The Cardiovascular Benefits of Niacin

Monday, November 8, 2010 by Stephen Sinatra
Niacin occupies a central role in my supplement arsenal against arterial disease. That’s because it lowers smaller LDL cholesterol particles but, more importantly, it superbly raises larger HDL particles and also helps you to maintain a low triglycerides level.  Niacin also helps your body to manage the very dangerous cholesterol component, Lp(a).

These are huge benefits. For me, the ability to increase HDL cholesterol, while keeping LDL cholesterol levels low is more significant than lowering LDL or even total cholesterol. These benefits are paramount to preventing and reversing cardiovascular disease. Elevated Lp(a) is a serious, widespread, and underemphasized problem, and niacin is probably the only nutrient that lowers it.

When you take niacin, you’ll likely experience a tingly, pins-and-needles, sometimes hot, flushing of the skin that usually begins in the forehead and works its way down your arms and chest. It typically lasts no more than a half-hour to an hour, then disappears. The higher the initial dose, the greater the initial flushing effect. Fortunately, you can minimize the intensity of the flush by taking the pills after meals.

Some people use the non-flush form of niacin because they are uncomfortable with the flushing effect. The problem with that is you don’t get the same good vascular benefits. Therefore, if you want reliable results, you should use standard niacin, which is very inexpensive.

Recommended dose: Start with 250 mg of niacin three times daily and slowly work up to 1–3 grams three times a day for a strong, medicinal effect.

For more information on supplements to lower LDL cholesterol levels, visit www.drsinatra.com.

Comments for The Cardiovascular Benefits of Niacin

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Thursday, November 11, 2010 by Lydia:
Hi Dr. Sinatra ...I "met" you on the replays of David Wolfe's Longevity Conference...loved your talk!! Re: niacin and the flush. I am currently doing the 30 day-detox that David Wolfe talked about: niacin, then 30 minutes exercise, then 30 min far-infrared sauna. I started with 100 mg niacin, and I would recommend that dose to a person starting out. 100 mg was a lot to deal with for me (as far as the physical discomfort went) as you start taking niacin. After a week of taking 100 (with small pieces and then bigger pieces of a second 100mg tablet, I took 200 (for the first time) this morning, and I was fine. So, it may be beneficial to start small and work one's way up! Best to All...
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 by David:
Dr. Sinatra, I've been taking 2000 mg of niacin daily for over a year to improve cholesterol levels and it has helped significantly. At my last checkup, total cholesterol was 171, HDL was 74, LDL was 87, and triglycerides were 48. However, I am concerned that it may be having a negative effect on thyroid function. TSH was 4.790 and T4, free was 1.09 even while taking 50 mcg synthroid. Prior to taking niacin I've had no problems with low thyroid function. I do not have any of the normal symptoms of hypothyroidism. My doctor increased the synthroid to 75 mcg and I'm due for another blood test. I've recently read that high doses of niacin may negatively affect the thyroid. Should I be concerned and/or stop taking the niacin? My doctor was unaware of a connection between niacin and hypothyroidism. Thank you.
Friday, November 19, 2010 by Jan Sinatra:
Your HDL and Triglyceride levels are outstanding, but your LDL may be low. You indicated that you are taking niacin, which is contraindicated for people with diabetes, and high doses of niacin can affect thyroid function. For this reason, you may want to limit your niacin use to no more than 1,000 mg of niacin a day. And, as always, discuss your medication and supplement use with your physician.