Fundukian, L., ed. The Gale Encyclopedia of Different Drugs, third version, 2009.
Endotext [Internet]: “Triglyceride Lowering Drugs: Niacin,” January 2017.
Why do individuals take niacin?
As a ldl cholesterol remedy, there are good research exhibiting that niacin can enhance ranges of excellent HDL ldl cholesterol and decrease triglycerides. Niacin additionally modestly lowers unhealthy LDL ldl cholesterol. It is generally prescribed together with statins for ldl cholesterol management, corresponding to rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor), simvastatin, fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and pravastatin (Pravachol).
Nevertheless, niacin is just efficient as a ldl cholesterol remedy at pretty excessive doses. These doses may pose dangers, corresponding to liver injury, gastrointestinal issues, or glucose intolerance. So do not deal with your self with over-the-counter niacin dietary supplements. As a substitute, get recommendation out of your well being care supplier, who can prescribe FDA-approved doses of niacin as an alternative if really useful.
As well as, niacin is an FDA-approved remedy for pellagra, a uncommon situation that develops from niacin deficiency.
How a lot niacin must you take?
Since niacin can be utilized in several methods, discuss to your well being care supplier about the most effective dosage for you.
Everybody wants a specific amount of niacin — from meals or dietary supplements — for the physique to perform usually. This quantity is known as the dietary reference consumption (DRI), a time period that’s changing the older and extra acquainted RDA (really useful each day allowance). For niacin, the DRIs range with age and different components and are given in milligrams of niacin equivalents:
Most individuals can get the quantity of niacin they want by consuming a nutritious diet.
In case your physician prescribes niacin, you may need to take it with meals. This could stop upset abdomen. To cut back flushing — a innocent however uncomfortable facet impact of niacin that describes redness and heat within the face and neck — your well being care supplier may suggest taking niacin together with aspirin and avoiding alcohol and spicy meals.
Are you able to get niacin naturally from meals?
Niacin happens naturally in lots of meals, together with greens, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, though in a fraction of the dose proven to attain adjustments in ldl cholesterol. Many merchandise are additionally fortified with niacin throughout manufacturing.
What are the dangers of taking niacin?
On the low DRI doses, niacin is protected for everybody. Nevertheless, on the increased quantities used to deal with medical circumstances, it could possibly have dangers. For that purpose, youngsters and girls who’re pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t take niacin dietary supplements in extra of the DRI except it is really useful by a physician.
Folks with uncontrolled gout must also not take niacin dietary supplements.
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