Vitamin Used To Treat High Cholesterol
Niacin (also called vitamin B3) is found in numerous foods including
meat, eggs, milk, fish, green vegetables, and yeast. Niacin is also made in
the body from tryptophan consumed in the diet. It is often combined with
other B vitamins and sold as a dietary supplement. Niacin is essential for
the processing of calories from food into energy. A deficiency of niacin
can cause a condition known as pellagra. Pellagra may appear as skin
rashes, stomach problems, memory loss, and nervous system problems.
Niacin is an effective treatment for high cholesterol. It lowers LDL or
“bad” cholesterol and raises HDL or “good” cholesterol. Recently, researchers
discovered the exact mechanism of niacin’s effects on HDL
cholesterol levels. Niacin appears to reduce the amount of a substance
called beta chain on the surface of liver cells. This beta chain removes
HDL from the blood. By reducing the amount of beta chain on liver cells,
niacin allows more HDL to remain in the blood. High levels of HDL in the
blood help the body eliminate LDL. Common side effects of niacin are
flushing, dry skin, and itching.