Niacin
What is niacin? Niacin, or vitamin B3, is potentially the most effective treatment available for causes of coronary heart disease.
Despite its proven benefits, many healthcare providers remain reliant on statins and may not be fully aware of niacin’s capabilities.
Niacin benefits
- Niacin boosts HDL (good cholesterol) and significantly cuts levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
- It also lowers lipoprotein(a), a marker associated with heart disease risk. Despite misconceptions about its safety, modern applications show that niacin can be used effectively without significant side effects.
- Studies highlight niacin’s capacity to reduce heart disease risks dramatically.
- It has shown to decrease the risk of heart attacks significantly more than statins alone. For instance, combining niacin with a statin could reduce heart attack risks by up to 90%.
Niacin Flush
Niacin is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Immediate-release niacin may cause a "flushing" effect, though this can be managed with aspirin or by adjusting the intake method. Extended-release forms reduce flushing but should be used carefully to avoid liver issues.
How much niacin per day
To improve lipid profiles, doses start from 750 mg daily, potentially increasing based on individual health needs and under medical supervision. The impact on lipid levels can often be seen after three months of consistent use.