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Niacin & Heart Disease

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is one of the B complex vitamins. These vitamins play an essential role in a variety of body systems and functions, and are vital to good health and well-being. Among the many proven benefits of niacin is its ability to aid in the treatment of certain types of heart disease and promote heart health.

  1. Essential Functions of Niacin

    • Niacin works with other B vitamins to help the body metabolize and obtain energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It also plays an essential role in the production of stomach acid. Good skin health is supported by niacin, as is blood circulation, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Niacin is key to the body's production of certain hormones, and it helps to regulate cholesterol levels in the blood.

    Niacin and Heart Disease Prevention

    • Among the highest risk factors for the development of heart disease is elevated levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and insufficient levels of HDL (good), cholesterol. Niacin has been found to be very effective in addressing these issues, both lowering levels of LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol. Niacin is frequently prescribed for this purpose, either on its own or in combination with statin drugs.

    Niacin and Heart Disease Treatment

    • According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, niacin, given in combination with simvastatin, can slow or even reverse the narrowing of coronary arteries. On its own, simvastatin lowers bad cholesterol, but niacin boosts good cholesterol, amplifying the benefit of the statin drug. Study results showed that the progression of heart disease can be slowed or reversed with the assistance of niacin, and combination treatment lowered the three-year risk of a cardiovascular event to one in 33, as opposed to eight of 34 in the group receiving a placebo. Also, according to research results of the Coronary Drug Project and follow up done on its participants, niacin was the most effective agent used in that trial, with those treated with the nutrient showing an 11 percent reduction of long-term heart attack risk.

    Sources of Niacin

    • Foods that are rich in niacin include meats, fish and poultry, such as beef liver, ground beef, chicken,breast, tuna and salmon. Grain products, such as corn grits, pasta, flour tortillas and barley contain niacin, as do peanuts, mushrooms and lentils. Vegetable sources of niacin include sweet potatoes, carrots, corn and potatoes, and fruits rich in this nutrient include mangoes and peaches. While niacin is best absorbed by the body when obtained from dietary sources, adequate amounts can be difficult to maintain by diet alone. Supplements can be a good alternative for some people, especially for those seeking the higher levels necessary for cholesterol issues.

    Cautions

    • Niacin in doses of more than 100 milligrams is considered a prescription drug and is best taken under the supervision of a health care professional, since a number of side effects can occur. Among the most common of these is a tingling or flushing sensation in the face, itching, rashes and diarrhea. Niacin can interfere with the absorption of some antibiotics, and it can enhance the effects of some blood thinners, so those on regular medications should consult a pharmacist or physician before taking niacin supplements to avoid the possibility of harmful drug interactions.

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