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How Much Niacin Should be Taken to Lower Cholesterol?

Niacin is a form of vitamin B found in animal protein and plants, and is also added to various supplements. This vitamin naturally lowers triglycerides and LDL levels in the body, and can be a crucial ally in preventing atherosclerosis. Niacin, while available in over-the-counter forms, is best prescribed by your doctor.

  1. Dosages

    • The American Heart Association states that supplemental niacin should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified medical professional. Because niacin directly affects the function of the liver and blood fats, it works well to both reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels. However, over-the-counter forms of niacin are associated with such side effects as facial flushing, stomach irritation and itchiness, and there is a risk of niacin toxicity if you ingest too much.

      The dosage your doctor prescribes will vary from patient to patient, but you can anticipate being prescribed small doses first to test your tolerance for the vitamin. A doctor might start you on a dose of 50mg of niacin in tablet form three times per day after every meal. If you tolerate this well, after a period of three days your dosage will likely increase to 100mg three times a day. Increases can continue up to 1000mg three times daily, provided you show no signs of liver toxicity or glucose increases in your blood. You may also be required to take vitamin C to promote immune-system health.

    Timeframe

    • When a doctor prescribes niacin for lowering your cholesterol, you will likely take it on a long-term basis. You might be required to take the supplement for a period of three months to see how the niacin affects your LDL levels. If the results are positive, niacin treatment can be continued for years to ensure lowered cholesterol levels.

    Prescription versus Non-Prescription

    • The side effects of over-the-counter niacin supplements often occur more frequently than with prescribed forms; this is particularly true of immediate-release forms of niacin. The supplement must be carefully monitored: You need to be checked for liver toxicity, and if you are a diabetic, niacin can increase glucose levels in the blood to dangerous levels.

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