Niacin Does More Than
Lower Cholesterol

Don't forget niacin!

There are a number of specific natural medicines that effectively lower cholesterol levels. Since new ones come along all the time it is easy to forget just how impressive the results are with with this heart supplement.

Lp(a). A little known problem.
Another important lipoprotein to be aware of is a form of LDL called lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a). This form of LDL has an additional molecule of an adhesive protein called apolipoprotein. That protein makes the molecule much more likely to stick to the artery walls and cause damage.

• New research suggests that high Lp(a) levels constitute a separate risk factor for heart attack. For example, it appears that high Lp(a) levels are ten times more likely to cause heart disease than high LDL levels. Lp(a) levels lower than 20 mg/dl are associated with low risk of heart disease; levels between 20 and 40 mg/dl pose a moderate risk, and levels higher than 40 mg/dl are considered extremely risky.

Niacin does more than lower cholesterol!
The cholesterol lowering activity of niacin was first described in the 1950s. It is now known that it does much more than lower total cholesterol.

• Specifically, this heart supplement has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, Lp(a) lipoprotein, triglyceride, and fibrinogen levels while simultaneously raising HDL cholesterol levels.

• To reduce flushing - Inositol hexaniacinate
  Inositol hexaniacinate is a form of niacin that has long been used in Europe to lower cholesterol levels. It is much better tolerated, in terms of both flushing and, more importantly, long-term side-effects.

• HDLs increased  33%
  The percentage increase in HDL cholesterol, a more significant indicator for coronary heart disease, was dramatically in favor of niacin (33% vs. 7%).

• Lp(a) lipoprotein levels dropped 35%
  While niacin produced a 35% reduction in Lp(a) lipoprotein levels, lovastatin did not produce any effect. Other studies have shown that niacin can lower Lp(a) levels by an average of 38%.2,3

• It Works Well With Diabetics
  Because taking this supplement at higher dosages (e.g., 3,000 mg or more) can impair glucose tolerance, many physicians have avoided niacin therapy in diabetics, but newer studies with slightly lower dosages (1,000 to 2000 mg) of niacin have not shown it to adversely effect blood sugar regulation.7

• Diabetic cholesterol profiles
  If you take a look at the most common blood lipid abnormality in type 2 diabetic patients it is elevated triglyceride levels, decreased HDL cholesterol levels, and a preponderance of smaller, denser LDL particles.

• Other occasional side-effects of niacin in higher doses include gastric irritation, nausea, and liver damage. To reduce the side effect of skin flushing you can use some of the newer time-released formulas including the prescription version Niaspan or take it just before going to bed. 

I'm Gene Millen. In 1990 a skilled heart surgeon sawed open my chest and stitched in bypasses to six of my favorite arteries.

That got my attention...and kindled a passion for helping others avoid a heart attack or stroke. I've provided health and wellness programs for hundreds of people during the 11 years that my wife and I owned and operated the Vital Life Center, an award winning health and wellness club for the over 50 crowd.

Currently, as Fitness/Wellness Director of a residential retirement community in the San Joaquin Valley of California, my responsibility is to provide the information, motivation and programming to keep our residents vital, active and mentally sharp.

Are you confused by conflicting claims and media hype about heart disease? Who wouldn't be? National author and fitness consultant, James Rippee says it better than I could.

“We have too much knowledge, too much media exposure to ‘breakthroughs and controversies’. What we need is more
common sense!" 

I've learned an amazing amount of information from Dr. Al and recommend that you take a look at his book, The Doctor's Heart Cure. Just click here to discover how you can lower heart attack risks with niacin and other natural supplements.
Gene

Key References:

2. Carlson LA, Hamsten A, Asplund A. Pronounced lowering of serum levels of lipoprotein Lp(a) in hyperlipidaemic subjects treated with nicotinic acid. J Intern Med 1989; 226: 271-276.

4. Van JT, Pan J, Wasty T, et al. Comparison of extended-release niacin and atorvastatin monotherapies and combination treatment of the atherogenic lipid profile in diabetes mellitus. Am J Cardiol 2002;89:1306-8.

5. Upritchard JE, Sutherland WH, Mann JI. Effect of supplementation with tomato juice, vitamin E, and vitamin C on LDL oxidation and products of inflammatory activity in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2000;23:733-8.

 6. Grundy SM, Vega GL, McGovern ME, et al. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once-daily niacin for the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes: results of the assessment of diabetes control and evaluation of the efficacy of Niaspan trial. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:1568-76.

8. Grundy SM, Vega GL, McGovern ME, et al. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of once-daily niacin for the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes: results of the assessment of diabetes control and evaluation of the efficacy of Niaspan trial. Arch Intern Med 2002;162:1568-76.

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