Is Over the Counter Niacin Helpful in Lowering Cholesterol?

Niacin is a vitamin that helps lower cholesterol. Although you do not need a prescription for niacin, it is important to be aware of the uses and side effects before beginning any treatment program, in addition to consulting your physician first.

Function and Form

• Niacin helps limit your body's production of cholesterol in the liver. It is also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid. Avoid nicotinamide and niacinamide, as these do not lower cholesterol.

HDL

• Niacin helps to elevate your HDL count. HDL is high-density lipoprotein and is considered the "good" cholesterol; maintaining an HDL of at least 40 for men and at least 45 for women is ideal.

LDL

• Niacin helps to combat LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, also known as the "bad" cholesterol. It converts the small, dense particles of LDL into larger, less dangerous forms.

Lp(a)

• Lp(a ) is "lipoprotein (a)," a very dangerous form of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol). Niacin helps to effectively lower Lp(a).

Flushing

• A very common side effect of niacin is flushing in the form of facial blushing and tingling of your skin. Flushing is harmless and lasts less than an hour, generally becoming less intense the more you take niacin.