LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Niacin
built 630 days ago
Niacin is a well-accepted treatment for high cholesterol. Multiple studies show that niacin (not niacinamide) has significant benefits on levels of high-density cholesterol (HDL or "good cholesterol"), with better results than prescription drugs such as "statins" like atorvastatin (Lipitor®). There are ... benefits on levels of low-density cholesterol (LDL or "bad cholesterol"), although these effects are less dramatic. Adding niacin to a second drug such as a statin may increase the effects on low-density lipoproteins. The use of niacin for the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes has been controversial because of the possibility of worsening glycemic control. Patients should check with a physician and pharmacist before starting niacin.
Source:
Niacin is part of a range of foods, for example meat, fish, bread, yeast, nuts, seeds, soy beans, potatoes, dried fruit, tomatoes and peas. Milk, green-leaved vegeatbles and coffe and tea ... provide some niacin. Cereals may be fortified with niacin. Some foods, such as corn, may release niacin upon cooking. Before cooking corn only contains bound, unavailable niacin.
Source:
Niacin has negative interactions with several drugs and they should not be combined. Niacin may interfere with blood glucose levels and should not be used with antidiabetes drugs, nor should it be used with isoniazid, transdermal nicotine, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These combinations decrease the effectiveness of the drugs and increase the risk of side effects.
Source:
Niacin has the capacity to bring down cholesterol in your blood. The major role or function of niacin is metabolizing fats. Niacin has been often utilized to assist reduce the threat of heart attacks and so ... to cure diabetes and to prevent cataracts. It has a three-way effect when it comes to cutting down the risk of coronary heart failure.
Source:
Niacin assists functions of the nervous and digestive system. It plays a role in food metabolism and in the formation of red blood cells and skin. NAD and NADP are coenzymes that are part of the energy production system of the body. This system works by means of oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions. Niacin deficiency occurrence causes many symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, dry skin, loss of appetite, ulcers and emotional instability. On rare occasions (mainly in developing countries) people may experience severe deficiency, which leads to a condition known as pellagra.
Source:
Niacin supplements are available as nicotinamide or nicotinic acid. Nicotinamide is the form of niacin typically used in nutritional supplements and in food fortification. Nicotinic acid is available over the counter and with a prescription as a cholesterol-lowering agent (33). The nomenclature for nicotinic acid formulations can be confusing. Nicotinic acid is available over the counter in an "immediate-release" (crystalline), and "slow-release" or "timed-release form". A shorter acting timed-release preparation referred to as "intermediate release" or "extended release" nicotinic acid is available by prescription (34, 35).
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Niacin