Vitamin Treatment for HDL Cholesterol

Low high density lipoproteins, or your 'good' cholesterol, can contribute to heart disease or atherosclerosis; but Niacin may be able to help. Niacin is an essential B vitamin that helps to convert carbohydrates into energy.

Significance

• When it comes to HDL, women should keep a level no lower than 50 milligrams per deciliter of blood and men no lower than 40 milligrams per deciliter of blood. An optimal level for both sexes is more than 60 milligrams per deciliter of blood.

Benefits

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the B Vitamin Niacin has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol, or your 'good' cholesterol, by up to 35 percent. Even those who are already healthy can receive the HDL-raising benefit of Niacin.

Over-the-Counter

• Niacin can be found in foods like eggs, fish, poultry and lean meats, nuts and dairy products like milk, as well as in multivitamins and an over-the-counter supplement by itself.

Prescription

• Niacin is prescribed for cholesterol or niacin-deficiency treatment under than names Niaspan, Niacor and Slo-Niacin. These concentrations of Niacin are more than what you can buy over-the-counter.

Warning

• Side effects of Niacin can include temporary flushing, nausea, headaches and dizziness. Side effects that you may not be able to feel and can have long-term consequences are liver damage and elevated blood sugar.