Is niacin good for your heart?
Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) was considered a promising candidate to prevent cardiovascular disease because it is known to lower cholesterol in the blood, which is one of the main risk factors. Therefore, long‐term therapy with niacin was assumed to reduce the risk of heart attack, and stroke.
Does niacin help lower cholesterol?
Niacin has long been used to lower triglycerides and to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This “good” cholesterol helps remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, from the bloodstream.
What does LDL stand for?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Can niacin cause a stroke?
Among those who took the ER niacin, 13.2% suffered a heart attack, stroke or had an arterial procedure, compared with 13.7% in those who took the dummy (placebo) tablets – a small but not clearly significant difference.
Can niacin be harmful?
Niacin does have risks. It can cause liver problems, stomach ulcers, changes to glucose levels, muscle damage, low blood pressure, heart rhythm changes, and other issues.
What are the side effects of niacin?
Commonly reported side effects of niacin include: pruritus, nausea, and flushing. Other side effects include: skin rash, and vomiting.
Is it safe to take niacin with other medications?
Research indicates that taking niacin with these cholesterol medications offers little additional benefit when compared with statins alone, and might increase the risk of side effects. Zinc. Taking zinc with niacin might worsen niacin side effects, such as flushing and itching.
What happens if you take niacin with chromium?
Niacin might have an additive effect when you take blood pressure drugs, herbs or supplements. This could increase your risk of low blood pressure (hypotension). Chromium. Taking niacin with chromium might lower your blood sugar. If you have diabetes and take niacin and chromium, closely monitor your blood sugar levels.
What are the most common causes of a deficiency in niacin?
A deficiency in niacin is generally uncommon in developed countries where malnutrition is rare. Some of the most common causes of deficiency include alcoholism, malnutrition, digestive disorders and prolonged use of certain medications that interfere with absorption.