Do you know the relationship between niacin and cholesterol levels? The answer is that niacin is known to help lower cholesterol levels.
It is also known as vitamin B3.
However as there are many types and forms of niacin, which is the best niacin cholesterol lowering supplement? What are its benefits and what are its disadvantages? The first thing to know is the different forms of niacin that are just actually tagged as niacin.
Its forms include the nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate.
Each form has different benefits and effects.
Nicotinic acid lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack.
This comes in a number of types.
On the other hand, nicotinamide is a product derived from nicotinic acid.
And the last item I want to mention is inositol hexaniacinate which is another version of nicotinic acid which doesn't produce side effects.
It is popular, but I would like to let you know that its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol is not proven.
The nicotinic acid of niacin has forms that differ in release.
The immediate release or IR type releases the acid directly into the blood.
Because of its fast approach, it causes some side effects.
Itching and flushing can be felt once the acid is released into the blood.
The extended release or ER type is slower than the IR.
Its side effects are not as abrupt as the IR type but it can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
The last type is the sustained-release nicotinic acid which is put into the blood over a time period.
Its side effects are not apparent compared to the other two but the risk of liver failure is high.
It is available even without a doctor's prescription.
Nicotinic acid works by lowering the bad cholesterol and triglycerides while raising the good ones.
And once again I would like to mention that the other two forms need further studies to be proven as effective niacin cholesterol lowering products.
In general the consequences of taking nicotinic acid are bad.
Various side effects include skin irritation and flushing, stomach problems, palpitations and changes in blood sugar level.
One of the worst side effects is liver ailments.
So if you think that it is a high risk to choose chemically-treated formulas, there is a variety of food products which contain niacin cholesterol lowering compounds.
Food choices include chicken, beef, liver and kidney products, and dairy products such as milk and eggs.
Vegetables include tomatoes, broccoli, carrots and asparagus.
Peanuts and legumes are also sources of niacin.
With its pros and cons, it is now up to you to choose what you want.
Either way, there are still a lot of food options available in the market.
For more information and ideas, please visit us on the web at niacin for cholesterol.