin to Lower Triglycerides

The other names for niacin are vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. It is a water soluble vitamin which is a vital component of human diet and is continuously consumed by the human body. Common sources of niacin are meats, wheat germ, dairy products and yeast. It is also possible to take niacin supplements for your dietary needs. However, studies have shown that excess of niacin can be harmful to the body. Therefore, if you are taking niacin supplements, do so under medical supervision.

Niacin originates from nicotine after it is oxidized to generate nicotinic acid. Niacin is a portmanteau of nicotinic acid vitamin. In its pure form or the chemicals constituting it, a pivotal role is played in many biological functions by niacin.

Niacin reduces LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol), increases HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol) and decreases triglyceride levels. A number of bodily processes including metabolism and cell repair are regulated by derivatives from niacin, produced through biosynthesis. Deficiency in niacin can provoke skin conditions, dementia and diarrhea.

Niacin is associated with adverse side effects such as flushing, itching, alterations in blood glucose, gastrointestinal upset, hot flashes and palpitations. The flushing and itching feelings are usually resolved after a few days or weeks of use. Another method of reducing flushing is to begin with low doses of 50-100 mg and slowly upping the dosage. You are also encouraged to avoid hot showers, hot beverages and spicy food to minimize the flushing symptoms.

Inositol hexanicotinate (IHN) is another form of niacin, which promises to be flush-free it is not effective, stay away from it. To relive diarrhea, nausea and vomiting symptoms, take niacin with a low-fat snack to lessen the possibility of an upset stomach. Another probable symptom is dyspepsia. Patients with peptic ulcer disease or the occurrence of it in their medical history should avoid niacin as it can exacerbate current symptoms.

Niacin inhibits uric acid elimination, consequently uric acid levels increase in the blood. There is a higher risk of gout, a kind of arthritis which inflicts a person because of uric acid buildup in the joints. If you have a history of gout, use niacin under caution and with a doctor’s supervision.

High doses of niacin are very likely to elevate uric acid levels.

Niacin supports blood sugar elevations in people with or without diabetes but it is dependent on the dose.

Niacin is known to lower triglycerides better than statins but not as well as fibrates. High doses of niacin can make severe liver damage an unavoidable consequence. Therefore, if it is necessary for you to have a large intake of niacin, you are advised to use immediate release nicotinic acid or Niaspan. Immediate release niacin is an inexpensive product that you have to use three times per day. It has the side effect of engendering an uncomfortable flushing sensation. To counter the feeling, you have to take an aspirin 30 minutes before consuming the niacin. To prevent liver toxicity, frequent monitoring of liver function is justified. Special measures have to be taken for people with a history of liver ailments.

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