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Niacin: Vitamins
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Niacin, a member of the B complex vitamin family, is the only "drug" proven to reduce mortality from elevated cholesterol levels. The Coronary Drug Project,* [A]n extensive study of cholesterol-lowering drugs, found that niacin was the only “drug” that actually reduced mortality. (Niacin is a “B” vitamin but was tested head-to-head with drugs in the study). Follow-up studies showed that the niacin-treated group had an 11% lower death rate years after niacin therapy was discontinued, but the cholesterol-lowering drug group had an increased death rate. (Example: the Clofibrate group had a 36% higher death rate).
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Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin – and the common name for two very different compounds: nicotinic acid and niacinamide. Like all B-vitamins, niacin plays a role in many aspects of energy metabolism (as a component of NAD) and nervous system function. One of the most common uses for supplemental niacin is cholesterol regulation (used at very high doses – see below). Rich dietary sources of niacin include many high-protein foods such as meat, chicken, tuna and other fatty fish, peanuts, pork and milk.
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As is true for several other vitamins, Niacin has been found to have extra functions unrelated to this classic role in the prevention of deficiency. High doses of one of its chemical forms (nicotinic acid) has desirable effects on blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fat-related substances). Niacin plays a vital role in the biochemical reactions that produce energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Niacin is essential for more than 200 different biochemical reactions.
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Niacin, a member of the B Vitamin family, is water-soluble and highly absorbable. Niacin is referred to as B3 and includes nicotinic acid, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide. Niacin is found in high concentrations in red meat, poultry, fish, legumes and yeast. Niacin is involved in the maintenance of total cholesterol levels. It obstructs the free fatty acid release from the tissue as well as cyclic AMP accumulation. Niacin works to slow down the liver's synthesis of LDL and VLDL.
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Niacin is synonymous to nicotinic acid. It is a component of the vitamin B complex. It is a kind of coenzymes that are essential for metabolic processes in each cell of the body. Deficiency in Niacin can reduce cellular functions in the body. Niacin can be found in liver, milk, yeast, cheese and cereals.
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Niacin should not be taken by anyone with a B vitamin allergy, kidney or liver impairment, severe hypotension, un-stable angina, arterial hemorrhage, or coronary artery disease. Supplemental niacin can exacerbate peptic ulcers. Diabetics should use caution as supplements of either niacin or niacinamide can alter medication requirements to control blood glucose. Supplements can raise uric acid levels, and aggravate gout in people with this condition. Pregnant women should not take high doses of niacin, or any supplement, except on the advice of a health care provider.
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